As a pet parent it is easy to get into a routine that works for you and your pup. However, there are many ways that we can update our daily routines to help positively impact the environment – without having to make any major life adjustments that cause added stress.

Measuring their food

Even though it may sound simple, measuring your dog’s food is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste as a pet parent. By using a measuring cup when feeding, you can be sure that you dog is getting the correct amount of food for whatever stage they are at in their life – meaning less wastage, a longer life for each bag of food and reducing the risk of issues caused by overfeeding. Overfeeding can lead to many health challenges throughout a dog’s life. Just like with humans, these issues can be uncomfortable, expensive, and cause issues further down the track. By feeding them only what they need, the risk of issues like diabetes and obesity is reduced considerably helping save you money and stress in the long run.

Buy food in bulk

In addition to the health risks, measuring your dog’s food is a great way to cut back on food and packaging waste. Overfeeding means more purchasing – creating not only a greater demand for meat producers but also packaging supplies. As well as feeding the needed amount of food, you can cut back on the amount of packaging associated with each meal by buying larger bags of food, less often. By keeping 1-2 months’ worth of food on hand, you can reduce the ratio of food to packaging as well as shipping and transportation emissions; all while still being able to guarantee freshness and quality of the food you’re feeding. Read more about how to store your dog’s food to maintain the nutrition value and great taste here.

Recycle your packaging

With recycling bins being widely available, most of us recycle our own food packaging every day; many are unaware of the ways we can recycle the packaging our dog’s food comes in. As with many brands now, the majority of K9 Natural packaging can be recycled through various soft plastic recycling programs worldwide – with many drop-off locations becoming available.

Use biodegradable poop bags

Reducing the wastage associated with daily activities is another great way for pet owners to be more considerate of the environment. Switching to biodegradable poop bags for your daily walks can have a big impact on the tonnes of plastic waste bags that end up in landfill each year.

Walk locally instead of driving to the park

Not only do our dogs add companionship and love into our lives, but they also provide a great excuse for us to get up and be active. Taking daily walks is not only beneficial for our canine companion but also benefits us in many ways. However, these outings may not be the most beneficial to the environment if we are jumping in the car first to drive to a different location for our walk. By cutting out any unnecessary driving – by walking locally, heading to the park on foot or choosing a closer location – you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and overall carbon emissions.

Just remember during the summer to check the temperature of the pavement if you are walking in the middle of the day, to assure it is a safe temperature for your dog and their delicate paws (if you are unable to keep your own hand on the pavement for more than five seconds then it too hot for them as well).

Recycle unloved items into toys

Spoiling our pets with endless toys and accessories can be just as much fun for us as it is for them. However, what we find exciting and engaging might not be the same as what they do. Repurposing old items is a great way to have a positive effect on the environment, while still enabling your dog to have fun, explore and engage with items around them. Whether this is a discarded toilet roll, hand-me-down soft toy or pull toy made of old fabric, your pet will love to have something ‘new’ to play with and keep them occupied.

Looking after our dog's can be as beneficial for us as it is for them; so, why not take the steps to make it a positive experience all round. Have your own tips and tricks? Share them with your friends and family this Earth Day, because when we all do our own part it makes a big difference.