Why is being green as important for your dog or cat as it is for you? ‘Traditional’ pet care can involve toxic chemicals, one-use packaging and other ingredients that, after use, can hurt the planet or your pet, or both.

1. Facts on food

Commercial pet foods contain additives that have a negative impact on the planet if you don’t dispose of the waste and packaging properly. Instead, consider organic pet food or feed your pet raw meat and bones, as this is the diet they evolved on. Alternatively, you could cook something yourself. A nutritious dog food can use a combination of rice, meat, fish, vegetables and good-quality oil. Buy ingredients in bulk, cook and freeze in single serves. Ask your butcher for free or cheap bones to keep your dog’s teeth clean.

While cats are at their best on pure protein, try making a simple dog casserole. Simmer 500g ground meat (chicken, lamb or beef) and 2 cups brown rice in 4-6 cups water for 20 minutes. Add 500g chopped fresh or frozen vegetables, avoiding onions and corn, and cook for 5 minutes. Serve or freeze. Ask your vet if you should add extras such as fish oil or calcium supplements.

2. Give a dog a bath

Every pet needs the occasional wash! If you avoid using chemicals that can irritate your skin and are even known to contribute to some cancers, why would you choose them for your pooch? You’ll find many planet-friendly dog shampoos (such as Herbon) at organic or health shops and pet stores, or you can make your own. Simply mix together equal portions of white vinegar and a good-quality, organic liquid hand soap in a bottle. Shake well. Apply all over your dog’s coat, lather and rinse well.

3. Take me to the toy shop

Unlike children’s toys, there are no laws about lead or other toxins when making pet toys, but think how often that toy is being chewed – that means anything nasty in the toy will end up inside your pet. And the production process could have been just as toxic for the environment. Look for items made from natural materials or sustainable or recycled plastics. It’s also more ecologically responsible to pay a bit more for one or two really durable toys (especially if they are made locally) rather than buying many cheap imported versions and tossing them out because they damage easily.

4. The don't about the doo

If you consider there are about 3.9 million dogs in Australia and the average dog produces about 0.34kg of faeces each day, that’s a lot of dog waste. And if it’s not picked up, it can pollute waterways. But why put 100 per cent biodegradable dog poo into plastic bags that can take a century to decompose?

At home, use toilet paper or flushable bags and put the poo down the loo, or use biodegradable bags (seewww.k9pro.com.au, www.bowhouse.com.au or your pet store) if it’s going in the bin. Even better, recycle it and use it as fertiliser for non-edible plants! Set up your ‘pet poo converter’ just like a standard worm farm (see www.tumbleweed.com.au). Don’t mix waste and kitchen scraps in one farm and do not add manure for several days if your pets have taken any medication, especially worming treatments.

Cat litter can also cause environmental issues. Choose compostable litter made from pine pellets (try Comfey Pet or Catlux) or recycled paper (look for Breeders Choice or Rudducks Eco Pure). Bin the used litter and contents in a biodegradable bag or flush the waste and use the litter as garden mulch.

How do you keep your pet Eco-friendly? What do you feed your furry friend?

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