Did you know that 82% of pet foods contain toxic levels of lead, mercury, and BPA?
Going green isn’t just something you do to say you’re concerned about the environment. The pet products you buy have a real impact on your pet’s health.
The reason why these companies are allowed to produce such harmful products is two-fold. The regulation standards are way too low and under-funded, for one. We as consumers need to also have higher standards when it comes to monitoring what we give our pets.
If you want a head-start on eliminating bad, low-quality, and environmentally-toxic products, read this guide. We’ll show you how to find the best dog products for their health and the environment.
Pet Food
Pet food is a minefield of toxins right now. It’s more important than ever to feed your pet organic and natural food. Stay clear of mass-produced, processed, and cheap pet food.
Organic pet foods are going to cost more because they are typically made by smaller businesses. They’ll use better cuts of meat and have a shorter shelf life than the big brands. The USDA mandates that organic pet foods must exclude:
- Artificial Ingredients
- Genetically Modified Ingredients
- Preservatives
- Pesticides
- Hormones and Antibiotics
Don’t be fooled by pet foods that just say “natural” and not organic ingredients. A good example of dry organic pet food is the Wellness Super 5 Mix. This is one of the best dog products for owners with dogs that have digestive issues.
For snacks, try Get Naked Chews or Halo Spot’s Chew Dental Treats. These treats are 100% organic and are great for controlling tartar build-up. Halo’s treats also help treat bad breath with their all-natural pumpkin and mint flavors.
For pets with special needs, we recommend Austin and Kat CBD treats. CBD for pets works to reduce anxiety, bipolar behavior, and chronic pain. They are 100% safe and will not produce any side-effects, like nausea and vomiting from pets who eat bags full of edibles.
Grooming and Cleaning
Pets aren’t safe from toxic ingredients even when it comes to basic shampoo. A lot of products on the shelves contain parabens, phthalates, or petroleum. Washing your dog or cat in these products results in immediate absorption through their skin.
Some pets get really ill if the shampoo isn’t washed out good enough and they lick themselves. As with pet food, stick to organic-only pet grooming products. Cloud Star’s Buddy Wash is a good example of superior organic washing.
Not only does Buddy Wash smell great, but it is also leagues above your generic dog shampoo’s lather. The coconut base is amazing for dog coats and it does a great job at trapping dirt. You’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying bath time with your dog.
Be on the lookout for Ethique, a brand making huge waves in New Zealand. This is the ultimate eco-friendly and organic dog grooming brand. Every product is vegan, sustainably sourced, and naturally-derived. Even their packaging is eco-friendly so that everything leaves a positive impact on the environment.
Environmentally-Friendly Toys
Pet toys need to be made with safe ingredients that won’t pose a choking hazard. These toys also need to be made with ingredients that aren’t just byproducts or synthetics. Rubber is the main ingredient for many toys, which isn’t inherently toxic to pets.
Rubber is however toxic to the environment. It’s not biodegradable and it quickly ends up sitting in landfills. Eco-friendly pet toys are pretty easy to find in comparison to pet food. Look for products that are recycled and are durable.
Hemp-based dog toys have a carbon-negative footprint. These toys contain pesticide-free fibers, thanks to hemp’s naturally-resilient properties. Hemp is extra-strong, too, so it will last much longer than other toys.
If your dog likes to chase tennis balls and rip them apart in minutes, get them a hemp ball. You can avoid the mess and the potential choking hazard as the hemp fibers take much longer to tear apart. Hemp is naturally resistant to mold and ultraviolet light, so it’s excellent for outdoor uses.
The Tux is another good example of an eco-friendly dog toy with no compromises. It looks and acts just like the Kong, but it’s 100% eco-friendly. Of course, probably the most basic of “green” toys come in the form of rope or sticks in the yard.
Waste Bags
Plastic bags for picking up Fido’s waste is another big issue for unattentive shoppers. Rather than picking up the cheapest thing you can find, use compostable bags. Most major brands make dog waste bags from corn or recycled paper.
These bags can break down in a week or less. This means you could use them to fertilize your garden. If they do end up in a landfill, the poop will be helping break down other biodegradable trash.
Less plastic floating around in the oceans should be a priority for everyone at this point. There are over 1 trillion plastic bags being used every year.
Shop for the Best Dog Products
It’s time to throw out your old toys and start shopping for the best dog products. Dog and cat owners know how expensive it is to keep replacing cheap products year after year. Well, it’s time to stop and smell the roses, organic products are worth the investment.
Going green will save you money on veterinarian visits later on. Organic products will last longer, as they are made better. Even when it comes to buying food, your dog will need to eat less to get the same amount of nutrition. But, don’t just look at eco-friendly products as a financial investment.
For more eco-friendly tips like these, click here. NuEnergy is a place for green energy news, tips, and guides to living a greener life.
