12 Eco-friendly Pet Products That Cats And Dogs Will Love

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Reduce your pet’s carbon pawprint

Anyone who owns a beloved cat or dog will tell you a pet makes their world a better place.

However, our furry friends come at a cost to the wider environment. As a result of factors including the pet food and supplies they need, the average pet cat generates an estimated 310 kg of carbon-dioxide emissions per year, while an average-sized pet dog generates emissions at over twice that rate, around 770 kg yearly. Adding to the eco burden, many pet products are made from difficult-to-recycle materials that do not biodegrade, such as single-use plastic.

Thankfully, there’s a growing choice of eco-friendly pet products that reduce carbon emissions or improve sustainability. Look into every aspect of your cat or dog’s life, and you can probably find a more eco-friendly alternative to your current staple product — whether that’s a treat, a chew, a toy or a hygiene product such as litter or poo bags.

We’ve searched high and low to bring you this roundup of eco-friendly pet products, for owners who love their pet and the planet too.

Hygiene products like cat litter and dog poo bags are a great place to start your search for eco-friendly alternatives. Look for biodegradable options, and, when buying litter, choose natural materials. Toys for cats and dogs have often been cheaply produced, with high contents of single-use plastic. In many cases, a more sustainable option will now be available. Pets often show a preference for toys made with natural materials, so going organic should be a win-win. Pet foods are a key contributor to carbon emissions, due mainly to the farming methods used in their production. Ethical and organic options are now commonplace — although you should think carefully before switching your pet from a nutritious diet that they enjoy. Accessories of many kinds are becoming more widely available in planet-friendly forms, ranging from recycled-plastic feeding bowls to organic pet beds. The hope-inspiring variety of eco-friendly pet products is reflected in our product picks below.

While the average dog waste bag stays in the ground for millennia, these carbon-neutral, heavy-duty bags biodegrade within 90 days, and are suitable for home composting.

Owners of large dogs will be pleased to note the bags are generously-sized and tear-resistant.

This wood pellet cat litter is a massive eco-upgrade on regular litter, which is usually made from bentonite clay.

The wood pellets biodegrade, so you have the option to add used litter to your compost heap, rather than sending it to landfill. It smells nice, too — until your cat pays a visit.

This dog lead has a beautiful story to match its appealing aesthetic. It's hand-made from salvaged and recycled fishing nets, so materials that once put marine life at risk can now help to keep your dog safe.

Two thicknesses are available to suit different breeds: 10mm and 12mm.

Scrumbles is a truly cat-friendly pet food brand, famed for its use of responsibly-sourced, natural ingredients.

This dry food recipe for grown-up cats contains 75% chicken, and has added probiotics to improve gut health.

If your cat loves this food, you can order it as a recurring subscription at a cheaper price.

Free-range turkey with pumpkin and spinach sounds like a healthy meal by anyone's standards.

In this case, the recipe has been put together for your puppy by Beco, a brand which has committed itself to responsible sourcing and a low carbon pawprint. They make food for adult dogs, too.

Cat treats are often like junk food for your feline, but this tuna loin delicacy stands apart with 100% natural ingredients.

Maker Applaws is a certified B Corp, with a focus on responsible sourcing and proper nutrition.

If you're a dog owner, you'll know that the canine love of chewing is not reserved for meat only.

These vegan chews will prove the point, with approximately 20 strips per pack to keep those gnashers gnawing.

Not only do the strips cut down on meat consumption and related emissions, they're also low-fat, GMO-free and hypoallergenic.

Give your cat a natural high, with one of these cute, catnip-filled cotton mice.

This is a great eco-friendly option, with handmade cotton construction, 100% organic catnip and biodegradable corn starch wrapping.

A few different colours are available, including floral lilac and winter rose.

Introducing 'Carlos the Crab', your dog's new companion. This charming toy is handmade from natural materials including suede and jute, providing varied textures for dogs to ruminate upon.

A percentage of profits from the sale of these toys goes to the British charity StreetVet.

Eco-friendly cat bowls are hard to come by, but this model fares better than most, with 62% plant based construction made possible by the use of bamboo, corn starch and rice husks.

The low, undulating design of the rim reduces whisker stress (a genuine problem!) by giving the cat access to food or water without the need to touch their whiskers on the rim.

This marble-effect dog bowl holds almost one litre of food or water, providing plenty of sustenance for your pet dog.

In keeping with Tangle's mission, the bowl is made from recycled fishing nets — so you can reflect on the benefits to our oceans whenever its beautiful teal colour catches your eye.

Suitably sized for cats and small dogs, this snuggly pet bed offers a perfect perch for both puss and pooch.

The filling is 100% eco fibre, and prevents up to 34 plastic bottles from going to landfill. Larger sizes are available for bigger dog breeds.

17 of the best eco-friendly Christmas trees

Shop our favourite Christmas wreaths

Three expert rules to follow when decluttering

The important new recycling rule to know about

A big list of B Corp home brands to know about

6 eco homes for sale in the UK

Everything to know about Earth Day 2024

Top cities making the world a better place

Best Eurostar destinations to visit in 2024

7 principles of slow fashion and brands to know

The best plastic-free Easter eggs for 2024

The best eco-friendly linen bedding sets