This comprehensive guide to sustainable pet product brands covers everything you need to know to keep your furbabies happy, fed, and comfortable, while doing your part to address the environmental and ethical problems faced by the industry.
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By Ana Yong
Introduction: Why We Need Sustainable Pet Brands
According to supermarketnews.com, the pet industry enjoyed a total sales volume of $103.6 billion in the United States in the year 2020 which is an increase of 6.7% over the 2019 volume of $97.1 billion. This is a stark indication of how much pet parents are willing to spend on their furkids.
In light of this information, more and more businesses are entering the pet industry with the hopes of making it big. At the same time, pet owners are becoming more aware of how important pet welfare is in relation to enhancing their pets’ longevity.
Providing the bare minimum for pets is not enough as consumers seek to do more with their purchasing power. For example, they now want pet treats that not only satisfy the basic function of feeding their furkids but these food items should be made from a traceable single ingredient and have been produced in a sustainable manner. Even the packaging which the pet products come in should be recyclable and/or biodegradeable.
With a seemingly infinite array of pet products in the market, how do we know whether a pet brand is really ethical or sustainable? Here are some of the more commonly known certifications for pet products that we should pay attend to.
Sustainable Certifications for Pet Products
1. Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.)
This is one of the largest livestock welfare specifications and labelling agencies in North America. The G.A.P. label ensures that the animals were not fed with antibiotics or growth hormones and that they were bred on a vegetarian diet free from any animal by-products.
When a farmer, producer or supplier is G.A.P. certified, it means:
With a multi-tiered certification system, opportunities are present for businesses to improve upon the environmental conditions of their farms. This means that the higher the number listed on the G.A.P. label, the better the ecological settings are for the animals.
a. Base Certification
This label denotes the minimum G.A.P. certification level which means that livestock raising premises have met more than one hundred animal welfare standards.
b. Enriched Environment
Enriched environments provide more space for animals and have extra enhancements like straw bales and perches to inspire organic behaviors.
c. Outdoor Access
Here, animals are raised in a setting where they can choose to live indoor or outdoor. In addition, extra supplements are also provided for both settings and the livestock is supervised in both surroundings.
d. Pasture Raised
These animals are raised on grassland all year-round. They are given access to outdoor even in some places, where due to weather constraints, pastures need to be shielded for use the following year.
e. Animal Centered
Livestock is raised outdoors all year-round with shelter from the environment (like sheds, windbreaks, etc.). These animals are well-matched for open-air living and farmers also manage the ecology in a sustainable manner.
f. Entire Life on Farm
This is the highest level of GAP certification which means that the animals spend their whole lives on the farm and they are even treated on-farm or via the employment of a mobile slaughter facility.
2. Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)
AAFCO is a voluntary and non-profit membership society consisting of local, state and federal organizations which are tasked to manage the trade and supply of animal feeds and animal medication solutions.
AAFCO’s Proficiency Testing Program has been recognized worldwide for sustaining laboratories examining feeds, feed constituents and pet foods since 1930. This program provides four test formats catering to different assessment requirements. The four test schemes are:
a. Animal Feed Scheme
This tests monthly cycles for a trade animal feed including a widespread assortment of fodders with nutrients, drugs, antibiotics, minerals and vitamins.
b. Pet Food Ingredient Scheme
This test assesses pet food components on a quarterly basis and consists of components originating from animal and plant supplies. This scheme also donates a fifth cycle of dry pet food corresponding with the Animal Feed Scheme
c. Mycotoxin Contaminants Scheme
This scheme analyses animal fodder or pet food on a quarterly basis which have been tainted with “naturally incurred mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A and T-2 toxin”.
d. Minerals Scheme
This tests quarterly sets of livestock fodder, pet food and food constituents with both organically occurring and “spiked Al, As, B, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, F, I, Pb, Hg, Mo, Ni, Se, S and V at concentrations of health/toxicological significance. Arsenic, Chromium and Selenium are also incorporated as metal species, As III, As V, MMA, DMA, Cr III, Cr VI, Se IV and Se VI.”
3. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA is answerable for the protection of public health by safeguarding the wellbeing, effectiveness, and protection of human and veterinary drugs, organic merchandises, and medical gadgets; and by guaranteeing the security of the United States’ food sources, cosmetics, and components that discharge radiation.
FDA’s Role in Pet Food Regulation
FDA controls the production of cat food, dog food, and dog treats or snacks consumed in the United States. This regulation is on par with that for other animal foods and comes under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) which states that all animal foodstuffs, like human foods, must be harmless, manufactured under hygienic settings, does not have hazardous ingredients, and be honestly and correctly labelled.
Furthermore, canned pet foods must be treated in compliance with the “low acid canned food regulations” to certify that the pet food is clear of viable micro-organisms.
Although there is no legal obligation that pet food products obtain pre-market consent from the FDA, the FDA is required to make sure that the ingredients used in pet food are not harmful and have a suitable role in the constitution of that pet food.
FDA’s Requirement on Pet Food Labelling
Labelling is carried out on two levels. The first being FDA checks on appropriate documentation of the product, net amount declaration, name and location of the manufacturing or distributing business, and correct listing of all ingredients used from most to least (based on weight). The second level takes place when some states legislate their own labelling conditions.
A majority of these regulations are centred on a standard given by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
In addition, the FDA also investigates pet food claims like “maintains urinary tract health,” “low magnesium,” and “hairball control”.
4. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture consists of 29 agencies located at more than 4,500 venues in the United States and overseas. It was established on 15 May 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln.
It provides legislation on food, farming, organic resources, rural expansion, and nutrition. It utilizes the most up to date technology and efficient management practices.
USDA’s vision is to offer financial opportunities via improvements, assisting farmers to prosper; promoting farming production that feeds Americans and also assisting to feed others worldwide; and to safeguard the organic reserves of the United States via conservation, reinstated forests, enhanced watersheds, and strong private working lands.
As more and more businesses are interested in getting certified organic, USDA requires establishments to meet certain criteria before the organic label is awarded.
In general, products bearing the organic label must be made using farming production methods that generate resource cycling, create environmental equilibrium, preserve and enhance soil and water superiority, reduce the consumption of artificial ingredients, and safeguard biodiversity.
Exceptions to Organic Labelling
Sellers who market under $5,000 worth of organic merchandise on a yearly basis are not obligated to apply for organic accreditation, with the following requirements:
a. “Must comply with the organic production and handling requirements of the regulations, including record keeping (for at least 3 years) and
b. Products from such non-certified operations cannot be used as organic ingredients in processed products produced by another operation nor may they display the USDA certified organic seal.“
The next two certification bodies ensure that the supply of packaging materials used for pet products is sustainable and ethical.
5. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
FSC is an autonomous, non-profit agency that safeguards forests by implementing benchmarks under which forests and businesses are assessed and endorsed which are based on ecological, financial and social yardsticks.
FSC’s ‘Tick Tree’ Label
Wood and paper products originating from FSC forests that bear the ‘tick tree’ logo mean that such trees were sustainably managed and that the brands that have this logo are ethical. Such products also include recyclable and/or biodegradable packaging used for pet products.
Forests are examined and assessed according to FSC’s 10 Principles of Forest Stewardship. This is carried out by autonomous organizations like the Soil Association.
The 10 Principles
1. Adhere to all legislation and nationally-ratified international agreements, contracts and pacts.
2. Uphold or improve the social and financial welfare of workers.
3. Recognize and maintain Indigenous Peoples’ lawful and traditional rights of ownership, usage and supervision of land, territories and assets affected by management actions.
4. Provide for the maintenance or improvement of social and economic interests of local communities.
5. Effectively administer the variety of products and services of the Management Unit to retain or improve long term financial feasibility and the choice of ecological and social advantages.
6. Uphold, preserve and/or reinstate environmental services and ethics of the Management Unit, and shall deter, mend or alleviate adverse environmental effects.
7. To create and implement a management plan according to monitoring information which allows for adaptive supervision. The accompanying documentation would be used to lead staff, notify affected and interested stakeholders and to account for management choices.
8. Show that advancement is made towards achieving stated objectives and that the actions taken are supervised and evaluated.
9. Retain and/or improve upon the High Conservation Values in the Management Unit by implementing the precautionary methodology.
10. Any guiding actions taken shall be consistent with the establishment’s financial, ecological and social strategies and goals and in agreement with the Principles and Criteria.
The Soil Association is a charitable organization that is tasked to educate people on the important relationship between the well-being of soil, plants, animals and humans.
It was founded in 1946 and is the only charity in the United Kingdom functioning across the range of human fitness, the ecology and animal health. It also provides agricultural innovation and farmer-directed studies via educational programs like Innovative Farmers, and Future Farming Scotland.
The Soil Association Organic Symbol
This symbol is the most widely acknowledged logo in the United Kingdom and is used on more than 70% of all organic merchandise.
If you wish to know more about the Soil Association Organic Standards, click here.
6. Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
SFI is a self-governing, charitable organization which offers answers to local and worldwide sustainability problems by collaborating with the forest industry, business owners, preservation groups, resource specialists, landowners, educators, home-grown communities, native peoples, governments, and universities. Its mission is to promote sustainability via forest-directed teamwork.
How SFI Supports UN’s Sustainability Development Goals
There are a total of 17 goals and SFI’s activities facilitate all 17 of them. However, emphasis is given here to the 6 goals which SFI has the greatest effect on:
(i) Goal 4 – Quality Education
As the prospect of managing forests in a sustainable and ethical manner relies on the next generation of forest keepers, SFI has developed education programs through the Project Learning Tree that focus on teaching youths the value of well managed forests.
(ii) Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
As water is vital to the survival of forests, SFI has established standards in appraising the water quality and quantity in SFI-certified forests.
(iii) Goal 12 – Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns
SFI examines and certifies distribution chain conditions in order to safeguard resource supplies and ensure sustainability and responsible buying.
(iv) Goal 13 – Climate Action
SFI conducts extensive research and offers grants to highlight best practices in well-administered forests so as to grow carbon storage and mitigate the ill-effects of climate change.
(v) Goal 15 – Life on Land
SFI engages with communities to provide educational programs to decrease deforestation, and encourage ecosystem well-being and defend at-risk flora and fauna species that make forests their homes.
(vi) Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
In order to ensure the continuity of forest management projects, SFI partners with the forest sector, trademark owners, preservation groups, teachers, supply specialists, landowners, resident populations, indigenous peoples, governments, and universities to encourage the administration of well managed forests.
Our List of Ethical and Sustainable Pet Product Brands
Now that we are familiar with the certifications used in the pet industry, here are some pet brands who are breaking the mould and are striving to become a name that is not only renowned but also socially responsible and sustainable.
Project Blu
Project Blu was founded by Geryn Evans and was considered to be the best start up business in Wales 2020.
What sets Project Blu apart from other businesses dealing in pet products is that Project Blu’s merchandise is manufactured entirely from recycled materials.
Since 2019, it has transformed more than 6 million plastic bottles into pet products. Discarded materials include “ocean-bound plastic, recycled clothes, recycled leather and discarded fishing nets.”
The ELeather Collection
Here, unused leather (considered waste material doomed for landfills) is upcycled. The manufacturing process, which utilizes a dramatically smaller environmental footprint, converts leather into a highly developed material called ELeather. This is used to make durable dog collars. They are crafted by hand by Italian artisans and use 90% less water to produce.
The Apple Collection
Project Blu creates Melo leather out of apple peels (50%) which is a by-product from the apple juice business and bio-based polyurethane (50%).
According to an article entitled “Is Polyurethane Environmentally Friendly?” by matmatch.com, “polyurethane is inherently more eco-friendly than most other plastics. It also doesn’t contain any chemicals that interfere with endocrine and hormone systems, nor does it contribute to PH change in soil or water.”
The Ocean Bound Plastic Collection
This collection consists of beds, collars, leashes and accessories made from ocean-bound plastic and recycled clothes. The material created is called Eco-Fabric and the plastic is collected from coastal groups in India and the Philippines. It is interesting to note that the plastic is also gathered from landfills.
Only Natural Pet (ONP)
Only Natural Pet was founded by Marty Grosjean in 2002 after he adopted his pet dog, Crinkles which was suffering from a host of medical concerns. Adopting a drug-free, all-rounded nutritional regime and way of life, Crinkles started to flourish. Its health improved and based on what he had learnt from this, Grosjean created Only Natural Pet.
Why Only Natural Pet is a Sustainable Brand
100% Wind Powered
Wind power is used to run the Only Natural Pet Office. The wrapping used is intended to diminish unused resources, preserve precious reserves and help the environment. Recycled boxes and wrapping material are utilized and only completely biodegradable, non-poisonous compacting fillers manufactured from corn starch are used.
Eco-Cycle and Green Star Business Network
Professional material preservation consulting, education and promotion services are provided by Eco-Cycle to Green Star Business Network members. These members also support one another by giving peer-to-peer backing and recommendations on best practices.
Carbon Credit Capital aids developments that diminish, circumvent or extinguish greenhouse gases in the surroundings. This agency connects worldwide and community associates to superior carbon emission ventures in overseas and internal markets.
Green America employs monetary influence through customers, stockholders, industries and the trading arena to produce a publicly unbiased and ecologically supportable community. Their focus is on 4 main areas: (1) Climate and Clean Energy, (2) Sustainable Food and Agriculture, (3) Responsible Investing, and (4) Fair Labour.
Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC)
PSC’s core values are transparency, collaboration, authenticity and implementation focused.
Carbon Fund’s mission is Reduce What You Can, Offset What You Can’t™.
This organization is spearheading the battle against global warming and enabling any private individual, business establishment or
corporation to decrease and counterbalance their environmental impact and accelerate the change to a clean power future.
Only Natural Pet proclaimed on 28 February 2019 that it had become North America’s first Certified B Corporation. It is also a founding member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition.
Sustainable Packaging Initiative
In 2018, ONP and Braskem (“the largest thermoplastics polyolefins producer in the Americas and the leading producer of biopolymers in the world”) proclaimed a sustainable pet food wrapping material that makes use of the latter’s sugarcane based I’m greenTM biopolymer.
Carbon-Neutral PowerFood™ Line
ONP publicized in 2016 that its PowerFood dog and cat food is 100% carbon neutral through its collaboration with Carbon Credit Capital which examines the power used by the ingredient handling, production, packing and delivery of goods and proposes carbon counterbalance credits to be procured by businesses. The money obtained from these credit purchases are bequeathed to worldwide climate enhancement plans to equalize the resulting carbon releases.
Pawstruck.com
Pawstruck.com was founded by Kyle Goguen and sells dog treats and chews that are made from natural and healthy ingredients.
Pawstruck’s Commitment to the Environment
(i) Reducing Waste
Pawstruck’s beef, pork and lamb products come from responsibly-managed farms. Some items like Bully Sticks and Jerky Joint Treats make use of animal parts not usually eaten in the United States but are used here so as to keep them out of landfills.
(ii) Cutting Emissions
Pawstruck’s staff work one hundred percent remotely and this dramatically lessens carbon emissions as employees do not need to travel to the office.
(iii) Eco-Friendly Packaging
Pawstruck’s products are delivered using packaging materials that satisfy the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) verification benchmarks, where possible.
(iv) Energy Efficiency
Pawstruck’s warehouse and production venue are constructed with compacted fluorescent and LED lights which have motion sensors to save energy. Electronics certified with the Energy Star label are used.
EcoKind Treats & Chews
EcoKind Treats & Chews is a family-owned business selling natural dog treats and chews that are USDA and FDA approved.
EcoKind is best known for their odour free Bully Sticks. These are a favourite treat for dogs which chew a lot. It is a great way for owners to keep their dogs occupied and at the same time, clean their teeth.
Bully sticks are made from bull penises which means that this is a single ingredient product which is 100% natural.
If you have a nervous dog, you could choose to use the Hemp Oil Infused Calming Chews. These are used to naturally calm an excited or stressed out dog. No preservatives or chemicals are used. These Calming Chews are made from only cow ears and soaked in hemp oil.
Icelandic+
Icelandic+ products are produced according to the FDA, USDA, EU, and MAST criteria and protocols, and there are no additives, fillers, supplements, or preservatives.
Their dog treats are made from Icelandic Lamb which is genetically untainted as crossbreeding is legally prohibited. The lambs are bred outdoors and are not fed with growth hormones or any artificial chemicals.
Both cat and dog treats are manufactured using geothermal-based power which is pure and ecologically sustainable. By partnering with businesses that usually dispose of lamb horns and fish parts, Icelandic+ is able to provide another source of income for these establishments while at the same time converting these so-called waste products into edible pet food. Every raw material is traceable and can be recorded back to its origin.
Awards won by Icelandic+
a. Award for Best Packaging
On 28 March 2019, Icelandic+ became one of three award winners for their Cod Skin Large Cube wrapper at Global Pet Expo 2019.
This is a single-ingredient product which contains no stabilizers or preservatives.
b. Award for Best Innovation
On 19 November 2019, Pet Supplies Plus awarded Icelandic+ the Award for Best Innovation in acknowledgement of their accomplishments in the Natural Dog Treat Category. The award was granted in two classifications: Consumables and Hard Goods. Icelandic+ was the only winner for Consumables.
Pet Wellbeing
Founded in 2001, Pet Wellbeing’s products are created using information gathered from conventional utilizations of herbs and foods, on-going scientific investigation, and quantifiable veterinary practice.
In addition to creating wellness products for animals, Pet Wellbeing also provides a platform for pet parents to do their own research on pet nutrition, health and welfare so that they can make the right purchase decisions on pet products.
Strategy in Producing Pet Wellbeing Products
Pet Wellbeing follows a systematic approach to creating new and viable pet products:
Step One: Identifying Need
A fresh creation meets a demand. At times, customers may tell Pet Wellbeing what they require and at other times, a veterinarian may be searching for an unconventional or complementary treatment for an animal patient.
Step Two: Research
Comprehensive investigation is carried out on various sources from current, technical studies on specific health disorders and the treatments used to medical knowledge from working specialists and veterinarians who use complementary treatments. In addition, the ingredients and the amounts used are selected and assessed by a team of formulators.
Step Three: Quality Check
By working with trustworthy supply chains, Pet Wellbeing appraises the quality of raw materials and how they will combine to form a valuable and secure product.
Step Four: Test
All raw materials are verified according to the quality benchmarks set out by the FDA conditions for human health supplements.
Step Five: Board Review
Pet Wellbeing’s own Veterinary Board of Advisors comprises five veterinarians who specialise in diverse aspects of animal medicine.
Giving Back
Pet Wellbeing is interested in giving back to charities and encourage animal aid agencies to contact them.
Active Dawg
Active Dawg is well known for their Chicken Bone Broth and Peanut Butter. The recipe for this came about when their own rescue dog, Sophie, experienced a heatstroke and ‘popped’ her back knee while playing with other dogs.
Recognizing the fact that good nutrition benefits everyone, Active Dawg set out to experiment with various recipes in the hopes of improving Sophie’s welfare including bone health, hydration, reducing soft stools and diarrhoea and refining her skin and fur.
USDA Certified Ingredients
Active Dawg uses only USDA certified, all-natural human grade chicken bone broth and peanut butter.
Special Cooking Process
Both the chicken bone broth and peanut butter are cooked at 130 degrees Farenheit over a 24-hour period in filtered water to extract the nutrients, collagen, and amino acids. No preservatives, additives, flavouring or fillers is added.
The broth is then dehydrated and crushed in a blender. In this powder form, it has a longer shelf life and is easily transportable.
Money Back Guarantee
In fact, Active Dawg is so confident about their products that they are offering a 30-day, no questions asked, 100% money back guarantee. So why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose. To get your hands on the ever popular chicken bone broth, click here.
Canine Cravers
Canine Cravers obtains FDA and CFIA certified single ingredient and organic connoisseur value treats from Canada and the United States. The ingredients are totally trackable back to source and the products are veterinarian approved. In addition, all merchandises are hand-made, manually checked, air dried and packed in Ontario, Canada.
In fact, Canine Cravers is so certain about their products that they are offering free shipment anywhere in the United States. Your orders are shipped out within one business day.
Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine oversees and sets benchmarks for animal feed pollutants (including those in pet food), certifies secure food additives for animal food use, and administers the FDA’s therapeutic feed and pet food curricula.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
CFIA protects food, animals and plants to improve the fitness and welfare of Canada’s people, surroundings and financial system.
Diabetic Dog Treat for 2021
Canine Cravers was mentioned by rover.com as having one of the best treats for diabetic dogs for 2021. To order, click here.
PetHonesty
PetHonesty was founded by Ben and Camille Arneberg in 2018. The business came about because the couple noticed a gap in the pet food industry where healthy treats for dogs were hard to come by.
What is so special about PetHonesty’s Soft Chew Treat Supplements?
The supplements are produced in a gigantic 215,000 square feet FDA registered facility which follows “all GMP guidelines and is SQF (Safe Quality Food) Level 3 certified and APHIS-approved for multiple countries”.
GMP or CGMP Guidelines from FDA
GMP or CGMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices or Current Good Manufacturing Practices which are under the purview of the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration).
APHIS stands for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and is an agency in the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). It “protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist”.
APHIS also endorses the well-being of U.S. farming exports and provides solutions to phytosanitary and sanitary problems in order to create, enlarge and retain economies for U.S. plant and animal merchandises.
Charities supported by PetHonesty
This charity saves homeless pets from being euthanised and currently has a save-rate of 97%, making Austin the largest no-kill city in the United States.
ii) The Dog Alliance
This organisation provides training and educational services to teach how dog owners can live cordially with their furry family members. In addition, it also provides well-trained service dogs to individuals with psychological and physical infirmities.
Pure Earth Pets (PEP)
Pure Earth Pets is a pet product subscription service and was founded by Leanne Baum when she noticed that sustainable pet toys were not easily available in the market.
How it works
Here is a simple and easy to follow guide:
The box used to contain the pet treats and toys is biodegradable and is printed with soy ink. The dog treats are made from natural ingredients while the toys are manufactured in a sustainable manner.
Charities supported by Pure Earth Pets
In order to help as many dog rescues and non-profit agencies as possible, PEP practises a ‘Charity of the Month’ in which money earned from product sales is donated to a different charity every month. For a list of the agencies which PEP has donated to, click here. You can also suggest your favourite animal aid agency that requires financial help (on the same page).
Organizations that Pure Earth Pets has aligned with
PEP has partnered with the following establishments in order to bring you the best and most ecologically friendly pet products:
Since February 2009, American Pet Professionals has been organizing networking sessions for industry experts to help business owners in the pet industry.
b. Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC)
PSC’s objective is to assist pet business owners to create a positive effect on the communities and environments in which they operate.
c. International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)
ISSP is the world’s foremost specialised association of sustainability specialists. It helps professionals by determining excellence, building capacity and engaging the community.
This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since 2014, One Tree Planted specialises in reforestation by planting trees in North America, South America, Asia, and Africa.
e. Women in the Pet Industry Network
This provides a platform for female business professionals in the pet industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and professional know-how to improve their skills in the industry.
Knead Love Pet Treats (Knead Love Bakeshop)
If you love to bake, then you will love what Knead Love Pet Treats has to offer. Founded by three siblings who were concerned that commonly available dog treats contained ingredients which may not be beneficial for their dog, Penny, they, then decided to bake their own treats using only natural ingredients.
Charities supported by Knead Love
a. The Humane Society of the United States
This is an animal protection agency which saves thousands of animals from abuse like animal blood sport, puppy mills, fur trade and wildlife exploitation.
Currently, the Humane Society has saved 3,683 animals from abuse, 300 dogs from slaughter at dog meat farms and moved 600 animals away from shelters to create space for arriving animals impacted by storms.
b. Dogs For Our Brave
This agency not only saves and protects dogs from abusive situations but also provides skilled services and companion dogs to war veterans who were injured in the line of duty.
100% of the expenditure incurred in developing, guiding, and supporting the dog is borne by Dogs For Our Brave.
c. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
WWF’s mission is “to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.”
Knead Love’s donation to WWF has helped save thousands of animals affected by the wildfires in Australia.
d. RedRover
RedRover not only rescues abused animals and animals with life-threatening maladies but also saves domestic violence victims looking for safety with their pets. To learn more, click here.
Dr. Becker’s Bites
In 1999, Dr Karen Becker was looking for a “100% organic, non-GMO, all US-sourced human grade meat” to be used as a pet treat at her veterinary clinic but could not find any product that she was satisfied with.
She asked her mom, Jeannine to try various pet recipes using the most important ingredient that was ‘human-grade beef liver’. Nine months later, the perfect pet treat was laid out in Dr Becker’s clinic and her clients offered to sell them at their own stores. Thus, Dr Becker’s Bites was born.
What is so unique about Dr. Becker’s Bites
a. USDA Inspected
This means that the meat or poultry product has been verified by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (under the US Department of Agriculture) to be safe, nutritious and accurately categorized.
b. Single-Protein Source
Dr Becker’s Bites are made from one animal source and the ingredients are ‘human-grade’.
c. Rendered
This is a procedure that transforms waste animal matter into secure and enhanced ingredients which are then made into pet treats. Rendering reduces the amount of unused animal material which would otherwise be thrown away.
d. Shop by Health Issues
This easy-to-use platform allows pet owners to look for a treatment based on the health issues of their pets. Remedies for these 8 common areas are available: alertness & vitality, antioxidant issues, calmness & balance, digestive functions, heart concerns, immune system, pain, and tendons & ligaments.
Wooflinen
Wooflinen provides the most luxurious bedding for you while at the same time donates a portion of the profits to animal shelters.
100% Bamboo Viscose
Wooflinen’s Bamboo Viscose comes from Asia and it is ecologically friendly and sustainable. The Bamboo Viscose in interweaved into a sateen texture that has a 300 thread count.
Oeko-Tex® Certified
All beddings are Oeko-Tex® Certified which means that the materials have been tested for dangerous elements.
This label certifies that all parts of the textile piece (thread, button, etc.) have been tested for toxic elements and that the article is certified to pose no harm to human health. You can click here to check the validity of the label attached to the textile item that you have purchased.
Biodegradable Poop Bags
Wooflinen’s compostable dog poop bags are manufactured according to EN13432 guidelines which is certified by TUV Austria (formerly known as Vincotte). According to these guidelines, the bags must break down after 12 weeks and totally biodegrade after 6 months. The bags are made from corn starch and dissolve completely from the interaction of oxygen and water.
Animal Rescues Support
Besides donating a portion of their profits to animal rescues, Wooflinen also gives away their ultra-reflective dog leashes to animal shelters. These are the same dog leashes which are sold online.
60-Day, 100% Money Back Guarantee
In fact, Wooflinen is so convinced about their products that they will return all of your money within 60 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with the item.
Last Word On Ethical Pet Brands
Our furkids are certainly spoilt for choice and when we make a purchase, we are definitely showing our support for these sustainable and ethical pet brands. Here is hoping that more of such businesses jump on the bandwagon in setting a high level of excellence for pet products.