As a pet owner, choosing to have green pets is not only good for the environment but also for the health and well-being of your furry friends!

While it may take some time to find the best eco friendly pet products for your pet, using zero waste pet products is worth the effort! Having green pets is a simple way to incorporate ethical and sustainable practices into your everyday life. Being a zero waste pet owner is an easy and practical way to live out the zero waste lifestyle.

eco friendly pet products

It’s day 10 y’all! Welcome to the double digits. Today I am challenging you to make sustainable choices with your furry companion.

I am in love with my pup! Being a pet owner is a huge part of my life and something that I take a lot of pride in. Because it’s so important to me, I’ve spent a lot of time learning about how to be a responsible and sustainable pet owner.

Whether you have a dog or a cat, you can make small intentional choices that help the environment. Some of my favorite zero waste ideas for pets include natural food options and sustainable toys.

why having green pets matters

Zero waste pet products have so many benefits. They’re not only better for the environment, but also better for your pets in the long run. 

The next time you buy toys for your zero waste pet, I encourage you to think about the materials that they are made from. Opting for items made from recycled or organic materials reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Being mindful about the items you use with your pets will also help you keep their well-being a top priority! It’s important to keep them away from toxic materials and anything that will keep them from living their best lives.

meet nala

Meet Nala, my very own zero waste dog! She’s fluffy, snuggly, and always happy! I always keep her in mind when looking for sustainable pet products that will help her enjoy her life while also taking care of the environment.

My Top 5 Zero Waste Ideas for Green Pets

1. buy pet food in bulk

One of the challenges of pet food is that it often comes in plastic packaging that is horrible for the environment. Buying your pet food in bulk is a simple way to reduce the amount of pet-related plastic you consume –– plus, another benefit is that you’ll be stocked up for a while!

2. natural treats and pet food

If you prefer to ditch the store-bought pet food and treats, you can make your own at home! This is a labor of love but a great option that your pets are sure to enjoy if you have the time. 

Natural pet food should include various items including protein sources, veggies, and other unprocessed ingredients.

Just be sure to check out this list of items that pets can’t eat –– since keeping your furry friends safe is the most important thing after all.

3. choose sustainable toys

Toys are such a fun part of every pet’s life. Opting for eco friendly pet products like toys will ensure that your furry friends can continue having fun without harming their health or the environment.

Items made from recycled plastic, natural rubber, or other sustainable materials are all great options. 

4. opt for zero waste pet essentials

Think about all of the basic items that your green pets need. A leash, food and water bowls, a bed, and grooming accessories are just a few of the items that come to mind.

When you’re shopping for eco friendly pet items, make sure to consider the materials they are made from. You can use sustainable options such as bamboo brushes, natural shampoos, and leashes made from ingredients such as hemp.

5. dispose of pet waste properly

A not so fun part of having green pets –– and pets in general –– is cleaning up their waste! If you’re a dog owner, you’re used to scooping up poop regularly, and if you’re a cat owner, you’re changing that litter regularly.

For your backyard, I highly recommend using a reusable scooper to pick up any pet waste. When you go on walks, you can bring biodegradable waste bags to hold any poop that you pick up. 

Cat owners can use plant-based litter to reduce their environmental impact. Litter made from grass, wheat, and wood, and other plant-based options are compostable.

eco friendly pet faqs

how do zero waste pet products help the environment?

Eco friendly items reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. It’s also important to remember the ethical considerations of where ingredients and materials come from. Ethically sourced items are the best for your pets and the earth.

how do I find pet products that are eco friendly?

When you’re looking for sustainable pet products, be sure to look at the materials that they are made from. You should also consider how durable the items are and how long they will last. It’s pretty common for sustainable products to have eco-friendly labels or certifications on the packaging, which will make it easy for you to identify them! 

are eco friendly pet products more expensive?

Sustainable pet products, such as natural pet food options, tend to be a bit pricier because of the ingredients they’re made from, but I personally think the benefits outweigh the cost! Opting for eco friendly options as a green pet owner is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact and boost the health of your furry friend.