Low-Waste Tips for Pet Parents

Cats and dogs are the two most popular pets in America. As much as we love our furry companions, they can generate a lot of waste, especially plastic waste. If you are are a pet parents looking to reduce your plastic usage or reduce your overall waste, try some of these swaps! 

Low(er)-Waste Pet Food

For any pet you own- cat, dog, bird, gerbil, etc., buy food in larger quantities. While there currently is not a bulk pet food option in Montgomery County, MD, buying larger quantities of food means less waste and a lower cost for you (as long as you have the means to store it). 

As a bonus, pet food bags can live a great second life as community clean up bags because they are so durable.

Use stainless steel, ceramic, or silicone bowls for your pets and skip the plastics. On the go? Our collapsible pet food bowls work for food and water! 

Low-Waste Pet Treats

My dog, Crab, LOVES all manner of treats, snacks, and chews. Sharing is caring, so some of his treats include strawberry tops, mushy berries, bruised apple slices, carrot skins, soft bananas- basically anything dog-safe that would otherwise be thrown away. If you have a foodie dog, you can incorporate some food scraps into their Kong or Lickmat. 

• DIY dog treats, such as baked sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or plain yogurt mixed with fruit or peanut butter are easy to make AND you get the added peace of mind of knowing exactly what ingredients are in them. With a silicone mold, you can also whip up homemade dog bones. 
• There are also options for DIY cat treats using foods like tuna, salmon, baby food, etc. that cats love! 
• Zero- and low-waste dog chews, like antler, yak chews, marrow bones, bully sticks, etc., keep dogs entertained for hours. Chewing keeps dogs' teeth clean and gives them mental stimulation. Try a chew with no packaging (or a simple cigar band) like those from Mika and Sammy.
• As with pet food, if none of these options works for you, buy the largest size to reduce waste and save money.

 Low-Waste Waste

Everybody poops! But did you know cat poop cannot be flushed or composted? Have a designated cat-poop garbage can and re-use plastic shopping bags, or try landfill compostable bags for scooping poop.

Dog poop *can* be composted or buried, but do NOT use that compost on food you intend to eat! Many compostable bags require an industrial composter, so read the boxes carefully. 

While some dog poo bags *are* compostable, throwing them in the trash (or even backyard) will not provide the right conditions to break down into biomass. DoggyDoGood and Greenline Pet offer landfill friendly poop bags. 

These bags have an additive that attracts microbes and allows for decomposition, even in landfills, without leaving microplastics behind. They've been tested for years and are shown to breakdown within a few years! Try Greenline pet bags, you won't go back! 

Low-Waste Toys

In addition to food, Crab LOVES to destroy anything plush. It was literally throwing away money (and plastic poly-fill), so instead of plush toys, he gets long lasting chews, Kongs, and Lickmats. Kongs and Lickmats can be frozen and re-used again and again! 

My dog LOVES chasing his flirt pole (essentially a giant cat toy for dogs). When he damages the end, I reinforce it with old towel strips or rags. 

Cat toys can be fun and easy to make from fabric scraps. (If you're not big on sewing, note that cats don't really care if the mice have ears.) You can add catnip too, if your cat likes it. 

You can also braid together strips of an old towel or t-shirt to make a chase toy. 

Try growing catnip or cat grass indoors as well. Not only do cats love it, it adds a little bit of greenery into your space.

For cats and dogs, check your local Buy Nothing group and thrift store for toys. There are so many plush, pre-loved toys waiting in thrift stores! 

Low(er) Waste Cleaning

DYK: Pet shampoo comes in bars and refills too? DoggyDoGood offers a sensitive skin AND a protective skin version of their low-waste shampoo bar. 

Yaya Maria offers pet shampoo in glass bottles, in lavender or unscented, and our friends at Rustic Strength have a pet line that includes pet shampoo, pet conditioner (for long-haired dogs), and a pet deodorizing spray!  

Your Pets and the Planet Will Thank You! 

By opting for lower-waste pet products, you're helping protect your pets from microplastics and other harmful chemicals, and helping protect the planet!