17 Ingenious Eco-Friendly Swaps You’ll Love

At WowDog, we believe that loving your dog means loving the world they live in, too.
More than ever, dog owners are looking for ways to care for their pets in a way that’s kind to the Earth — and the good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice style, comfort, or fun to do it.

Small changes add up.
Even one swap at a time can make a big difference for the planet — and for the future we leave for our furry best friends.

Ready to dig a little deeper into eco-conscious dog care? 🐾 Here are some less obvious, wonderfully crunchy, truly feel-good swaps to get you started:

1. DIY Dog Bedding from Old Clothes

Upcycle worn-out jumpers, towels, and blankets into soft, washable dog beds.
It’s cozy, familiar (they’ll love your scent!), and saves textiles from ending up in landfill.

2. Switch to Natural Dog Brushes

Plastic grooming tools? No thanks.
Choose wooden-handled brushes with natural bristles like boar hair or sisal — gentle on your dog’s coat, gentle on the Earth.

3. Solid Shampoo Bars

Skip the plastic bottles!
Natural dog shampoo bars made from coconut oil, chamomile, and olive oil last longer and leave coats clean without nasty chemicals.

4. Compostable Poo Bags (or “Stick and Flick”!)

Plastic bags take hundreds of years to break down.
Switch to certified compostable poo bags — or if you’re in remote woodland (and it’s safe/legal), use the old countryside tradition: “stick and flick” to move waste safely into undergrowth.

5. DIY Treat Toys from Fruits and Vegetables

Stuff a cored apple, frozen butternut squash, or thick cucumber with tasty treats.
It’s a delicious, biodegradable, zero-waste enrichment game!

6. Dehydrate Your Own Chews

Slice sweet potatoes, apples, or carrots thinly, and dehydrate them into crunchy chews.
No additives, no packaging — just pure goodness.

7. Upcycled Tug Toys

Braid old towels into tough tug toys that are machine washable and built to last.
Homemade, heartfelt, and lots of fun.

8. Hemp and Cork Collars and Leads

Hemp is naturally strong and antibacterial. Cork is sustainable and biodegradable.
Both make beautiful, durable gear that leaves a lighter pawprint on the planet.

9. Litter Pick on Your Walks

Make your dog walks even more impactful by bringing a reusable bag and picking up any litter you find along the way.
It’s a simple yet effective way to give back to your local community, protect wildlife, and keep the planet cleaner

10. Second-Hand Finds

Check local charity shops or online marketplaces for gently used dog coats, bowls, leads, or crates.
Give old gear new life — and often find hidden gems!

11. DIY Cooling Mats

Sew a simple cotton pouch, fill it with organic rice, and freeze it for a natural cooling mat in summer.
No chemicals, no plastic — just chill vibes.

12. Felted Wool Balls Instead of Plastic Toys

Swap mass-produced toys for handmade felted wool balls — no microplastic shedding, just natural fibres and old-school fun.

13. Bulk Buy Treats — Store Them Beautifully

Skip single-use packaging and buy natural treats in bulk where possible.
Store them in glass jars, old biscuit tins, or whatever you have handy — it keeps them fresher and looks gorgeous in your kitchen!

(Pro Tip: WowDog treats stay deliciously fresh this way too and are cheaper to buy in bulk! Plus they come in compostible wrapping.)

14. Rescue, Don’t Shop (When You Can)

Opening your home to a rescue dog changes two lives: theirs and yours.
Choosing to adopt instead of buying a puppy (where appropriate) helps reduce the demand for unethical breeding and gives a second chance to a dog who truly deserves it.

Plus — nothing compares to the love of a rescued dog. ❤️

15. Beeswax Wraps for Treats on the Go

Ditch plastic bags — wrap your dog’s snacks for walks in reusable beeswax wraps.
Washable, compostable, and beautifully practical.

16. Homemade Natural Cleaning Sprays

Keep dog bowls and beds clean with DIY cleaners made from white vinegar, lemon, and baking soda.
No nasties, no plastic waste — just clean, fresh living.

17. Compost Dog Hair

Yes, really!
Collected dog fur from grooming sessions is rich in nitrogen and composts beautifully, nourishing the soil. Or in the Spring time, leave your dog’s hair out for the birds to use to cosy up their nests.

Why It Matters

Each small swap is a quiet, powerful choice:

• • Less waste.

• • Cleaner water.

• • Healthier food chains.

• • Happier wildlife.

• • More love for our beautiful Earth.

At WowDog, we’re passionate about doing things the right way — sourcing locally, baking small batches by hand, supporting rescue dogs, and keeping everything simple, natural, and full of love.

Because caring for dogs and caring for the planet?
We believe they should always go paw-in-paw.

Ready to tread a little lighter with your four-legged best friend?
👉 [Shop WowDog Natural Treats Now]
(and give your dog the simple, delicious goodness they deserve!)

Louisa & The WowDog Team 🌿🐾