Everything is turning green!  From grocery bags to dish detergent, numerous companies are looking for ways to make their products more eco-friendly.  You and your pooch can take part in the green movement with your everyday routine.  Even the toys your pet plays with can be chosen with a little green in mind.  If you don’t know where to start, then it’s a good idea to have a light understanding of green products.  Below are a few toys on the market that are both environmentally friendly and fun for your pet!

            Before we list the great, green pet toys, it is a good idea to find out why they are so great.  Each toy manufacturer has a different approach and a different idea of what is environmentally friendly; although, there are certain standards put forth (but not enforced) by third party organizations.  Here are a few ways that a product can be green.  It can start with the production process.  Some companies have replaced harmful chemicals with safer alternatives.  Other companies have cut energy and water consumption or waste byproducts from the production process.  Next is the product itself.  Any product that is made with alternative material (using recyclable or biodegradable materials instead of plastic, for instance) can be considered green.  The way the product is packaged can also make it more environmentally friendly.  If you have taken time to notice, many companies have cut down on packaging materials, making the boxes smaller and using less fillers.  A product can also be considered eco-friendly by its disposal process (whether or not it can be recycled) or the way and time it takes the product to break down in the landfill.  One example is the use of corn in producing biodegradable materials, taking the place of plastic.  The corn products take days (as opposed to years) to break down.

            Now, what can your pet play with that is both safe and fun for him and safer for the environment?  If you are looking for a toy to use in a game of fetch, then consider purchasing a product made from hemp.  You can find hemp products that are completely chemical free and 100% biodegradable.  Be careful with hemp toys that are made specifically for a game of fetch, since they can fray.  A hemp fetch toy should not be used as a chew toy.  It should also be replaced as it starts to wear out.  But, if you are looking for a chew toy, then there are many made of hemp specifically for that purpose.

If your pet likes to play with stuffed animals, then consider purchasing a Simply Fido Plush toy.  These critters (monkey, lamb, bear, etc.) are made from all organic materials.  They materials are unprocessed, and the toys are free of bleach.  Instead of using chemicals to dye the fibers, plant and mineral extracts are used.  Simply Fido is not the only manufacturer of green plush toys.  You can also find cotton-stuffed hemp toys made by Earthdog.  The poly-cotton filler is recyclable, and the hemp coating is both biodegradable and hypoallergenic.

            It is always a good idea to have mind-stimulating dog toys on hand.  Dogs love the adventure and complexity of trying to retrieve a treat from a fun toy.  If you have ever given your dog a Kong, then you can probably relate!  Planet Dog manufactures a number of products that are both environmentally safe and fun for your dog.  The Orbee-Tuff ball series are great chew toys that can be filled with treats.  The materials that go into making the balls are completely non-toxic.  You can use the ball over and over, since it is easy to clean.  And, one your pooch wears it out, the ball can be recycled.  The company also donates a portion of its sales to canine service programs across the nation.

            It is up to you how environmentally friendly you want to be.  When it comes to dog products and toys, there are a number of manufacturers that produce green items.  The manufacturers listed in this article are just a few in a realm of many, so do not limit your options!  Whether you want the product to be safe for the pet, safe for the environment, or both, there is something out there that is right for you. 

 

This article was written by Stephanie Smith. A great website for aluminum dog crates, dog doors, and dog houses.