We are living in a world that is changing every day. Issues with global warming have forced us to find ways of conserving the environment and making it sustainable for future generations. As a dog owner, you also have a part to play.
You can conserve the environment through what and how you feed your dog. This sounds impossible, right? Well, you do not have to be left behind. Even if you have changed your own life, you still need to change that of your dog.
So, how can you do that? How can you help preserve the environment by feeding your dog in an environmentally-friendly way?
Here are a few things to follow.
1. Research
You cannot start by visiting your local stores and buying dog food that you think is friendly to the environment. The first step to being an eco-friendly dog owner is to do your own research to find out what is good and what is not.
There are many options to choose from when it comes to sustainable food for your dog, but you do not want to be making the wrong choice. You can use the internet for research. You can also talk to a veterinarian, family, or even friends and find out if any of them does what you want to do.
After your research, you will end up with different options to consider. Before settling on one, check reviews online and make sure you know everything about the food you are about to start feeding your dog.
2. Consider the Needs of Your Dog
Yes, do not get me wrong, but your friend’s dog thriving on a certain food product does not mean that your dog is going to thrive as well. Dogs are different, and they all have different needs when it comes to their nutrition.
You, therefore, need to look at the needs of your dog before settling on any sustainable food product. For instance, your dog might be allergic to some kinds of foods. You need to ensure that you have not kept such foods on your list of considerations.
Make sure that the food you are going to settle on will have no negative effects on the health of your dog.
3. Consider Local Food Products
If you live in a neighborhood that produces its own food from local farmers, then that should be among your first considerations. Products from your neighborhood will most likely be fresh compared to those brought in from far.
In addition, they are more nutritious, and your dog will likely love them. Did you know buying from your local farmers also goes a long way in building the local economy?
4. Look for Probiotics and Other Supplements Made With Organic Ingredients
Organic food products and supplements do not use fertilizers or pesticides. In addition, they are not genetically modified, making them some of the best food products for those who want to feed their dogs in an environmentally friendly way.
There are probiotics for dogs that are made using superior ingredients that include Inulin obtained from Chicory and Solarplast obtained from organic spinach. Apart from preserving the environment, these probiotics for dogs promote the digestive and immune health of your dog as well as help your dog to maintain proper gut flora.
5. Do Not Use Processed Foods
Did you know that some processed foods are made using unhealthy ingredients? They might be the reason your dog is always sick. In addition, processed foods are made in ways that do more harm than good to the environment.
If you want to feed your dog in an environmentally friendly way, you need to stop using processed foods. Instead of these foods, look for foods made using unprocessed and whole ingredients.
6. Consider the Age of Your Dog
A human baby does not feed on the same type of food as an adult. Similarly, a dog at a tender age will not feed on the same food as an adult dog.
You, therefore, need to consider the age of your dog before settling on any type of sustainable food.
7. Always Check the Label
Your option to feed your dog in an environmentally friendly way might limit you to relying on sustainable dog food from your local store. Even if you have done your research and believe that the option you have settled on is the best, make sure to check the label.
Check the nutritional information and the list of ingredients to see if your dog is allergic to any of them. This will help you make the right decision and ensure that your dog is feeding on the right kind of food products.
8. Check the Carbon Footprint of the Food Products
Carbon footprint can be defined as the amount of emissions, usually greenhouse gasses, that a company or product produces. You aim to preserve the environment. You, therefore, do not want to support a product that has already destroyed the environment before even getting to your home.
Check the carbon footprint of all the products that you are considering. Ensure that the sustainable food product you choose has a small to no carbon footprint.
9. Consult Your Veterinarian
You might find it difficult to follow every step discussed in this article. That does not mean you should give up on feeding your dog in an environmentally-friendly way. You can always consult your veterinarian and ask them about the best sustainable food products for your dog.
We are all aware of how our actions have changed the environment. It is, therefore, our responsibility to preserve it for future generations. If you have a dog, you can start by feeding it in an environmentally friendly way.
