9 ways to shop smart for dog products and help save the planet

It’s a big responsibility to take care of a dog. It’s an even bigger one to take care of both your dog and the planet. Yet in these environmentally aware times, more and more pet owners try to shop smart for their dogs by buying products that are not only good for their four-legged friends but also help make the world a better place to live.

Of course, a philanthropic spirit also needs to focus on the pet as well as the planet — so it’s nice if a company is devoting millions to, say, cancer research in canines. But the battle isn’t won if the products you buy are inferior.

Shop smart for your dog, whether you’re purchasing toys, food, clothing, or other essential items.

Here are nine socially-responsible brands that are committed to protecting the earth and serving its animal inhabitants.

Shop smart for your dog: Toys

Planet Dog. Since 1997, Planet Dog has been producing socially responsible toys that have earned rave reviews from both dogs and humans.

Planet Dog also established the Planet Dog Foundation in 2006, having raised over $1.6 million to date for the training and placement of dogs that assist people in need.

WO. WO stands for widows and orphans, and that’s exactly who benefits from the products sold by this company.

Profits from two of the most popular dog toys, known simply as The Bone and The Disc, provided over 16,000 meals for widows and orphans in Ethiopia.

West Paw. West Paw was founded in the 1990s to create safe, high-quality toys for dogs and cats.

Local talent creates designs in-house, rather than outsourcing, and the company now boasts a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly manufacturing facility in Bozeman, Montana.

The company incorporates sustainable practices in its products and uses reusable banana boxes for storage and packaging. Toys can be recycled through their Join the Loop program.

Shop smart for your dog: Food

The Honest Kitchen. The Honest Kitchen keeps it local. The brand is focused on providing human-grade dog food for their customers, offering only safe, healthy, high-quality pup food.

This means they know precisely where their food comes from.

Around 67% of their ingredients come from North America, supporting suppliers who must follow sustainability and fair-trade practices to work with the company.

The eco-friendly company requires verification that all ingredients are free of chemicals, helping both the environment and your pup’s diet.

Socially-responsible companies

Better World Shopper. Better World Shopper offers a comprehensive database of more than 2,000 companies that are committed to making the world a better place — and some that aren’t.

Pet owners can explore the brands that prioritize animal habitat preservation and humane treatment, as well as those that oppose animal testing, offer vegan-friendly and animal-free alternatives, and contribute to local animal shelters.

Alqo Wasi. “Alqo Wasi” means “Dog Home” in Quechua, the language of the Incas spoken in the Peruvian Andes.

The Alqo Wasi brand works with women from the regions of Puno and Lima to create hand-woven designs that are made into sustainable dog clothes and accessories.

This provides women with an opportunity to develop and use their traditional skills while earning a living.

FEED. Admittedly, this one is more for you than Fido.

But you have to wear something when walking the dog, so why not get dressed in something that helps people experiencing homelessness?

FEED provides food to families in need, with a mission to end world hunger.

The bags, shirts, and accessories are stamped with a number indicating the number of meals that will be donated to families in need with your purchase.

PupJoy. If humans can enjoy subscriptions to magazines or wines, then why shouldn’t dogs also have a taste of home-delivery heaven?

Enter PupJoy, which offers customized boxes of top-quality items for canine companions.

Fill out the online questionnaire so that the box of treats and toys can be targeted to your (and your dog’s) preferences.

There are several subscription options, allowing packages to be delivered monthly or at longer intervals. PupJoy’s Helping Paws program donates money to the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which helps animal shelters and rescue groups.

Final thoughts

Choosing socially-responsible brands for your dog’s needs not only fosters a healthier lifestyle for your pet but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable world.

By supporting companies that prioritize environmental stewardship, ethical practices, and community welfare, you play a vital role in creating positive change.

Whether you’re selecting toys, food, or accessories, every conscious purchase can make a difference, both for your furry friend and for those in need.

So, shop smart and let your choices reflect the values that matter most to you and your beloved pets.

Together, we can nurture a compassionate future for all.

– By Lauren S. Hailey