Next-Level Green: 5 Innovative Eco Upgrades for Your Pet’s Routine
You’re the kind of pet parent who’s already swapped plastic poop bags for compostables and buys organic food like a pro. But if you’re here, you’re probably wondering:
“What are the next-level eco pet upgrades I can make?”
Great question. We’ve got answers. These five smart swaps and add-ons go beyond the basics, helping you reduce waste, support ethical brands, and give your fur (or feather, or scaled) friend a lifestyle that’s truly planet-friendly.
Because being a Super Green Pet Warrior isn’t just a vibe, it’s a mission. Let’s go!
1. Try Insect-Based Pet Food
Yes, bugs. And yes, your pet might love it.
Insect-based protein is taking the eco pet world by storm. It uses way less water, land, and emissions than traditional meat, and it’s surprisingly nutritious.
- Huge environmental savings vs beef/chicken
- Hypoallergenic for many pets
- Pets love the taste (especially dogs)
Insect based pet food like Jiminys’ Dry Dog Food can provide:
High-protein, grain-free formula made with sustainable cricket protein. Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs, provides Improved Gut Health, Probiotic & Prebiotic, Hypoallergenic, Lower Carbon Footprint, Made in USA
Pros:
– Vet-recommended
– Great for sensitive stomachs
Cons:
– Pricier than standard kibble
– May take a few days for pets to adjust
Jiminy's Cravin' Cricket & Good Grub Dog Food
- ✅ Cuts your dog’s carbon pawprint — insect protein uses far less water and nearly no greenhouse gases than chicken
- ✅ Highly digestible — scored above 80 in digestibility studies, gentle on sensitive stomachs
- ✅ Made in the USA with limited, recognizable ingredients, baked instead of extruded for less processing
- ✅ Bundle includes two 3.5 lb bags so you can try both recipes
” My Labrador Lexi would have loved this kibble upgrade and given it a 5-star review! Her favourite times of the year were when the flying ants would swarm during the spring rains. She would dart around in the rain for ages, catching them as they hovered just above the grass. The best combo – yummy insect snacks and a game of catch! “
2. Switch to Solid Pet Shampoo Bars
Because less plastic = less guilt during bath time.
And if you are dealing with a dog that can make you feel guilty for days with those eyes for daring to make them take a bath, then anything that helps reduce those guilty feelings is a welcome addition to your pet care kit. Traditional pet shampoo bottles are typically made of single-use plastic and contain synthetic ingredients. Solid shampoo bars are plastic-free, last a long time, and come with gentle, natural ingredients.
What to look for:
- Cold-pressed bars with oatmeal, aloe, or essential oils
- Free of sulfates, dyes, and heavy fragrance
J.R. Liggett's Cat Shampoo Bar
- ✅ Gentle, luxurious grooming for cats with sensitive skin — cleans without stripping natural oils
- ✅ No essential oils formula — free of tea tree, lavender, and other botanicals that can harm cats
- ✅ Hypoallergenic and 100% detergent-free, nourished with neem, hemp, and almond oils
- ✅ Solid bar format means less plastic waste — one bar delivers multiple washes and is fully biodegradable
3. Eco Upgrade Their Bed to Organic or Recycled Materials
You wouldn’t sleep on toxic foam — why should your pet?
Pet beds can be full of synthetic foam, flame retardants, and PVC. An eco upgrade here can mean better air quality, less landfill waste, and a healthier space for your pet to snooze. And if your furry friend insists on sleeping with you, then you have a great excuse to upgrade your own bedding to an eco-friendly option!
Better bedding options:
- Organic cotton or hemp covers
- Recycled fiberfill stuffing
- Machine-washable = longer life
Eco-Friendly Materials:
- Look for ALL-NATURAL & NON-TOXIC: Made from 100% cotton canvas and filled with raw, untreated natural cotton.
- No foam, no polyester, no synthetic fillers.
- A plastic-free, low-toxin choice for eco-conscious pet parents.
Merino Wool Cat Cave Bed & Mat
- ✅ 2-in-1 comfort set — a spacious 19″ dome cave plus a matching felt mat
- ✅ 100% natural Merino wool naturally regulates temperature, warm in winter and cool in summer
- ✅ Handmade in Nepal by skilled artisans using traditional felting and fair trade practices
- ✅ Durable and easy to clean for everyday napping and lounging
Organic Cotton Canvas Round Dog Bed
- ✅ All-natural and non-toxic — 100% cotton canvas filled with raw, untreated cotton, no foam or synthetics
- ✅ Supportive structure holds its shape instead of flattening like plush foam beds
- ✅ Removable, washable cover with a durable YKK zipper for easy cleaning
- ✅ Breathable and hypoallergenic, suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors
Choose Toys Made from Natural or Recycled Materials
Plastic squeakers and polyester fluff? Nope!
Eco toys can be just as fun, and a whole lot safer. Look for rope toys made from hemp, chewables from recycled rubber, or fabric toys made from upcycled scraps.
Tip: Rotate toys regularly to extend their life. Bringing out old toys that your dog hasn’t seen in a few months is also a great way to provide easy enrichment without spending more money.
Natural Wooden Dog Chew Toys 4-Pack
- ✅ Four natural toys in one pack — coffee wood chew stick, nunchaku-style chew, coconut husk ball, and hemp rope ball
- ✅ 100% natural and non-toxic, with no chemicals or additives
- ✅ Gentle enough for teething puppies, satisfying for everyday adult chewers
- ✅ Doubles as a natural dental chew — fibers help clean teeth as your dog gnaws
Wool Dog Ring Toy 2-Pack
- ✅ Natural, gentle texture that’s kind to teeth and gums while encouraging healthy chewing
- ✅ Eco-friendly materials with no harmful chemicals or dyes
- ✅ Non-allergenic and non-toxic, made from 100% durable solid wool
- ✅ Easy to clean with soap and water or in the wash
KONG Bamboo Feeder Ball
- ✅ Unpredictable treat dispensing for mental and physical stimulation
- ✅ Made from natural bamboo for quiet play
- ✅ Doubles as a bowl-replacement alternative to slow down fast eaters
- ✅ A sustainable, longer-lasting swap for plastic treat dispensers
Freya & Dax Coconut Husk Rope Toy
- ✅ Made from real coconut husk fiber — no plastic, rubber, or synthetic fillers
- ✅ Braided texture makes it a fun tug-and-chew toy for interactive play
- ✅ Gentle natural fiber gives a satisfying chew for moderate chewers
- ✅ A plastic-free, plant-based pick for eco-conscious pet parents
Prevue Naturals Preen & Pacify Bird Toy
- ✅ Ideal for parakeets, conures, cockatiels, lovebirds, and other small-to-medium birds
- ✅ Multi-texture design with bamboo, seagrass, rope, hardwood, and beads
- ✅ Encourages natural foraging, preening, and beak-use instincts
- ✅ Hangs securely in most cages via a stainless steel quick-link
Grrreen Recycled Plush Dog Toy
- ✅ Crafted from 100% recycled plastic bottles for guilt-free play
- ✅ Part of the Ocean collection, available in multiple sizes for dogs big and small
- ✅ Reinforced materials and stitching built for long-lasting play
- ✅ Easy to clean, a low-maintenance eco swap for standard plush toys
Fringe Studio Earth Friendly Dog Toy
- ✅ Made with non-toxic canvas and soy-based faux fur
- ✅ Earth-friendly jute rope and filling from spun recycled water bottles
- ✅ Features a loud squeaker and crinkle paper for extra engagement
- ✅ Great for fetch and play, sized for all dogs
Nutties Natural Coconut Fiber Ball
- ✅ Handmade from real coconut fiber, cleaned and hand-braided into a tight ball
- ✅ Doubles as a “magic toothbrush,” massaging gums and flossing teeth as your dog chews
- ✅ All-natural, organic, and sustainably produced by a family-owned US business
- ✅ Designed to break down over time — compost it when fully chewed
Natural Palm Leaf Chews 10-Pack
- ✅ Natural, safe chew material for rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and birds
- ✅ Helps wear down continuously growing teeth to support dental health
- ✅ Made from Pandanus tectorius (palm leaf), a fully natural material
- ✅ Great boredom-buster for small-animal enrichment, 10 pieces per pack
Interactive Squeaky Crinkle Dog Toy
- ✅ Fun, engaging shape in bright colors dogs love to chase and fetch
- ✅ Durable design built for chewing, throwing, and active play
- ✅ Doubles as a cozy cuddle buddy for naptime
- ✅ Crinkle material and squeaker keep dogs mentally stimulated
5. Refill Instead of Rebuying
Instead of tossing out another plastic bottle, look for brands that offer bulk-size, concentrated, or refillable versions. It cuts down on waste and usually saves money in the long run.
Other re-use/refill ideas :
- Reusable treat jars
- Powdered pet toothpaste
- Shampoo Concentrate refills
Biokleen Bac-Out Enzyme Cleaner
- ✅ Plant-based, eco-friendly formula with no artificial fragrances, dyes, phosphates, or chlorine
- ✅ Live enzyme cultures break down pet stains and odors at the source instead of masking them
- ✅ Made in the USA with biodegradable ingredients, never tested on animals
- ✅ #1 best seller in janitorial deodorizers, rated 4.6 stars by thousands of pet owners
And if you are looking for more easy ways to up your eco-friendly pet care game, check out these 7 easy swap ideas here.







