Scott Haiduc is the Director of Publishing for iHeartDogs, iHeartCats and The Hero Company. When not working, Scott spends his time on the farm, taking care of his animals and crops.Read more
There has been a giant leap in the number of eco–friendly dog products and brands out there. But being environmentally conscious has its price—most of these products will run you a bit more than standard products. And while most of us would agree the price difference is worth it, we also agree the products should be worth the extra money when it comes to quality and durability. This is a list of brands and products that I have found are worth the extra money based on personal experiences throughout my life, or from friends recommending the products (disclaimer: I did not receive any free to review for this article). As a bonus, these products are all made in the U.S.A. as well.
Best Environmentally Conscious Brands
Planet Dog® One of my all-time favorite brands. When my mom owned a pet store, we sold a lot of their toys. Their prices are not bad and their toys are pretty durable for most chewers, especially the rubber ones. Plus, their nice minty scent makes them pleasant to have in the house. For strong chewers, try their new Orbee-Tuff® Double Tuff® line.
West Paw® Like Planet Dog, West Paw has some great toys that last well. They also make some great beds and hemp products that are durable.
The Original Poop Bags™. Not all poop bags are created equal. These are created using recycled content and USDA-approved materials. They are strong and puncture resistant, an important feature in a bag carrying feces.
Bio-Groom®. Since the 70’s, Bio-Groom has been making environmentally friendly grooming products. I personally love their Mink Oil leave-in spray, with sun-shield. It keeps my shelties fur soft and bright. Their shampoos and conditioners smell amazing and are soap-free, making them great for sensitive skin.
Cool Recycled Dog Products
Trendy and colorful, you would never know they are made from recycled bike tires. Source: Cycledog.com
Cycle Dog® Collars & Leashes. Made in Portland, Ore. by an avid cyclist and dog lover, these collars and leashes are made from recycled bike tires–talk about durable! They also come in a variety of fun and fashionable patterns.
West Paw® Sweaters. For the trend-setter hound, their Reknitz sweaters are made of 76% reclaimed cotton and are super cute to boot.
Mountain Dog Leashes. Made from Recycled climbing rope, these leashes are STRONG. They are also fairly lightweight and I find them easy to handle on a walk. And, starting at just $27.95, they are not much more than a regular nylon leash from your local pet store.
Bowers Eco Futon. Made from recycled plastic soda bottles and stuffed with lofty recycled fibre, these are machine washable and tough. It comes in trendy colors and costs the same as other dog beds, so why not buy green?
Do you have a favorite eco-brand or product no mentioned? List it in the comments for others to learn about!
About the Author
Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs.
