By Mark Webster, Editor-In-Chief at DogFoodHeaven.com
Sustainable dog food is made to be environmentally friendly and healthy for dogs. It can be made with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Sustainable dog food is also affordable and helps to reduce the amount of waste produced.
Sustainable living is meaningful because it’s a way of living that doesn’t harm the environment. When we live sustainably, we can conserve our resources and protect the planet. Additionally, sustainable living can also save us money in the long run.
There are many different ways to live sustainably, and choosing sustainable dog food is one of them.
Tips to help you choose sustainable dog food
1. Do your research
Before you buy anything, it’s essential to do your research. This is especially true when it comes to choosing sustainable dog food. Talk to friends, family members, and veterinarians about their recommendations. Once you have a list of options, take the time to read reviews and compare prices.
2. Consider your pup’s needs
Every dog is different and has different nutritional needs. Be sure to consider your pup’s individual needs when choosing sustainable dog food. For example, suppose your dog has allergies. In that case, you’ll want to choose a food that doesn’t contain any ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction.
3. Choose local products
When possible, choose sustainable dog food made with local ingredients. Local products are typically fresher and more nutritious than products shipped from far away. Additionally, buying local products helps to support your local economy.
4. Avoid processed foods
Processed foods are often full of unhealthy ingredients, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible. When looking for sustainable dog food, choose options made with whole, unprocessed ingredients.
5. Read the label
When you’re at the store, take the time to read the labels on all sustainable dog food options. Pay attention to the ingredient list as well as the nutritional information. By reading the label, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which food is best for your pup.
6. Choose organic products
Organic products are made without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. They’re also non-GMO, not grown with genetically modified ingredients. If you can afford it, choosing organic dog food is excellent to go green.
7. Consider your pup’s age
Just as human babies have different nutritional needs than adults, puppies have different needs than adult dogs. When choosing sustainable dog food, be sure to select a food appropriate for your pup’s age.
8. Avoid foods with artificial additives
Artificial additives are bad for both humans and dogs. When looking for sustainable dog food, avoid products that contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
9. Go grain-free
Many dogs are allergic to grains, so it’s best to choose a sustainable dog food that is grain-free. This will help prevent your pup from experiencing any adverse reactions to the food.
10. Consider the carbon footprint
The carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by a product or company. When choosing sustainable dog food, consider the carbon footprint of each option. Some foods have a smaller carbon footprint than others, so be sure to factor this into your decision.
11. Choose environmentally friendly packaging
When possible, choose sustainable dog food that comes in environmentally friendly packaging. This could include packaging made from recycled materials or packaging that can be easily recycled or composted.
12. Consider the price
Sustainable dog food can sometimes be more expensive than traditional dog food. However, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. If you can afford it, choosing a higher-quality, sustainable dog food is worth the extra cost.
13. Try a subscription service
Try a subscription service if you’re having trouble finding sustainable dog food in stores. These services deliver fresh, healthy food to your door regularly. This is a convenient option if you want to ensure your pup always has access to nutritious meals.
14. Make your food
If you’re committed to feeding your pup sustainable dog food, you can always make your own. This requires some time and effort, but it’s doable. There are plenty of recipes available online, so you should be able to find one that your pup will love.
15. Talk to your vet
If you’re not sure where to start regarding sustainable dog food, talk to your vet. They can give you some helpful tips and advice on which options are best for your pup.
Ingredients to Look For When Picking Sustainable Dog Food
Look for pet brands that utilize byproducts, such as organs rather than premium meat. These are just as healthy, if not healthier, than the cuts of meat that we’re used to seeing. What’s more, utilizing meat byproducts helps to reduce waste while maintaining animal welfare. This helps to advance the food processing business’s sustainability.
Another critical component to seek in environmentally friendly pet food is whole, cooked grains. Contrary to popular opinion, grains and other plant ingredients are frequently relatively healthy for dogs. In reality, one of the most significant distinctions between wild wolves and domesticated dogs is that our four-legged companions are better adapted to eating plants. Grains provide much-needed carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the dog food you select has a minimal impact on the environment. One way to do this is to check whether the ingredients are locally sourced. Not only does this help reduce your carbon pawprint, but it also supports small businesses in your community.
It’s safe to use high-quality grain in dog food, and it can help reduce protein levels to desirable, long-term levels. It’s preferable to get high-quality, long-lasting dog food that contains grain filler than a high-protein, grain-free diet.
Additionally, you’ll want to check whether the food is certified organic. Certification ensures that the food is grown without harmful pesticides and other chemicals. This is important for your dog’s health, as well as for the environment.
Finally, make sure that the company that makes the food has a good reputation. Sustainability isn’t just about the ingredients in the food; it’s also about how the company treats its employees and animals. An excellent way to research this is to look for sustainability certifications, such as Fair Trade or LEED. You can also read online reviews to get a sense of what others think about the company.
Ingredients to Avoid When Picking Sustainable Dog Food
Don’t go for pet foods that solely offer plant-based proteins, on the other hand. Plant and animal proteins have different nutritional qualities due to their chemical makeup. Your pup must get a mix of both to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need.
You should also avoid pet foods that use corn, soy, or wheat as their primary protein sources. These grains are often used as fillers and are not as nutritionally dense as other options. In addition, they can be difficult for your pup to digest.
Finally, avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. These ingredients are unnecessary and can even be harmful to your dog’s health. Stick to natural, sustainable ingredients to keep your pup happy and healthy.
It’s usually a good idea to avoid foods with many unfamiliar components. Chemicals, preservatives, artificial colors, and other additives might all harm your dog’s health. They may also pollute the environment and natural water sources, devastating ecosystem sustainability. Stick to dog foods that contain fewer chemicals and as many natural ingredients as feasible.
Making Sustainable Dog Food at Home
You may create your pet food from scratch if you don’t like the alternatives available at your local grocery store. This is a safe and long-lasting approach to guarantee that your dog receives all of the nutrients it requires, but it isn’t always straightforward.
You’ll need to start by researching to make sure you understand your dog’s nutritional needs. Then, you’ll need to purchase the right ingredients and cook them properly. This can be time-consuming, so it’s essential to make sure you have the time and energy to commit to this process.
Once you’ve cooked the food, you’ll need to store it properly to ensure it remains fresh. This usually means freezing the food in individual portions so you can thaw it as needed. If you decide to make your sustainable dog food, be sure to do your research and follow all of the proper steps to ensure your pup stays healthy and happy.
Sustainable Dog Food Brands
If you’re looking for a sustainable dog food brand, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, look for brands that use high-quality, sustainable ingredients. This means avoiding fillers like corn, soy, and wheat and artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.
Additionally, check if the company is certified organic or has any other sustainability certifications. You can also read online reviews to get a sense of what others think about the company’s products. Finally, make sure that the company has a good reputation for treating its employees and animals fairly.
Here are a few sustainable dog food brands to get you started:
- Ollie
- The Farmer’s Dog
- TruDog
- Spot & Tango
- Nutrisource
- Wellness
- Natural Balance
These brands all use high-quality, sustainable ingredients and have positive reputations for their business practices. Do some research to find the best option for your pup, and then make the switch to a more sustainable diet.
Sustainable Dog Food – The Bottom Line
When it comes to sustainable dog food, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, look for brands that use high-quality, sustainable ingredients. This means avoiding fillers like corn, soy, and wheat and artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. You should also check if the company is certified organic or has any other sustainability certifications.
Finally, make sure that the company has a good reputation for treating its employees and animals fairly. Once you’ve found a sustainable dog food brand you trust, make the switch to a more sustainable diet. Your pup will thank you for it!