As we become more eco-conscious, many pet parents are looking for ways to make their furry friend's paw print a little greener too. The good news is that creating a sustainable and healthy lifestyle for your pet isn't just good for the planet, it’s also good for your pet. In this blog we’ll take a look at some practical ways to raise your pet in an eco-friendly way that benefits their health, and the environment!

Sustainable Food Choices

You may not realize this, but the pet food industry has a significant environmental impact.  Luckily there are ways to make better choices. The first tip here is to look out for pet food companies that use sustainable ingredients and have environmentally conscious packaging practices. There are also brands available now that use meat from sustainable sources, which has a much lower environmental impact than traditional meat sources.  Top tip: look further than your local supermarket for a much wider range of options for your pet as New Zealand has a burgeoning online rawfood market now too, as many pet-parents are turning to rawfood as a healthier and species-appropriate option.

A great option is to consider making some of your pet's food at home.  There are many integrative vets online, such as Dr Judy Morgan, who have great videos showing you how to prepare healthy meals, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. This allows you to control the ingredients and reduce packaging waste.

For storage, invest in airtight stainless steel or glass containers instead of keeping food in plastic bags or BPA/BHA-leaching plastic bowls. This not only reduces plastic usage but also keeps food fresher longer.

Eco-Friendly Pet Gear

When it comes to toys and accessories, quality over quantity is key. Remember, cheap plastic toys generally end up in the landfills, or micro-plastics or ‘polyesters’ in your pet’s tummy!  Rather, invest in durable, natural alternatives such as:

- Hemp or organic cotton rope toys

- Natural rubber chew toys

- Toys made using recycled materials

- Feeding bowls made out of bamboo

- Hemp (or organic) cotton collars and leashes

Many pet companies now create products from recycled materials and there are a few excellent NZ pet companies to choose from in this domain. These are such good options because they give the waste items a second life while providing your pet with durable gear.

Natural Grooming and Healthcare

Many commercial pet care products contain harsh chemicals that aren't great for your pet or the environment. Consider using natural alternatives instead:

- Organic, chemical-free shampoos

- Make your own cleaning solutions with pet-safe ingredients such as apple cider vinegar

- Opt for natural flea and tick prevention methods (read our blog on 5 Ways to Keep Fleas at Bay Naturally)

Prevention is always better than cure.  Regular grooming and health checks can prevent issues before they require more resource-intensive solutions.

Waste Management

Let's talk about the less glamorous aspect of pet ownership – waste management. An option for your cats is to consider switching to biodegradable litter made from materials such as corn, paper, or wood pellets.

For your dogs, biodegradable poop bags are the way to go, instead of the usual plastic ones. Better yet, consider composting pet waste.

Creating an Eco-Friendly Home Environment

For a sustainable indoor environment, use natural cleaning products – vinegar and baking soda can handle most cleaning tasks effectively. For bedding, choose items made from organic, sustainable materials that can be easily washed and maintained.

If you’re a cat owner, consider growing cat grass in small pots.  It is both enriching for them and helps purify your indoor air.

Exercise and Enrichment

The next time you decide to go for a walk consider leaving directly from home instead of hopping in the car to drive to a walking spot.  Remember, this will reduce your carbon footprint, so mix it up a bit instead of driving every time.

Smart Shopping Habits

Think eco-friendly when shopping. Before you buy something, ask yourself:

- Does my pet really need this?

- Can I find a second-hand alternative?

- Is there a more sustainable version available?

- Will this item last?

Look for refill stations at your local pet store or bulk purchasing warehouse for products such as shampoo and cleaning supplies. Bringing your own container is a great way to reduce packaging waste.

Building Community

Why not join (or create!) a pet supply sharing network in your community. This can include:

- Sharing/swapping rarely-used items like carriers or crates

- Organizing pet food bulk-buying groups

- Trading outgrown items like beds or harnesses

- Sharing pet-sitting duties instead of using commercial services

The Bigger Picture

Remember that small changes add up. Choose one thing to get started and build on that.

Key takeaways:

- Choose natural materials wherever possible

- Reduce packaging waste

- Always choose quality over quantity

- Support eco-friendly companies

- Think long-term rather than quick fixes

Eco-friendly Seniors

Lastly, let’s not forget our aging pets.  As your pet ages, consider how to adapt these practices to their changing needs. Senior pets might require different care, but this doesn't mean abandoning your environmental principles. There are eco-friendly options for senior pet care, including natural joint supplements and sustainable bedding designed for older pets, so keep the momentum going as your pet ages.

Raising an eco-conscious pet is about making better choices where we can. Every small step toward sustainability helps create a better world.  For our pets and ourselves!