8 Best Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Dog Foods (2024)

Dog food is a crucial aspect of a dog’s health and well-being. The food that a dog eats can significantly impact its overall health, which is why it’s essential to choose the right dog food. With the rise of eco-consciousness and sustainability, many pet owners are looking for dog food options that are not only healthy for their furry friends but also good for the environment. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best eco-friendly and sustainable dog foods available in the market.

When choosing eco-friendly and sustainable dog food, it’s crucial to pay attention to the ingredients used. The best eco-friendly and sustainable dog foods use natural, organic, and locally sourced ingredients, free from additives, preservatives, and artificial colors. Additionally, eco-friendly dog food brands focus on using sustainable packaging and reducing their carbon footprint.

As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends are getting the best possible nutrition while also doing our part to help the environment. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the top eco-friendly and sustainable dog foods available in the market, highlighting their unique features, ingredients, and packaging. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the best eco-friendly and sustainable dog foods available and be able to make an informed decision when purchasing dog food for your furry friend.

Best Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Dog Foods

We understand that pet owners want the best for their furry friends, and that includes providing them with high-quality, nutritious food that is also eco-friendly and sustainable. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best eco-friendly and sustainable dog foods on the market. These products are made with natural, organic, and non-GMO ingredients, and are packaged in environmentally friendly materials. By choosing one of these options, you can feel good about both your pet’s health and your impact on the planet.

#1 – Petaluma Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Flavor, 5 and 18 lbs

If you’re searching for a high-quality, environmentally friendly, and nutritionally rich dog food, Petaluma Dog Food’s Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Flavor is an excellent choice. Designed for adult dogs of all breeds, this recipe offers a completely plant-based diet that is rich in protein, vitamins, and fiber. The ingredients are sourced from sustainable and organic farms, and the food is oven-baked to preserve nutrients typically lost in conventional dog food processing.

Pros

• 100% plant-based ingredients cater to eco-conscious pet owners.
• Includes organic and functional ingredients such as organic chickpeas and sweet potatoes.
• Oven-baked using solar power in Illinois, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
• Formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for adult maintenance.
• The company offers radical transparency by sharing a full laboratory analysis of their nutrition profile.
• Supports environmental and social causes by donating 1% of sales to fight climate change and food insecurity.

Cons

• The unique flavor of peanut butter and sweet potato might not appeal to all dogs.
• Slightly higher price point due to premium ingredients and sustainable practices.
• May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions against certain plant-based ingredients.

Petaluma Dog Food’s Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Flavor is oven-baked using solar-powered, aligning with the values of environmental stewardship. The use of organic and sustainably sourced ingredients like organic peanut butter and sweet potatoes underscores a commitment to nutrition and sustainability.

The food’s appeal also lies in its support of broader environmental goals through contributions to fighting climate change and food insecurity. Despite its distinct flavor, which might not suit every palate, and the premium pricing, the ethical commitment and nutritional benefits of this dog food make it a worthy choice.

Overall, Petaluma Dog Food’s Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Flavor is highly recommended for pet owners who value sustainability, nutrition, and ethical business practices. It stands out as a top choice for providing dogs with a delicious, healthy, and environmentally friendly diet.

#2 – Open Farm Goodbowl Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe for Dogs, 22 lbs Salmon 22 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is both eco-friendly and sustainable, then you should definitely consider Open Farm Goodbowl Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe for Dogs. This recipe is made with wild-caught salmon as the first ingredient and wholesome grains like brown rice to provide a highly nutritious, digestible, and delicious meal for your pet.

Pros

• Wholesome nutrition made with meticulously sourced, simple ingredients
• Oven-baked kibble in small batches for a highly nutritious, digestible, and delicious meal for your pet
• Wild-caught salmon as the first ingredient that is naturally free antibiotics or hormones

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon
• The price is higher compared to other dog foods
• May not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies

We have been using Open Farm Goodbowl Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe for Dogs for several months now, and we are very impressed with the quality of this dog food. The ingredients are all sourced from ethical and sustainable farms, which is important to us as pet owners. The kibble is also baked in small batches, which ensures that it is highly nutritious and digestible for our dog.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it is made with wild-caught salmon as the first ingredient. This means that our dog is getting a high-quality source of protein that is naturally free of antibiotics or hormones. The kibble is also made with wholesome grains like brown rice, which provides our dog with the energy he needs to stay active and healthy.

Another great thing about Open Farm Goodbowl Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe for Dogs is that it is oven-baked in small batches. This means that the kibble is not only highly nutritious but also very delicious. Our dog loves the taste of this dog food and always looks forward to mealtime.

While we have not experienced any issues with this dog food, we do recognize that some dogs may not like the taste of salmon. Additionally, the price of this dog food is higher compared to other dog foods on the market. Finally, this dog food may not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies.

Overall, we highly recommend Open Farm Goodbowl Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe for Dogs to any pet owners who are looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly, and sustainable dog food. It is made with wholesome ingredients, baked in small batches, and is sure to provide your dog with the nutrition he needs to stay healthy and happy.

#3 – Jiminy’s Cravin’ Cricket Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Jiminy’s Cravin’ Cricket Dry Dog Food for pet owners who are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional dog food.

Pros

• The use of insect protein is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional protein sources, with a lower carbon footprint and water usage.
• The insect protein used in the food is highly digestible, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• The food is made in the USA with recognizable and limited ingredients, ensuring a high-quality and safe product for your furry friend.

Cons

• The cost of the food may be higher than traditional dog food options.
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste of the insect protein, so it may take some time to transition them to this food.
• The limited availability of the product may make it difficult to find in some areas.

We have been using Jiminy’s Cravin’ Cricket Dry Dog Food for several months now and have seen a noticeable improvement in our dog’s overall health and energy levels. The use of insect protein has not only reduced our dog’s carbon pawprint, but it has also provided a complete protein source that meets AAFCO canine standards for B-Vitamins, Choline, and fatty acids. Additionally, the food is easily digestible and has not caused any stomach issues for our dog.

The limited ingredients used in the food have also given us peace of mind knowing that we are feeding our dog a high-quality and safe product. While the cost of the food may be higher than traditional dog food options, we believe the benefits of using a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative make it worth the investment.

Overall, we highly recommend Jiminy’s Cravin’ Cricket Dry Dog Food for pet owners who are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly option that provides their furry friend with high-quality nutrition.

#4 – Halo Holistic Adult Dog Vegan Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods 3.5 lb Bag Plant-Based with Superfoods 3.5 Pound

If you are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly dog food, Halo Holistic Vegan Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients
• Provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs
• Includes prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics for digestive health and immune support

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary requirements or restrictions
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture
• More expensive than some other dog food options

We recently tried out this plant-based dog food and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste and had no digestive issues while eating this food.

One of the standout features of this dog food is the inclusion of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics for digestive health and immune support. We appreciated that this food is made with non-GMO ingredients and contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.

However, it’s important to note that this dog food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary requirements or restrictions. Additionally, some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture of this food.

Overall, if you are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your adult dog, Halo Holistic Vegan Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods is definitely worth considering.

#5 – Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly dog food that’s made with wholesome ingredients and no artificial flavors, Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• The first ingredient is wild-caught salmon, which is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• The recipe includes a mix of gluten-free grains, including steel-cut oats, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds, which provide a balanced blend of nutrients.
• Open Farm is committed to transparency and traceability, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your dog.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or smell of the fish-based recipe.
• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands.
• The kibble may be too small for larger dogs.

We recently tried Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food with our own dogs and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the transparency of the brand. The wild-caught salmon provides a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while the mix of ancient grains provides a balanced blend of nutrients. Our dogs seemed to enjoy the taste, although some dogs may not like the fish-based recipe.

One thing we appreciate about Open Farm is their commitment to transparency and traceability. They provide lot numbers on their bags, so you can trace the origin of every ingredient. This gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re feeding our dogs a high-quality, eco-friendly dog food.

While the price point may be higher than other dog food brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the transparency of the brand make it worth the investment. However, some dogs may not like the taste or smell of the fish-based recipe, and the kibble may be too small for larger dogs. Overall, we would recommend Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly dog food that’s made with wholesome ingredients and no artificial flavors.

#6 – Jiminy’s Good Grub Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly dog food option, Jiminy’s Good Grub Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• High-quality protein
• Reduces carbon pawprint
• Easily digestible

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with allergies to insect protein
• More expensive than some other dog food options
• Some dogs may not like the taste

Jiminy’s Good Grub Dry Dog Food is made with essential, high-quality insect protein, which is a complete protein that meets AAFCO canine standards for B-Vitamins, Choline, and fatty acids. The insect protein is also highly digestible, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Additionally, the use of insect protein reduces the carbon pawprint of the dog food, making it a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious pet owners.

However, it’s important to note that some dogs may have allergies to insect protein, so it may not be suitable for all dogs. Additionally, Jiminy’s Good Grub Dry Dog Food is more expensive than some other dog food options, which may not be ideal for pet owners on a budget. Finally, some dogs may not like the taste of insect protein, so it may take some time to get your dog used to this type of food.

Overall, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable dog food option that is high in protein and easy to digest, Jiminy’s Good Grub Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

#7 – Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food with Vegan Plant-Based Protein and Healthy Grains

We highly recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food with Vegan Plant Based Protein and Healthy Grains for dog owners who are looking for a complete and balanced alternative to meat-based dog food. This vegetarian and vegan recipe provides dogs with the same essential nutrients found in diets with meat as the primary protein source, but it is made with no animal or dairy products.

Pros

• The vegan plant-based protein formula contains the same essential nutrients as meat-based dog food, making it a complete and balanced alternative to a meat-based diet.
• Natural Balance has carefully chosen a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin, and digestive system, making it an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin, or allergies.
• The ‘Feed with Confidence’ program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this vegetarian and vegan recipe.
• The price point of this product may be higher compared to other dog food brands.
• The size of the kibble may be too small for larger dogs.

We have personally used this product for our dog, and we have noticed significant improvements in his coat, skin, and overall health. The vegan and vegetarian recipe with no animal or dairy products is a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. We also appreciate that Natural Balance has a ‘Feed with Confidence’ program that ensures the safety of every batch of food.

The small kibble size may be a downside for larger dogs who are used to larger kibble sizes. However, this is not a significant issue, and it does not affect the quality of the product. Overall, we highly recommend Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food with Vegan Plant-Based Protein and Healthy Grains for dog owners who are looking for a high-quality, complete, and balanced vegetarian and vegan dog food option.

#8 – CANIDAE, Under The Sun, Grain Free Recipe Made with Real Chicken Dog Dry 40 lbs. Chicken 640 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable dog food option that is also delicious and nutritious for your furry friend, the Canidae Under the Sun Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Crafted with real chicken and packed with the benefits of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables for a taste your dog will love
• Formulated with single animal proteins for dogs with sensitivities, and free of grains or potatoes, making it ideal for dogs with dietary restrictions
• Contains antioxidants and probiotics to support a healthy digestive and immune system, along with a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, skin, and coat

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food
• The kibble size may be too big or too small for some dogs
• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands

We’ve been using this dog food for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s overall health and well-being. The real chicken and farm-grown fruits and veggies make for a delicious and nutritious meal that our dog can’t get enough of.

The fact that it’s grain-free and made with single animal proteins also makes it an ideal choice for dogs with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. Plus, the added antioxidants and probiotics help support a healthy digestive and immune system, while the omega-6 and 3 fatty acids help support beautiful skin and coat.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly, and sustainable dog food option that is also delicious and nutritious for your furry friend, the Canidae Under the Sun Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Dog Foods Buying Guide

When it comes to buying eco-friendly and sustainable dog food, there are a few features that you should consider. We have outlined some of the most important factors to help you make the best decision for your furry friend and the environment.

Ingredients

The first thing to look for when choosing an eco-friendly dog food is the ingredients. Make sure to read thecarefully and look for high-quality, natural, and organic ingredients. Avoid products that contain artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as they can be harmful to your dog’s health and the environment.

Packaging

Another important factor to consider is the packaging. Choose products that come in recyclable or biodegradable packaging, as it reduces waste and helps protect the environment. Some companies even offer refillable or reusable packaging options, which can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Production Process

The production process is also an essential factor to consider when choosing eco-friendly dog food. Look for companies that use sustainable and ethical practices in their production process, such as sourcing ingredients locally, using renewable energy, and minimizing waste.

Certifications

Lastly, look for certifications that indicate the product is eco-friendly and sustainable. Some of the most common certifications include USDA Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Certified Humane. These certifications ensure that the product meets specific standards for sustainability and ethical practices.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best eco-friendly and sustainable dog food for your furry friend and the environment.