As pet owners, we all want to provide our furry friends the best possible care, including food. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine what is truly best for our pets. Ethical dog food is a growing category that focuses on providing dogs with high-quality, sustainable, and responsibly sourced ingredients.
When purchasing ethical dog and sustainable pet food brands, one of the critical things to pay attention to is the ingredient list. Ethical dog food brands use whole food ingredients like meat, fruits, and vegetables and avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Additionally, they often prioritize sourcing ingredients from local, organic, and sustainable farms.
Sustainable dog food is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners concerned about their dogs’ health and the impact of pet food on the environment. These eco-friendly dog foods are made with natural, organic, and non-GMO ingredients free from artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products. They are also made with sustainable proteins, such as cage-free chicken, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught fish, and many sustainable pet foods are packaged in recyclable and biodegradable materials.
We researched and tested various ethical dog food brands to identify the ones that provide the best quality ingredients and meet the highest ethical standards. In the following sections, we will share our findings and help you decide when to choose ethical dog food for your furry friend.
Best Ethical & Sustainable Dog Food Options
When choosing the best sustainable dog food options, several factors must be considered. From sustainable ingredients to eco-friendly packaging, there are many ways that sustainable dog food companies and brands can reduce their environmental impact.
1. The Honest Kitchen (Kindly)
The Honest Kitchen is a US-based company that specializes in producing human-grade dog food. Their dehydrated dog food is made with fresh, whole-food, minimally processed ingredients to retain nutritional value. The company prides itself on using only the highest quality ingredients, including USDA-certified meats and organic produce.
One of the unique features of The Honest Kitchen’s dog food is that it is dehydrated, which means that it is lightweight and easy to store. To prepare the dry food, pet owners add water and let it rehydrate. This makes it a convenient option for pet owners who travel frequently or have limited storage space.
The Honest Kitchen’s commitment to using human-grade ingredients means their dog food is free from by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives. This ensures that the food is nutritious and easy for dogs to digest. The company also offers a variety of recipes to cater to different dietary needs, including grain-free and limited-ingredient options.
Overall, The Honest Kitchen is a great option for pet owners looking for sustainable and nutritious dog food. Their commitment to using human-grade ingredients and minimizing processing makes their products a top choice for pet owners looking to provide their dogs with the best nutrition.
See Related: Organic vs Natural Foods: What’s the Difference?
2. Best Fish-Based Dog Food – The Honest Kitchen Zeal Dog Food
The Honest Kitchen Zeal Dog Food is a high-quality, fish-based dog food perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. Made with wild-caught white fish, this dehydrated dog food is grain-free and gluten-free, making it an excellent option for dogs with allergies or digestive issues.
One of the key benefits of The Honest Kitchen Zeal Dog Food is its nutritional value. This dog food is made with human-grade ingredients packed with essential vitamins and minerals important for your dog’s overall health and well-being. Additionally, the fish used in this dog food is an excellent source of protein, which is important for maintaining your dog’s muscle mass and energy levels.
Another benefit of The Honest Kitchen Zeal Dog Food is its sustainability. The fish used in this dog food is sustainably sourced, which means that it is caught in an environmentally friendly way and does not harm other marine life. This makes The Honest Kitchen Zeal Dog Food a great choice for pet owners who are concerned about the impact of their pet food bags and dog food choices on the environment.
Overall, The Honest Kitchen Zeal Dog Food is an excellent choice for pet owners looking for high-quality, sustainable, and nutritious dog food for their furry friend. With its high-quality ingredients and excellent nutritional value, this fish-based dog food will surely keep your dog healthy, happy, and satisfied.
3. Open Farm
Open Farm is a dog food company that focuses on sustainability and ethical practices. They offer a range of dry kibble, wet food, raw, and gently-cooked food options for dogs. Open Farm dog food, is committed to using only the highest quality ingredients and sourcing them from ethical and sustainable sources.
One of the unique features of Open Farm is their commitment to transparency. They provide detailed information about the sourcing and production of their ingredients on their website. They also have a partnership with Terracycle, allowing customers to return their empty bags for recycling.
Open Farm is also certified by several organizations for their humane treatment of farm animals too. They are certified by Certified Humane, which ensures that the animals used in their products are raised and handled in a humane manner. They are also certified by Global Animal Partnership, which sets standards for animal welfare in agriculture.
Overall, Open Farm is a great choice for pet owners who are looking for sustainable and ethical dog food options. Their commitment to transparency, recyclable packaging, and humane treatment of animals make them a leader in the industry.
4. Wild Earth
Wild Earth is a vegan dog food company that creates biodegradable and sustainable protein sources for dogs. They were featured on Shark Tank and have since gained much attention for their innovative approach to dog food.
Their dog food is made with a variety of plant-based proteins, including yeast, chickpeas, oats, and sweet potatoes. These ingredients are sustainable and provide dogs with a complete and balanced diet that meets all of their nutritional needs.
One of the benefits of Wild Earth’s dog food is that it is free from animal products, which can be harmful to the environment. Using plant-based proteins can reduce their carbon footprint and create a more sustainable food source for dogs.
In addition to being sustainable, Wild Earth’s dog food is also biodegradable. This means that it will break down naturally over time, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Overall, Wild Earth is a great option for pet owners who are looking for a sustainable and environmentally-friendly dog food option. Their use of plant-based proteins and biodegradable packaging make them a leader in the industry, and their commitment to creating a healthy and balanced diet for dogs is commendable.
5. Benevo Organic Dog Food by Vegeco
Benevo Organic Dog Food by Vegeco is a premium, organic, vegan dog food that is perfect for dogs suffering from sensitivities to wheat protein. This dog food is made with a unique organic wheat-free recipe that is GMO-free and fortified with extra vitamins and minerals.
This dog food is suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes and is made with highly palatable and naturally vegetarian ingredients. It contains 27% protein and has no added colors or preservatives. Additionally, it includes a prebiotic FOS to promote friendly bacteria for healthy digestion.
Benevo Organic Dog Food by Vegeco is a sustainable and eco-friendly option for pet owners conscious of their environmental impact. The brand has been producing vegan pet food since 2005 and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.
Benevo Organic Dog Food by Vegeco is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with high-quality, sustainable, and eco-friendly dog food.
6. Best Dog Food in the UK – Beco
Beco is a UK-based company that has been on a mission to make the best possible products for dogs and cats while reducing their environmental impact since 2009. They are continually searching for better ways to make your pet’s future favorites, and they offset their carbon emissions and donate 1% of sales to projects restoring and preserving the environment.
Beco’s dog food range has high-quality, ethically sourced, and sustainable ingredients. Their dry dog food range is available in four different flavors: Free Range Chicken with Carrot & Chicory, Wild Caught Cod & Haddock with Kale & Chickpeas, Free Range Turkey with Pumpkin & Spinach, and Wild Boar with Sweet Potato & Peas. Their dry dog food is free from grains, gluten, and dairy, making it an excellent choice for dogs with allergies or intolerances.
Beco’s wet dog food range is also available in four different flavors: Free Range Chicken with Carrot & Chicory, Wild Caught Cod & Haddock with Kale & Chickpeas, Free Range Turkey with Pumpkin & Spinach, and Wild Boar with Sweet Potato & Peas. Their wet dog food is grain free and made with high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.
Beco’s dog food range is not only sustainable but also nutritious. Their dry dog food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for active dogs. Their wet dog food is made with a high percentage of meat or fish and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Beco’s dog food range is an excellent choice for dog owners who want to feed their pets sustainably and nutritiously. With a range of flavors and options available, there is something to suit every dog’s tastes and dietary requirements.
7. Making Dog Food at Home
For pet owners who want to ensure that their dogs are eating fresh and nutritious food, making dog food at home can be a great option. Using only human grade food-grade ingredients gives pet owners more control over the quality and nutritional value of their dog’s food.
Before making homemade dog food, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the food is balanced and meets the dog’s nutritional needs. The dog food recipe should also be tailored to the dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
When making homemade dog food, it is important to use a variety of ingredients to ensure that the dog is getting all the necessary nutrients. This can include lean meats such as chicken, turkey, or beef, as well raw foods such as vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans.
Pet owners can add grains like brown rice or quinoa for carbohydrates and fiber. It is important to avoid using ingredients that are toxic to dogs such as onions, garlic, coconut oil and chocolate.
To ensure that the homemade dog food is nutritionally balanced, pet owners can use a recipe developed by a veterinary nutritionist. They can also add supplements such as fish oil or a multivitamin to ensure the traditional dog food gets all the necessary nutrients.
Overall, making dog food at home can be a great way to ensure that dogs get fresh, nutritious food. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist and use a well balanced dog food recipe tailored to the dog’s nutritional needs.
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Best Sustainable Dog Food Products
8. SPOT by Ethical Products Ceramic Stoneware Pet Bowl
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty pet bowl that won’t tip over easily, the SPOT by Ethical Products Ceramic Stoneware Pet Bowl is a great option. The SPOT by Ethical Products Ceramic Stoneware Pet Bowl is a great option for small dogs and cats who tend to tip over lighter bowls.
Its heavyweight design ensures that it stays in place during mealtime, and the high-gloss finish adds a touch of style to your pet’s feeding area. Additionally, it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
However, this bowl may not be the best option if you have a larger dog due to its smaller size. It may chip or crack if it’s dropped or mishandled. Lastly, it’s only available in a limited range of colors and designs.
Pros
- The high-gloss finish adds a touch of style to your pet’s feeding area
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Heavyweight stoneware design eliminates movement and spillage
Cons
- Not suitable for larger dogs due to a smaller size
- May chip or crack if dropped or mishandled
- Not available in a wider range of colors or designs
9. SPOT Ceramic Dog and Cat Dishes
If you want to feed your pet in style without sacrificing hygiene, then SPOT Ceramic Dog and Cat Dishes are the perfect solutions. SPOT Ceramic Dog and Cat Dishes are perfect for pet owners who want to keep their pets’ feeding areas stylish and hygienic.
The dishes are made of durable ceramic material that is dishwasher safe, making it easy to keep them clean. The smooth surface of the dishes also makes wiping off any food or water spills easy.
SPOT offers a variety of stylish designs and sizes so you can find the perfect one for your pet. The 7” Dog Dish is perfect for small and medium dogs, the 5” Dog Dish is great for even smaller dogs or cats, and the 6” oval cat dish is perfect for cat food.
One of the best things about SPOT Ceramic Dog and Cat Dishes is their ethical promise. If you or your pet aren’t totally happy with the product, SPOT wants to hear from you. They provide more information about their ethical product promise on their website.
Pros
- Stylish designs and perfect sizes for small and medium dogs, and cats
- Durable and dishwasher-safe ceramic material
- Smooth surface makes it easy to keep clean and hygienic
Cons
- Some customers reported seeing hairline cracks on the bowls
- Only available in one color
- May be too small for larger dog
10. Ethical Pet Stainless Steel Coop Cup, Perfect Bowls for Cages and crates 20-Ounce Pet Food Bowl.
Looking for a durable, rust-resistant pet food bowl that’s easy to clean and chew-resistant? The Ethical Pet Stainless Steel Coop Cup is a great option for bird cages, reptile cages, dog kennels, and crates. The Ethical Pet Stainless Steel Coop Cup is made of high-quality stainless steel, making it durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. The spill-free design ensures that you don’t have to worry about messes, and the chew-resistant construction makes it a great option for aggressive chewers in kennels and crates.
However, the bottom of the bowl is thin and flimsy, and the hooks can easily get knocked off. It’s also not suitable for rowdy or big dogs. Overall, if you’re looking for a sturdy pet food bowl for birds, dogs, cats, and reptiles, the Ethical Pet Stainless Steel Coop Cup is a great option.
Pros
- Made of heavyweight durable stainless steel
- Hassle-free dishwasher safe and spill-free design
- Chew-resistant for aggressive chewers in kennels and crates
Cons
- Bottom of the bowl is thin and flimsy
- Hooks can easily get knocked off
- Not suitable for rowdy or big dogs
11. SPOT by Ethical Products – Non-Slip Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
If you desire a durable and stylish dog bowl that’s easy to clean, the SPOT by Ethical Products Non-Slip Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is a great choice. The SPOT by Ethical Products Non-Slip Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is perfect for pet owners who want a stylish and durable bowl that’s easy to clean and maintain.
The non-slip rubber base keeps the bowl in place, so you don’t have to worry about your pet skidding it around the floor. The stainless steel interior is hygienic and dishwasher safe, making it easy to keep your pet’s dishes clean and bacteria-free. The Tribeca style design is modern and complements any home decor, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality.
But, the bowl may be too small for larger dogs who require more than 7 cups of food or water. The rubber base may wear out over time and lose its non-slip properties, so you may need to replace the bowl after a few years. Additionally, the bowl may dent or scratch if dropped or mishandled, so you must handle it carefully.
Pros
- The non-slip rubber base keeps the bowl in place and prevents skidding on hard floors.
- The stainless steel interior is hygienic and dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean and maintain.
- The Tribeca-style design is modern and complements any home decor.
Cons
- The bowl may be too small for larger dogs who require more than 7 cups of food or water.
- The rubber base may wear out over time and lose its non-slip properties.
- The bowl may dent or scratch if dropped or mishandled.
12. SPOT Fun Foods Dog Toys
The SPOT Fun Foods Dog Toys are worth considering if you desire a fun, interactive toy that will keep your furry friend engaged for hours. The SPOT Fun Foods Dog Toys are a great way to entertain and engage your furry friend for hours.
The realistic design, crinkle paper, and squeaker make it a fun toy your dog will love playing with. But, the hemline may not be strong enough for aggressive chewers, and the toy may not be suitable for larger breeds. Overall, if you desire a fun and engaging toy for your dog, the SPOT Fun Foods Dog Toys are worth considering.
Pros
- The realistic design on durable fabric makes it look like an actual bag of chips, adding to your dog’s fun and engagement
- The toy includes crinkle paper and a squeaker, keeping your dog entertained and engaged for hours.
- The toy is 100% fun and has 0 calories, which is a great way to keep your dog entertained without adding to its waistline.
Cons
- The hemline isn’t very strong, which may make it less durable for aggressive chewers.
- The toy may not be suitable for larger breeds due to its size.
- Some customers have reported that the toy may not be as durable as hoped.
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Buying Guide
Choosing the right dog food can be daunting, especially when you want to ensure that the food you choose is ethical and meets your dog’s nutritional needs. Here are some things to consider when looking for ethical dog food:
Ingredients
When choosing dog food, it’s crucial to read the ingredients list carefully. Look for high-quality, human-grade ingredients, and avoid pet foods that contain by-products or fillers.
Certifications
Look for dog food with certifications from reputable organizations such as the AAFCO or USDA. These certifications ensure that the pet food brands also meets certain nutritional standards and has been produced ethically.
Sustainability
Consider choosing a dog food that is produced sustainably. This means that the food is made with ingredients sourced in an environmentally responsible way and that the production process has a minimal environmental impact.
Brand Reputation
Research the brand of dog food you are considering and look for reviews from other dog owners. Choose a brand with a good reputation for producing ethical, high-quality dog food.
Comparing Products
When comparing dog food products, consider the nutritional content, ingredients, and price. Look for products that meet your dog’s dietary needs and fit within your budget. Consider the pros and cons of each product and choose the one that best meets your needs.
Product Pros Cons Brand A High-quality ingredients, AAFCO certified Expensive Brand B Sustainably sourced ingredients, affordable May not meet all nutritional needs Brand C Human-grade ingredients, good reputation May not be available in all areas.
What are the best sustainable dog food brands?
One of the best sustainable dog food brands is The Honest Kitchen, which offers fresh, human-grade, USDA-certified organic dog food. Their dehydrated raw food that is made with whole food ingredients, such as free-range chicken, cage-free turkey, and wild-caught fish, and is free from fillers, preservatives, and by-products. The Honest Kitchen also uses sustainable practices, such as sourcing ingredients from small farms and using recyclable packaging.
Another great sustainable dog food brand is Open Farm, which offers a variety of dry kibble and wet food made with humanely raised and sustainably sourced proteins, such as grass-fed beef, cage-free chicken, and wild-caught fish. Their packaging is also recyclable, and their sustainable pet food also is free from artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products. Open Farm is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and minimizing their environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any zero-waste dog food options?
Zero-waste dog food options are not yet widely available, but some companies are working towards creating sustainable packaging and reducing waste. One such sustainable dog food company is Wild Earth, which uses biodegradable packaging and plant-based ingredients. Another option is to make your dog food using locally sourced, organic ingredients and reusable containers.
What are some certified humane dog food brands?
Certified humane dog food brands include Open Farm, which uses ethically sourced meat and sustainable farming practices, and The Honest Kitchen, which sources ingredients from small-scale farms and uses free-range, cage-free, and wild-caught proteins. Another, plastic free dog food option is Halo, which uses humanely raised meat and is committed to sustainability and reducing waste. It is important to note that certification can vary by country and region, so it is recommended to research specific brands and their certifications.
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