Eco Friendly Fido: Four Tips for Going Green

A great poet once said, "It's not easy being green." Ok, it was Kermit the Frog, but he had a point. With chemicals you can't pronounce in almost everything, how do you know your four-legged friend is living his best doggone life? Mary Wolff, founder of Honest Dog Products, is helping us spread the green gospel with four tips for being eco friendly.

1. Play it Safe with Eco Friendly Dog Toys

"Pet owners are suprised to learn there are no federal safety regulations for pet toys," Wolff says. "Reading the labels is just as important for toys as it is for food." Fortunately, bamboo, hemp and organic wool playthings are back in a big way, and eco friendly dog toys made from these materials are durable and safer than your typical hunk of plastic.

2. Opt for Reusable Products

If you're tired of seeing plastic grocery bags tied in that tell-tale knot along your favorite jogging path, lead by example with a reusable dog waste bag. Puppy having a hard time with house breaking? Choose washable pet pads and crate liners; you'll save the planet and cash.

3. Lather, Rinse, Repeat Organically

Whatever you wash Roscoe with, rest assured it will be lapped up and absorbed into his skin. Suddenly pet shampoo containing formaldehyde isn't so appealing. Certified organic dog grooming products are pesticide- and herbicide-free and contain no artificial colors or fragrances. You can even find vegan dog shampoos at select eco friendly retailers.

4. Go Natural at Dinnertime

Avoiding fillers and preservatives is a great start in keeping your pup's health up-to-snuff. "A high-quality, natural food is the most important part of a healthy pet's life," Wolff says. "The market is abundant with natural food choices."