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Because our furry friends deserve gifts, too!
Does your dog know itโs Hanukkah? Does your cat know itโs Christmas? No. But if you celebrate any holidays, your pets do know that thereโs something going on, and you may as well indulge them. Crocheted cat hats aside, Bluedotโs sustainable paw-duct testers have paw-sonally vetted and approved every item on this list. We hope that your furry friends love these things as much as ours do.
Prices are accurate as of the date posted.
Tasty Treats
Shameless Pets
Upcycled Food Associationโcertified treat brand Shameless Pets has saved over 2 million pounds of food from being wasted since 2018. In addition to year-round options, Shameless offers a cute collection of holiday treats, including โSantaโs Yelpersโ and โKitty Canes.โ Read more. Priced from $4.49.
A Fun Coffee Table Book
Cone of Shame
Our Marketplace editorโs papillon appears in this recently released book, which has been lauded everywhere from People to The Washington Post. The Cone of Shame project features dogs of all shapes and sizes modeling fashion-forward โcones.โ The egg shells, yarn, sponges, and other unexpected materials that comprise the couture cones serve as an excellent reminder that trash can be turned to treasure. We know weโre biased, but this is truly a great gift. $25.
Fun Squeaky Toys
P.L.A.Y.
Certified B Corp P.L.A.Y. uses water bottles diverted from landfills to make some of the best plush toys around. Their exceptionally durable toys include Hanukkah and Christmas selections, as well as plushies themed around the โ80s, โ90s, camping, wildlife, and more. Read more. Priced from $5.90.
Maximalist Accessories
The Foggy Dog
Design-minded dog owners will admire The Foggy Dogโs lovely Sustainafill-stuffed dog beds and cheerful walk sets, bandanas, and bowties. The holiday line includes adorable plaids, patterns, and sweaters. Read more. Collars from $35.
Accessories for Less
The Foggy Dog seconds
We were delighted to learn that The Foggy Dog has an Etsy shop where it sells seconds, or brand new items with minor cosmetic flaws, for 60% off of standard retail prices. The Etsy shop is a great way to find gorgeous collars, bed covers, and more at a discount. Collars from $14.
Adorable Wool Toys
Friendsheep
Cats and dogs alike love chasing and sinking their teeth into the charming wool toys from Friendsheep. The line includes tiny sports balls, little fish, woolen springs, and more. They even make wool cat caves. The 1% for the Planet member company also makes our favorite dryer balls. Save 10% with code Bluedot. Read more. Toys from $5.
Exciting Enrichment
P.L.A.Y Enrichment Toys
These interactive snuffle mats make meal time more exciting for your dog or cat by getting them to forage, sniff, and seek kibble or treats. By stimulating the mind and the nose, snuffling can actually help alleviate boredom and stress. Mats from $34.90.
Adventure Gear
Ruffwear
Oregon-based Ruffwear has been making gear for adventurous dogs and their humans since the โ90s. Anyone who bikes, hikes, camps, road-trips, swims, or even skis with their dog will find functional gear that performs effortlessly. The brand outfits dogs of all sizes and also makes excellent harnesses and leads for everyday use. Read more. Harnesses from $39.95.
Warm Woolen Sweaters
Chilly Dog Sweaters
Hand-knit by Quechua artisans using only chunky plant-dyed wool, these fun and functional sweaters keep dogs seriously warm. Chilly Dog Sweaters, now in its 25th year of business, understands that big dogs get cold too, and their sizes run the gamut from Chihuahua to Great Dane. The company also makes coats and cat toys. Sweaters from $33.97.
Super-Soft Sweaters
Alqo Wasi
Like Chilly Dog, Alqo Wasi employs South American artisans to make its sweaters, but Alqo Wasi primarily uses alpaca and organic cotton rather than sheepโs wool. Their sweaters are much softer to the touch and come in patterns that preppy humans will envy. While still quite warm, these sweaters may be better for fall and spring than winter, but they do layer easily. Sweaters from $31.
Dog Training
Masterclass
Masterclass experts teach everything from adventure photography to mathematical thinking to entrepreneurship, and also dog training! Dogs love to learn, and in this class trainer Brandon McMillan offers a trust-based approach that can help you improve your bond with your pup. Plans from $10 a month.
Natural Rubber Toys
EarthRated
One of our preferred doodoo bag makers recently launched a small but excellent collection of toys. The range includes enrichment toys and balls that come in many sizes, so that even tiny dogs can join the fun. Toys from $6.99.
Endlessly Recyclable Toys
West Paw
West Paw designs and manufactures eco-friendly dog toys, including the extremely popular enrichment treat toy the Toppl, at their facility in Montana. B Corp West Paw makes its toys from durable, endlessly recyclable materials. Our pawduct-tester thinks the Toppl puzzle toy is worth the hype! Read more. Toys from $7.48.
Walk Sets That Plant Trees
Awoo
We love Awooโs chic, minimalist, and highly-functional walk sets, which each contain about 15 water bottlesโ worth of waste plastic. The woman-owned company plants three trees for every order. They also make attractive, plastic-free toys. Read more. Harnesses from $28.80.
Pet Projects
DashaHouse
If youโre crafty or interested in learning a new skill, try your hand at crocheting a new hat or house for your cat or small dog. DashaHouse, a Ukraine-based Etsy store, sells crochet patterns for adorable cat hats and caves. Patterns from $1.50.
Why Sustainable Gifts for Pets Matter More Than You Think
Pet owners spend billions each year on toys, treats, and accessories for their furry friends, but not all pet products are created equal. The shift toward eco-friendly pet products isn't just about feeling good. It's about making choices that reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your dog or cat safe from harmful chemicals found in many conventional pet supplies. When you opt for sustainable pet products, you're choosing quality materials that last longer, perform better, and often come from companies that treat both animals and people with respect.
The difference between a sturdy rope toy made in the USA from organic cotton and a cheap plastic alternative goes beyond environmental impact. Natural materials like hemp, wool, and bamboo are durable enough to withstand serious chew sessions while being safe if your pup happens to ingest small fibers. Additionally, many eco-friendly dog toys and cat toys avoid the synthetic dyes and chemical treatments that can irritate sensitive pets or cause long-term health issues. Your furry friends deserve products that won't compromise their wellbeing.
Eco-Friendly Pet Products That Actually Work
Here's what pet owners notice when they start using sustainable pet products: They last. A well-made rope toy or wool ball can provide months of entertainment, while cheaper alternatives might fall apart after a few enthusiastic tug sessions. Quality matters, especially for large dogs and cats that love aggressive play. Honest pet products made from materials like natural rubber, organic cotton, or biodegradable plant fibers hold up to real-world use without shedding microplastics into your home or the environment.
Cat toys deserve special mention because cats can be notoriously picky. Cats love toys that engage their hunting instincts, and many eco-friendly options deliver on this front beautifully. Wool balls filled with catnip, for example, offer texture, scent, and movement that plastic alternatives can't match. For kitty enrichment, snuffle mats and interactive puzzles made from sustainable materials provide mental stimulation that benefits your cat's overall well-being. These aren't gimmicks. They're thoughtfully designed products that tap into natural behaviors.
Making the Switch to Eco-Friendly Dog and Cat Essentials
Starting your journey toward more sustainable pet ownership doesn't require replacing everything at once. Begin with items your pet uses most: toys that need frequent replacement, feeding bowls, or leashes that have seen better days. When shopping, look for products made from recycled materials, natural fibers, or biodegradable components. Many brands now offer plastic-free alternatives that perform just as well as conventional options at a regular price point that won't break your budget. Alternatively, look for products made from BPA-free, phthalate-free, and non-toxic plastics that can be safely, endlessly recycled.
Size matters when selecting sustainable products for your pets. A medium dog has different needs than a tiny puppy or a large breed, and the best eco-friendly pet companies offer options across the size spectrum. Whether you need a durable harness for your adventurous pup or a cozy bed for your senior kitty, sustainable versions exist that match or exceed the quality of traditional products. Reviews from other pet owners can help guide your choices, particularly when trying a new brand for the first time.
The joy of choosing sustainable gifts for pets extends beyond the immediate benefit to your own furry friends. Every purchase supports companies working to reduce the pet industry's environmental impact, proving there's market demand for better options. Small changes add up: choosing biodegradable waste bags, opting for toys made from upcycled materials like recycled water bottles, or selecting bowls made from bamboo instead of plastic. These choices might seem minor, but collectively they make a real difference for the planet while ensuring your pet pals get safe, high-quality products.
When you choose eco-friendly pet products, you're not just buying a toy or a bowl. You're investing in a healthier home environment, supporting ethical manufacturing practices, and showing pets the same kind of care you'd offer any human. That's a gift that keeps giving long after the wrapping paper is recycled.
