As good as every dog is (and they really are very good), they come with a cost — and we’re not just talking about vet bills.
An average-sized dog generates about 770 kilograms of carbon emissions per year, and an even bigger one can reach up to 2,500 kilograms, according to Earth.org.
Much of this hefty impact comes from eating meat, with studies showing that dry pet food was responsible for up to 2.9% of global carbon emissions from the agriculture industry.
Of course, it’s not easy for people to persuade their dogs to suddenly practice Meatless Mondays or go vegan altogether. But, as veterinarians remind The Guardian, dogs are omnivores and will likely be none the wiser if what’s in their bowl is a few more veggies.
“As omnivores, dogs can enjoy the equivalent of two to three vegetarian meals per week,” Rebecca Linigen, the national director of animal welfare organization Four Paws Australia, told The Guardian.
There are plenty of produce options, lentils, and more that can be eaten as a standalone option or incorporated as a larger ratio in meat-based meals, as long as you consult your veterinarian and ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are still being met.
Linigen praised insect protein as another alternative to traditional meats, but added that the easiest way to reduce your pup’s impact on the planet is simply to not overfeed them.
The sheer amount of shopping and consumption involved with pet ownership has costs, too, similar to the impact we humans generate when we order from a certain big box retailer with 2-day shipping.
That’s why Michael Santiesteban started Secondhand Pet Supply, a nonprofit that focuses on reuse, upcycling, and recycling in the pet industry.
Based in Portland, Oregon, the nonprofit has several donation locations across the city and also partners with companies like Ridwell to collect supplies for its secondhand pet store.
Every item is inspected, cleaned, repaired, or upcycled before being resold, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and that everything is safe for a new furry friend to use.
By reducing the costs associated with buying pet supplies and keeping unwanted items out of landfills, the shop fills a need that other thrift or secondhand stores usually don’t.
“This is something I know a lot of communities need, and I really want to get at least one of these in every state in the nation,” Santiesteban said in a recent TikTok video.
He is currently in the process of fundraising to establish five more locations across the U.S., with a long-term goal of building “a national network of Secondhand Pet Supply hubs, supporting local communities, empowering small-scale sustainability, and making a real difference for pets and the planet.”
As for other everyday ways pet owners can scale their sustainability? It probably aligns with what you’ve already been doing: Keep your dog leashed so they don’t kill or injure area wildlife, pick up their poop, and shop with their future in mind.
Your love — and a safe planet to snuggle on — really are just about all they need.
5 Realistic Ways To Make Pet Parenthood More Eco-Friendly
Buy gently used pet supplies.
See if your local thrift store has a section for pet products! If they don’t, peruse local Facebook marketplace finds, buy-nothing groups, or start a group chat with your fellow pet parents to sell, trade, or upcycle the items you no longer need.
Shop sustainably for your treats and toys.
If you are looking to buy a new item for your pet, there are ways to shop more mindfully than at major retailers. In fact, we have a whole guide to help you find what you’re looking for.
Look at adoption as secondhand shopping.
Just like getting your consumer goods at a secondhand store is more sustainable than buying something brand new, adopting a dog from a shelter means you’re getting an existing pet in need of a home.
These pets are already using resources and deserving of your love, plus you get to help ease the burden on local shelters.
Scale back on snacks.
A 2023 study found that 59% of dogs are overweight in the U.S. As much fun as it is to spoil your pup, scale back on the food and treats and watch as your pet — and the planet — get a little bit healthier.
Try some new flavors.
If you are looking for some sustainable snacks, there are plenty on the market. Jiminy and Chippin make insect-protein dog treats, for example.
And to reduce food waste in general, Open Farm’s “Be Good Bites” are made from 30% upcycled food waste, and Table Scraps uses surplus ingredients for their dog treats too — both brands are Upcycled Food Association Certified.
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A version of this article was originally published in The 2025 Dogs Edition of the Goodnewspaper.
Header image by Mai Phuong Bui on Unsplash
