Eat, sleep and play sustainably with your dog

This is a sponsored article from SustainabilityTracker.com member Doggy Eco.

With so much focus on human beings and our impact on the environment it is easy to overlook another big player in the game… our dogs! Yes, that’s right. With over 5.5 million pet dogs in Australia eating over 5.5 million meals of meat a day and pooping over 5.5 million times… our dogs can have a big impact on our environment for good or for bad, depending on how we play the game. Here are some ways to help your dog play dirty and keep the planet clean.

Eat

It might surprise you to learn that your loyal companion’s meal time routine actually accounts for up to 30% of the environmental impact from all animal production! (B.Schildgen 2018) This is an astonishing figure which takes into account the fact that a dog’s diet consists primarily of fresh meat. The production of this meat requires land and uses water, fossil fuels and phosphates during production. In fact, even each species your dog consumes has a different impact on the environment. Below is a list of common “treats and meats” your dog consumes and is ranked from number 1 being the most environmentally friendly to number 5 being the least environmentally friendly.

1. Chicken
2. Fish
3. Pork
4. Beef
5. Lamb

But there are things you can do to improve your dog’s diet for the benefit of the environment. Here are three simple steps you can take today.

1. When choosing a meat for your dog, look for the labels Free Range, Organic or Pasture Fed. This will help reduce the environmental impact on the land used to grow your dog’s meat supply.
2. Check with your local pet store if they have a kibble refill option. This will reduce the amount of discarded packaging used in your dog’s diet.
3. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your dog’s diet. This not only helps the environment but also improves your dog’s health and wellbeing. Just be sure to check it is a “safe” food as not all fruit and vegetables are safe for dogs.

At Doggy Eco we have a great selection of all natural preservative free treats for your dog that comes in recyclable packaging. So the next time you’re in need of a dog training reward, grab a bag of Doggy Nourish Roast Chicken. Our wholesome dog treats will have your pup drooling for more.

Sleep

There are two main considerations when it comes to choosing eco friendly dog bedding. The first being the durability factor and the second being the textile. If your dog is the type that will destroy anything soft and chewable then choosing a durable dog bed may be a more eco friendly option in the long term than simply choosing an eco friendly textile that they will destroy in mere seconds. On the other hand, if your dog prefers soft and cuddly beds then choosing an eco friendly textile such as organic cotton or hemp may be a preferred option for your pup. And of course, you can also be creative in finding new ways to upcycle old linen and furnishings. A second hand toddler bed and mattress makes a great upcycled option for a large dog. While some of your personal clothing stuffed and sewn into a European pillowcase can make a comforting bed for small or anxious dogs.  

Play

We’ve all heard the terms natural, safe, toxic free and recycled when it comes to dog toys. But what does this actually mean and which option is the best eco friendly dog toy? The eco friendliness of a dog toy can be determined in the same way as the dog bed. If your dog is a tough chewer then choosing a durable toy may be a more eco friendly option in the long term than choosing an eco friendly textile that will be destroyed after the first game. Selecting a toy that is made from recycled products is a great start to choosing an eco friendly dog toy. Another way you can increase the value of your toy is by choosing one that has a dual purpose. Think of the Doggy Eco Crunch & Cuddle recycled plastic dog toys for instance. They are made from GRS certified recycled plastic and they have 3 separate uses for the same toy. The Crunch & Cuddle eco friendly dog toys can be used to play a game of fetch, to play a game of tug, or you can fill them with soft clothing and make them a comfort toy for your dog. By choosing sustainable dog toys with dual uses, you can increase the versatility of your playtime, reduce the amount of toys your dog needs while still providing them with the same level of enrichment.

Living sustainably with dogs doesn’t have to be an arduous task. Considering an eco friendly option to your current circumstance is all it takes. After all, it’s the little decisions we make everyday that have the greatest impact on the environment as a whole. We hope these eco friendly suggestions will inspire you to try new ways to live sustainably with your dog.

This is an article from a SustainabilityTracker.com Member. The views and opinions we express here don’t necessarily reflect our organisation.