Best Eco-Friendly Pet Products for Green Pet Parents

We are moving to metal straws, giving up plastic bags and purchasing bamboo toothbrushes, so why not our pets, right?

Yep - it is no longer only about us. Even our pets leave a carbon pawprint.

Good news? You do not need to do something drastic. You simply have to be smarter with the swaps - beginning with eco friendly pet products that are safe to your furball and easy on the planet.

Here then is your no-nonsense, no-jargon run-down of the best eco friendly pet products available, and how to pick them like a pro.

Why Even Bother With Eco Friendly Pet Products?

Because the basic day-to-day pet stuffs like poop bags, plastic toys, mystery shampoo bottles -  they all add up.

Like, really add up.

Fun facts (or not so fun): Pets worldwide generate more than 64 million tons of CO2 annually. That is equivalent to an additional 13 million vehicles on the roads.

But the good news is that you can reduce it simply by choosing the correct leash, food bowl, or poop bag. Eco friendly pet products are manufactured through recycled, biodegradable or natural products.

They are smoother, harmless, and far less polluting. And no, they are not very expensive. There are lots that are as affordable, and more considerate.

Let’s Break It Down: Best Eco-Friendly Pet Products (By Type)

1. Biodegradable Poop Bags

We will begin with the least glamorous and most important. Ditch plastic and purchase eco friendly pet products such as compostable poop bags which are made of cornstarch or plant fibres.

They decompose quickly and do not linger around 400 years like ordinary plastic bags.

Some of the best eco friendly pet products in this category even come with certifications showing they decompose fully -  no greenwashing, just green doing.

Fun Fact: By switching to environmentally safe pet supplies like compostable poop bags, pet parents can save 200 million tons of plastic waste per year. 

2. Natural Cat Litter

Clay-based litter? Not so cool.

It is strip-mined, and dusty, and can make both cats and people have breathing issues. Instead, choose litter, which is made of wheat, tofu, walnut shells or recycled paper.

And they are dust-free, biodegradable, and friendlier to your kitty lungs. Not only that, they are equally effective - probably even more so. They are some of the best eco-friendly pet products for cat parents.

3. Toys That Don’t End Up in Landfills

Pets adore toys. However, the reality is - the plastic squeaky ones last 2 days. Hemp, organic cotton, or natural rubber eco toys are long lasting and biodegradable. Even recycled materials such as ocean plastics are now used.

All these planet-friendly pet products will minimize wastage and still provide your pet with extreme tail-wagging happiness. And they will not be lying in a landfill for the next 100 years.

4. Organic Food and Upcycled Treats

Yep, even what your pet eats can be sustainable. Organic pet food misses out the pesticides, chemicals, and strange additives. Even better,  other brands have started upcycling ingredients.

They are turning any excess meat or vegetables into nutritious pet food treats, rather than letting them go to waste. No doubt, these are some of the best eco friendly pet products available to purchase - both to the health of your pet and the planet itself.

5. Natural Grooming Products

Does your pet shampoo have a strong chemical fragrance? Then it is likely to be loaded with chemicals. Experiment with grooming products that contain products such as coconut oil, oatmeal or aloe.

They are friendlier to the skin and do not harm the water system when rinsed into the drain. Extra points when the bottles are recyclable or not made of plastic.

It is a win-win situation - cleaner pet, cleaner conscience.

Stylish + Sustainable: Collars and Leashes

You will certainly find those collars and leashes which are not made of artificial nylon or plastic.

The way to go is to use hemp and organic cotton.

They are robust, durable, and very comfortable. In addition to that, they disintegrate on their own when thrown. So the stuff on your pet can be both durable and kind to the planet.

Cleaning Products That Don’t Stink (Literally and Figuratively)

You would be shocked at how numerous cleaning sprays, carpet fresheners, or stain removers are pet poisons.

The real MVPs in this situation would be plant-based, biodegradable cleaners. They are more pet-friendly and will not contaminate the air or water in your house.

Seek products that contain ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, green tea or lemongrass.

Such are among the best eco friendly pet products that ensure your home remains clean and chemical free.

Tips From the Experts (aka The AKC)

The American Kennel Club has your back as well.

They recommend:

• Purchasing foods and toys in bulk to reduce waste packages
• Replacing plastic with biodegradable options
• Donating or reusing gear instead of tossing
• Promoting small brands that go the extra mile green

Essentially, it is not about doing it all right. It is more about being conscious and deliberate in the decisions you make.

Not Sure Where to Start? Do This:

Trying to go green overnight is daunting. This is a plan, then:

1. Replace What Runs Out

Do not discard what is still useful. But when your shampoo, toy or waste bags finish, use an eco alternative.

2. Hit High Impact First

Begin with eco friendly pet products that are used most per day: poop bags, litter, food, cleaning products.

3. Check the Labels

Check the labels (such as USDA Organic, Certified Compostable). Also, check the ingredients. Can you not pronounce half of it? Then skip it.

4. Keep It Local

Local brands tend to utilise fewer shipment resources and sustainably obtain ingredients. And you contribute to your local economy.

The Green Market Is Growing -  Fast

The market of eco-friendly pet products is on fire. The global market will, in fact, exceed $15 billion by 2032.

An increasing number of brands are providing biodegradable beds to upcycled chews. And increasing numbers of pet parents - such as yourself - are switching.

Why? Because it feels good to do good. And because green is no longer just a trend -  it’s a lifestyle.

We, at HappyPet, love both pets and the environment. To make things easier for you, you can look at these environmentally safe pet supplies.