A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated Aug. 13, 2024
Organic dog treats offer a great way to reward your dog with healthy snacks that also benefit the environment—so you can treat your pooch and celebrate Earth Day at the same time.
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Becoming mindful of the environment means choosing earth-friendly options for ourselves and our pets. These days, responsible pet product companies use recycled materials for packaging and making eco-friendly dog toys, employ responsible farming techniques to create their dog food, and have adopted manufacturing processes that generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
As a pet editor, I’m always thinking about the health, happiness, and wellness of my dogs. Here are some of my favorite organic dog treats that do just that—and benefit our planet. They’ll generate lip-smacking wags from your dogs, too. Good boy!
Via Merchant
Does your dog chase bugs? Jiminy’s Cricket Treats are made with cricket protein powder instead of traditional beef or poultry and contain sweet potato. Insects contain high-value protein and won’t cause an allergic reaction like beef or chicken products. Besides that, raising crickets uses 93 percent less land compared to farming meat protein, uses 2,300 times less water, and 83 percent less feed. Every time you switch from a traditional treat to one bag of Jiminy’s cricket treats, you save 220 gallons of water. Jiminy’s is one of the best eco-friendly dog treats I’ve seen.
Via Merchant
Here’s another cricket-based treat, this time made with crunchy peanut butter from Chippin Puppy Treats. This small business, owned by three women, makes gourmet organic dog treats one small batch at a time. They’re ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. Dogs are omnivores, meaning like us, they can eat a variety of healthy dog treats with different nutrients for good health, including this eco-friendly superfood treat.
Via Merchant
If you or your dog prefers more traditional fare, the Full Moon Natural Organics come in chicken, duck, or beef protein. Made in kitchens qualified to prepare human food, Full Moon prepares organic dog treats in small batches. Your dog will love every flavorful bite created without fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors. Just USDA-approved, antibiotic-free chicken, duck, or beef. If your pup gets too excited, you can offer him calming dog treats, too.
Via Merchant
Grandma Lucy’s Organic Pumpkin Treats are made from 100 percent USDA organic human-quality ingredients. They use only ingredients from the USA that contain no preservatives, byproducts, artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors, or hydrogenated oils or trans fats. These dog treats also are certified kosher. And they smell freshly baked!
Via Merchant
Castor & Pollux Organic Dog Cookies work well for training or just treating your special pooch. They only have about eight calories each, so won’t interfere with his diet. Organic free-range chicken is listed as the top ingredient of these organic dog treats. The treat production avoids chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, artificial preservatives, growth hormones, and antibiotics in the ingredients. The crunchy treat is satisfying.
Via Merchant
Uncle Justy’s Just Chicken Treats from Mika & Sammy’s are made with cage-free chicken. The eco-friendly dog treats are also grain-free, with no additives or preservatives. These treats limit the number of ingredients to only three, and all are 100 percent human-grade. The treats work well for dogs of all ages and sizes. If you want to be sure of exactly what goes into your dog’s mouth, you can always make your own healthy dog treats.
Via Merchant
The Fast Pet Food Fetch Fries description makes me hungry, too. Each “fry” contains sweet potato and organic chicken mixed and baked in a California human-grade manufacturing facility. Get a five-ounce or 16-ounce bag and skip the drive-through line.
Yes, organic dog treats benefit dogs because they typically use whole ingredients farmed or sourced in the United States. Many make their product in kitchens certified for human food use. While the nutritional value may be equal to or even better than conventional treats, people who prefer organic foods also believe organic foods taste better. Our dogs are the best judge of organic dog treats—but if you want, they’re so healthy, you can taste them yourself. The ideal treat, of course, must tempt your dog to indulge and enjoy the munch. Here’s our review of Spot and Tango dog food.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines USDA Organic products. To get the label, products must be produced with farming practices that improve and maintain the quality of both the water and the soil. To receive this designation, products also must use little to no synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other things. There are some fertilizers and organic pesticides allowed, but organically grown products usually take longer to grow. As long as products contain 95% organic ingredients, they can earn the USDA Organic seal.
Organic dog treats and products take less energy to produce, but up to 84% more land, according to some reports. When produced by local farmers, organic products benefit the environment and your dog. But when produced in massive amounts by big corporations, the extra time and machinery required to make them may lower the benefits.
Look for the USDA Organic seal on organic dog treats products. Also, look for products created by local farmers or specialty companies rather than big corporations. Many dog owners also prefer treats using human-grade materials and kitchens. Be aware, though, that organic products usually cost more.
When shopping for organic dog treats on Amazon, look for the Climate Pledge Friendly badge. The Climate Pledge Friendly, a designation created by Amazon, helps you shop for products. For example, products with this badge may save energy and be carbon-neutral. With dog treats, the packaging may be made from recycled materials or ingredients made with a high percentage of organically grown materials. You can review Amazon’s certifications and shop for products with Climate Pledge Friendly designations on this page.
Originally Published: March 16, 2022
