A Guide to Raising Your Dog in an Eco-Friendly Way

Desperate to have a furry friend by your side, but unsure how well a pet can fit into your sustainable lifestyle? As awareness around the need to go green grows, eco-friendly living is more accessible than ever, even when it comes to raising your pets. Follow our easy tips to keep doing your bit for the environment, even while you enjoy the benefits of welcoming a new pup into your home. 

Adopt, Don’t Shop 

The first thing to consider when you’re raising an eco-friendly pet is where you’re buying them from. Rather than choosing a dog that’s been bred simply to sell on, bring home a rescue animal from a shelter or home where possible. As well as getting your dog-raising journey off to a sustainable start, this helps put a stop to unethical dog-rearing groups, and will give you the chance to provide a loving home to a pup in need. 

Consider an Eco-Friendly Kennel 

Once your dog is home and settled in, it’s time to start thinking about the most sustainable caring options available. One way to ensure your pet is safe, secure and happy while they’re sleeping is to help them feel comfortable with a luxury, eco-friendly kennel. Insulated to provide complete protection from the elements, Benchmark Kennels offer a range of eco-friendly kennels to help you on your sustainable journey. Features include raised beds to keep the damp away and bacteria resistant material to ensure your kennel will stay in perfect condition over the years, while keeping your pet as content as possible.  

Look for Sustainable Food

It can seem like a difficult task to find dog food that comes from a sustainable source, especially when you’re working with a tight shopping budget. Luckily, as more people become aware of the importance of living green, many supermarkets have growing options available to offer your dog tasty, green meals that they’ll love. 

You could also consider going one step further by switching your pet to a more sustainable vegan diet, which many dogs can thrive on. However, it’s always best to check with your vet before you make any changes to your dog’s diet or lifestyle. 

Choose Your Toys Wisely

We all know how tempting it is to regularly pick up new toys, treats and accessories for your pup. However, the majority of mass-produced dog toys are made with plastic and other non-biodegradable materials that can cause more harm than good in your home. Instead of giving in to the urge to buy up every toy in sight, you could consider searching for sustainable options. Choosing edible chew toys that will eventually biodegrade, recyclable options like rope or wooden toys, or even making your own treats works towards an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Once your dog’s beds, warm clothes or any toys they didn’t take an interest in have been discarded by your pet, you could also consider donating unused items, in order to see your dog’s lifestyle becoming even more sustainable. 

Keep Your Walks Local

Your dog needs plenty of space to stretch their legs and run around in. For those of us who are lucky enough to live in rural areas, walking your dog locally is simply second nature. However, the city-dwellers among us might find that green space or open fields are a drive away. Regularly driving to walk your dog can have an impact on your carbon footprint, especially if this is a daily occurrence. Instead of travelling, taking your canine companion out and about around your home will help you cut down on your carbon emissions, and time spent travelling back and forth in the week. This will also give you the chance to practice lead skills and behaviour training with your pup on the streets, too.