By: Sarah Zitin

Our pets are like our children, so why wouldn’t we want to give them the best possible products we can find? As a dog person, I like to give my three dogs the best! They eat great food and I buy doggie toys that are certified sustainable and eco-friendly. My dogs eat healthy food tailored to each one, and we wash our pet toys frequently and make sure they’re made from eco-friendly materials and are harmless.

I see more and more people walking their dogs than ever before. I think that our two years of lockdown had an effect on our ability to connect with others, but our pets are literally our best friends! The statistics on people rescuing animals since 2020 are almost historic. Not only are they our best friends, but in many cases, they literally rescue us. Sadly, the shelters are still full of animals, mostly cats and dogs, needing a forever home. If you’re in the market for a pet, please do visit your local shelter first. You’d be amazed at how many lovely, loving and life-changing pets are available to you.

There are numerous brands of pet food on the market, yet not all are sustainably sourced and healthy. How you choose food depends on the pet, the breed and what your pet will actually consume. Many cats and dogs have special needs due to health issues, allergies, or other things.

Ask your Vet what they feel is best for your pet, or if you’re like me and only buy sustainable, healthy, and organic pet foods, there are many of them on the market, too. Honest Kitchen is always a good bet. It has upheld its organic and sustainable reputation for many years. Some dog owners give their pets raw food, which is the way they ate before they were tame and domesticated. Raw foods are easily digestible and many of your dogs will love the raw flavor. As long as your pet food is organic, sustainable and healthy, there are many brands from which to choose, and it’s the owner’s ultimate discretion.

Of course you can buy sustainable pet products of all kinds if you know where to look. The Leaf’d website has dog toys galore and they’re all certified sustainable.

The Coffee Cup Toy – The Coffee Cup Toy is designed to withstand the abuse of most “power chewer” dogs. DISPENSES TREATS: Help your dog fight boredom by filling the Coffee Cup Toy with treats like kibble, canned dog food, peanut butter, or your favorite dog treat recipe.

ID Tractor Toy – This ultra-durable nylon toy is designed and built to withstand even the most aggressive chewers. This toy helps keep your dog entertained and solves problem chewing behaviors. REDUCES PROBLEM BEHAVIORS: Reduces problem chewing, helps reduce boredom, and relieves separation anxiety.

ID Gear Treat Pocket Toy – The gear toy is perfect for holding smaller Yak Chews (2 oz size). Make your Yak Chews last longer! POWER CHEWER TOY: Ultra-durable gear-shaped chew toy and treat holder. Perfect for holding large treats like Milk Bones and Himalayan Yak Chews.

SP Puppy Can Toy – Our Puppy Rubber Compound is softer than our other materials and is designed to soothe the tender mouths of teething pups. DURABLE CHEW TOY: Can Toy is designed to withstand the abuse of most “power chewer” dogs. DISPENSES TREATS: Help your dog fight boredom by filling the Can Toy with treats like kibble, canned dog food, peanut butter, or your favorite dog treat recipe.

SP Puppy Bottle Top Flyer Toy – Durable natural rubber flyer for retrieving with your dog. Won’t harm dog’s teeth and gums like plastic frisbees. This flyer is made from our proprietary puppy material which is softer for the tender mouths of teething puppies. ICONIC DESIGN: Cleverly designed in the shape of an old-fashioned bottle cap. NOT A CHEW TOY:  The flyer is made for retrieving.

Pop Top Rubber Tug Toy – DURABLE:  Durable, natural rubber, Tug Toy in the shape of a soda can pop top. Remember the old soda cans with the pull tabs? Designed for dogs of all sizes

• TUG-O-WAR: Enjoy a great old game of tug-o-war with your best Fur-Buddy. Designed with handle for you and one for your dog
• SUPERIOR MATERIAL: Made from SodaPup’s proprietary natural rubber compound, which strikes the optimal balance between durability and chewiness.
• ANIMAL & PLANET FRIENDLY: Material is FDA compliant, non-toxic and biodegradable. It is sustainably harvested, helping us reduce our carbon footprint.
• MADE IN USA: Proudly keeping jobs in America! Designed and Manufactured in the USA!

These are only a few eco-friendly pet toys for your dogs. They need healthy nutrition and toys just as your kids do, and we have an obligation to give them the best that’s available.

If you’re a new pet owner, listen to your Vet or an alternative pet practitioner who is also a Vet. Medicine and harsh treatments like flea deterrents are not always the healthiest for your dogs. Check out flea pet products and make sure that your purchase doesn’t affect your dog’s neurological functions. Some flea products are just plain bad for your dog. Find natural alternatives, Google it, ask people – do whatever it takes to become informed about how to have a healthy, long-living dog or cat. It doesn’t have to be expensive and it’s always the best choice for your pets. Rescue a dog or cat today and give them the best products available. You’ll never regret that you saved a dog or cat from extinction!