Getting a puppy started on a healthy and sustainable lifestyle

Your pet can live a long and happy life with positive and eco-friendly habits. From the pup’s nutrition to healthier toys, we cover some of the basics to getting your dog into a sustainable lifestyle!

Everyone wants their puppy to be healthy and happy – ideally all the while following a sustainable lifestyle. However, we know it can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time owning a puppy or even a pet and you are not 100% sure what you are doing. Luckily, we have few tips on how you can make sure your puppy starts off the right foot on a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Get the right nutrition for your puppy 

Puppy food is most likely what you are going to buy frequently, so it’s important to ensure you are making the best choice possible. Not only is high-quality dog food important for your furry friend’s health, but most quality brands will have more sustainable practices compared to mass-produced dog food.

Raw food may be a great choice for your puppy, as the food focuses on providing raw, quality ingredients without additives or fillers – perfect to bring your pup all the nutrients they need. If you’re looking to get started you can check brands like Bella and Duke.

Whether you go with raw food or consider a vegetarian diet for your pup, don’t forget to consult with your vet. When you are making dietary changes for your puppy it’s important they check their health and help you get the diet right for your dog’s age, breed and weight.

16 Vegan pet food brands your furry friends will want to get their paws on!

Reuse & recycle where possible

When getting a new puppy, it’s normal that you will need a few things for them such as bedding, toys and a food bowl as the minimum. While it can be exciting to get your pup new things, it’s important to think sustainably first.

Reusing a blanket or bedding where possible might be a great choice and your furry pal may find it just as comfortable as a new bed! If that’s not an option for you, you can compare new dog beds that use sustainable and recycled materials where possible. 

The same can go for toys. Dog owners will know that some toys just don’t last, so it may not be worth investing in expensive plastic toys, but instead try to find alternatives in your home that could pique your dog’s interest and potentially also last longer. Remember that bones to chew on are also a great source of entertainment while being good for their dental health – just make sure it’s adapted to your puppy. Either way, here are some great DIY dog toys ideas using repurposed items!

If you have any unused toys and accessories, make sure you donate them or pass them along to other pet owners, who in turn won’t have to buy new toys – reducing how much we buy and consume is always a great first step for a sustainable lifestyle.

Eco-friendly pet products for your furry friends to reduce their carbon pawprint

Minimise driving

Walking your puppy is a fantastic source of entertainment for them as they discover the world and learn to socialise with other dogs, it’s also an essential part of their daily exercise! While not everyone has a park on their doorstep, it’s worth considering if you are taking the car too often to walk your dog – try to walk as much as possible and avoid driving, so you can help reduce your CO2 emissions while getting more exercise and keep your pup happy.

These are some of the few things you can do to make sure your puppy gets a start on a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Hope you find tips helpful and we wish you all the best with your new puppy.

Adopt, don’t shop

Lastly, if you are reading this ahead of getting a puppy or dog, please consider adopting a dog from a shelter or charitable organisation. While getting a puppy may be easier than adopting a dog, shelters are increasingly overwhelmed by the number of dogs they have to foster. Buying dogs only increases the demand for breeders while other dogs are waiting for a new home, so we would urge you to consider visiting your local shelter and rehome a dog. This is not only more sustainable but also crucial to help all our furry friends that have been abandoned or given away by previous owners.

We hope these few tips will have inspired you to start your journey as a more sustainable pet owner. Remember that small steps can quickly add up! If you’d like to read more articles on this, make sure you check the eco-friendly pets section!