How does sustainable dog ownership work? We are trying to find our own ecological footprint a little bit more every day. For example, by minimizing our consumption of meat or by Reduce plastic waste. But is it actually possible to live an environmentally conscious life with a dog?
The question is quite justified. After all, a lot of meat usually ends up in the bowls of our four-legged friends. And toys, collars, food and the like also generate quite a lot of packaging waste.
My personal experience is that it works wonderfully! And dog owners don't even have to turn their entire lives upside down overnight.
In this article, I would therefore like to show you how to keep your dog as sustainable as possible without ignoring his needs. From a healthy and climate-friendly diet, to toys and dog care, to outings with your dog and family. Let's go!
Here is an overview of all 10 tips in advance:
- Use natural dog shampoo
- Prefer vegetable food
- Make treats yourself
- Provide long lasting food bowl
- Use paper dog waste bags
- Get natural basket
- Offer durable toys
- Use wooden dog hair brush
- Prefer collar made of recycled material
- Make trips on foot or by bike
11 tips for keeping and feeding dogs sustainably
Of course, this is primarily about the dog you are giving a home to. But if you don't yet have a four-legged friend but are thinking about it, you may be faced with the decision between a Dog from the shelter and a dog from the kennel.
In this situation, rescuing or Adopting a dog from animal welfare In principle, the more animal-friendly, sustainable and, incidentally, cheaper alternative. But even when adopting, it is important to take a particularly close look at whether the "Dog with a past" (my absolute book recommendation*) is also a perfect match for master and mistress.
Otherwise, I'll just assume that, that your dog is sitting next to you and looks at you with expectant eyes. So here are the promised tips for a sustainable life With dog.
1. use plastic free natural dog shampoo.
As they contribute decisively to more Sustainability in dealing with pets we start directly with natural coat care. We recommend a natural dog hair soapwhich nourishes the coat from the inside and gives your four-legged friend a smooth and silky shine.
Make a conscious effort when buying Avoid plastic waste and prefer a soap made from natural ingredients. I can recommend this dog shampoo with valuable oils*.
2. prefer high-quality, plant-based dog food
Sustainable dog nutrition is Tasty, balanced, as varied as possible - and preferably also plant-based. After all, the production of animal dog food devours vast amounts of natural resources, such as concentrated feed and the immense energy consumption in the Factory farming.
It is also disturbing to think that dozens of other animals die so that your own dog gets something to eat, don't you think?
If you want to improve your CO2 balance, you should your Feed your dog a vegan/vegetarian diet. I know, I know: that sounds unusual and unnatural because they are descended from wolves.
But studies have shownthat a balanced, purely plant-based diet has no disadvantages for the dog. On the contrary: the probability of Health problems reduced even significantly.
An additional anecdote: The Collie dog "Bramble", for example, was fed a strictly plant-based diet. 27 years old and even made it into the Guinness Book of Records with his age.1
As long as the Your dog's nutritional requirements covered So if your dog is fed rice, lentils and vegetables, he can still live to a ripe old age. Apart from that, you should also Avoid food waste and of course also Avoid ingredients such as sugar and flavor enhancers.
You can of course cook the food yourself or feed dry food. Our dog loves both. This grain-free and (Almost) vegan dry food I can recommend you:
- Green Petfood VeggieDog Origin with red lentil*
- VEGDOG Green Crunch dry food with sweet potato and lentils*
- Green Petfood VeggieDog with potato & pea*
Either way, to be on the safe side, I strongly advise you to switch to a plant-based dog diet, especially in the early days. to be monitored regularly in the veterinary practice.
Important: Please remember that Dogs are not allowed to eat everything! Grapes and raw tomatoes, for example, are pure poison for man's best friend.
3. provide a durable dog bowl
Anyone who gives a dog a home will inevitably need a number of items. The basic equipment definitely includes a Sturdy and durable bowl for food and water.
Preferably use such stainless steel bowls* or alternatively made of ceramic* and do without plastic. Ideally, the bowl is even handmade and from regional production.
4. training with veggie treats
Training our dog with vegetarian treats works really well. To get something Variety in, we give these zucchini treats* and these mixed vegetarian treats*.
But you don't always have to buy ready-made food and treats from paper or plastic packaging. Dogs can be kept even more sustainably if you make the treats yourself. Just 150 grams of wheat flour, 150 grams of wholemeal wheat flour and 150 grams of rye flour, for example, can be used to make delicious Sesame peanut butter cookies for dogs conjure up.
Tip: Incidentally, making things yourself is also a valuable tip for save money through sustainability.
5. train veggie snacks
Every now and then your dog has also deserves some time out. We have introduced a little routine for the lunch break. Then our dog takes a vegetarian chewy bar in their basket, which is also important for dental care.
These tooth-friendly chews work great with all the dogs in our environment:
- Chew sticks for small dogs for dental care* (from WHIMZEES in three sizes)
- Veggie sausage chews for small dogs for dental care* (from WHIMZEES)
6. use biodegradable dog waste bags
Dog excrement not only stinks, it is unfortunately also an ideal A breeding ground for bacteria. And anyone who doesn't collect it and is caught doing so has to face unpleasant consequences, at least in Germany. Fines calculate.
A sustainable alternative to classic plastic bags (a no-go for sustainable dog ownership) are as follows Dog waste bags that can be composted. We usually use these here:
- PooPick folding paper dog waste bags*
- SMARTPAWS dog waste bags made from corn starch*
- PooPick dog waste bags made from vegetable oils and roots*
7. get a natural basket
If you want to keep your dog sustainably, then you can also take an important step with the basket. Here, too, you should use handmade and, if possible, regionally produced durable Wicker baskets* or jute rather than plastic baskets.
Your dog tends to hang out in the doghouse? Then you can try to build them yourself from old, reclaimed wood! There are no limits to your imagination.
8. offer natural and durable toys
Your dog needs employment. You can also write sustainability in capital letters when it comes to toys and brainteasers. How about an everlasting Dew toy*? When buying, pay attention to short transportation routes and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes in order to air pollution and climate change counteract.
You can also use the minimalist lifestyle can also be transferred to a dog. One favorite ball is better than 14 different balls. Less is more 🙂
9. use a wooden dog hairbrush
For a healthy coat care and sustainable dog care, the grooming brush is also crucial. Prefer for example This durable beech wood dog hairbrush* from local forests and certified sustainable forestry compared to plastic fur brushes, which tend to be short-lived.
Tip: You want to help not only your dog, but also all other animals? Then use my tips for more Animal welfare in everyday lifethat you can implement at any time!
10. use recycled collar and leash
A Timeless style and durable material make your four-legged friend's collar and lead really sustainable. After all, you avoid having to buy new ones all the time. However, if this is unavoidable, then you should replace the collar and lead if possible. in recycled or upcycled form buy.
Here are my personal recommendations:
- Recycled dog lead cord in turtlegreen from PETS 4 the Oceans*
- Dog collar Hackysack made from recycled plastic bottles from Dublin Dog*
11. excursions and walks on foot and by bike
Sustainable living with a dog? Then you should leave the car in the garage more often. Take the chance for more everyday Walks and Trips by bike. This is good for your health, your dog and last but not least for the environment.
But bear in mind that some things to consider for example, if you goes for a walk in the forest. For example, find out about the leash requirement and always show consideration for wild animals.
Tip: Do you actually know why we are looking for a Stay outside in nature feel so good? In the linked article you will find out!
Keeping and feeding dogs sustainably? No problem!
Whether it's long-lasting products instead of disposable goods, plant-based food instead of meat, waste avoidance instead of packaging madness or trips by bike and on foot instead of by car: as you can see, there are countless possibilitiesto make life with a dog more sustainable and thus also improve your personal reduce ecological footprint.
You don't have to do everything at once. Just try it to make every day a little better - also to Improve your dog's carbon footprint.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
Will Rogers, US-American comedian (1879-1935)
I hope you were able to pick up some tips for sustainable dog ownership here! Do you have any questions, suggestions or further tips? Then, as always, feel free to write me a comment.
Stay animal-friendly and sustainable,
PS: Feel free to take a look at the animal welfare blog um. Learn, for example, what we humans can learn from animals or which animal-friendly alternatives for zoos gives.
References:
- Dr. med. Henrich ProVegan Foundation: Fundamentals of vegan pet feeding, available at https://t1p.de/oi78. [18.11.2024]. ↩︎
