Pets are a joy, but they do have an impact on the environment through the food they eat, the waste they produce, and the products they use. The good news is that your choices as a pet parent can Reduce Dog's Carbon Pawprint. By making an effort to reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible, you can make sustainable choices that help the environment – locally and beyond.
Read on to learn four great ways to care for your pet and the planet at the same time.
🌱 Buy sustainable pet food
Look for food with organic ingredients produced with greener fertilizers and in more environmentally sound ways. For meat-based foods and treats, look for ingredients like meats without hormones and antibiotics and sustainable fish species. For example, the cod used in healthybud’s Cod Skins treats is sustainable and wild caught, not farmed.
Also consider adding some plant-based treats like sweet potato or banana into your pet’s diet. Many meat-based foods also include plant-based ingredients as well. And look for companies with overall sustainable practices around things like packaging, waste reduction, and production.
💩 Deal with poo properly
Of course, you pick up your dog’s waste on every walk! The next time you’re shopping for those little waste bags, look for a biodegradable or compostable bag that will break down in weeks instead of centuries.
If you can’t find these, try to find one that is made of recyclable materials or reuse plastic bags and packaging that would otherwise go in the landfill.
🐶 Choose eco-friendly toys
Many pet toys are made of plastics – and on top of being made of oil and non-biodegradable, they can leach harmful chemicals into your dog’s body. Look for toys that are made of recycled materials and don’t contain harmful compounds like phthalates.
And don’t forget the Reduce Dog's Carbon Pawprint part of reduce, reuse, recycle. Buy new toys only after your dog has worn theirs out, and trade or donate ones that weren’t a hit with another pet parent before heading to the store – or the garbage bin. Just be sure to sanitize them first!
🏠 Support pet shelters
Shelters are a great option if you want to add a new furry family member to your home. They help pets in need find loving homes, and reduce pet overpopulation.
But adoption isn’t your only option – consider supporting a local shelter or rescue operation in other ways. You can volunteer your time and skills, donate needed supplies, or commit to a regular monthly donation. And have your own pet spayed or neutered, in order to avoid adding to pet overpopulation yourself.
💡 #DYK?
There are sustainable options out there for pee pads for your dogs. Look for reusable, washable pads or ones made with plant-based materials – or even upcycled diapers!
These actions may seem small on their own – but if the pet parents of the 7.7 million dogs in Canada all made these changes, the impact would be enormous! Do your part today by making one small step at a time on the path to Reduce Dog's Carbon Pawprint.
Stay healthy, stay happy, stay curious #healthygang!
Lots of love,
- The healthybud team
DISCLAIMER: The information presented here is not meant to replace your vet’s advice or prescribed medications, but only to suggest additional options to explore, based on your dog’s condition.
Support your best bud’s health with high quality, healthy foods and treats you will both feel great about. Visit the healthybud website now to learn more about our products and subscription options.
