The Heyday bed is made in the USA with super tough micro suede from recycled water bottles. Available at DolphinBlue.com.

Dec. 16, 2017

Our pets are part of our family and they deserve a gift too during this special season. Why not honor your pet and the planet as well by choosing sustainable and chemical-free alternatives? Following are just a few of the many eco-friendly ideas that you’ll find around DFW and online. Any pricing or discounts listed are subject to change and are at the discretion of the individual merchants.

AVAILABLE LOCALLY:

Grandma Lucy's Organic Dog TreatsOrganic Dog Treats

Have you ever wished for a dog biscuit that you could also eat? Grandma Lucy’s Oven Baked Organic Dog Treats are made from people-safe, vegan ingredients that are healthy and delicious for your canine family members – and they taste pretty good to people as well. The company boasts that 60 percent of their customers eat the goodies when they share them with their pets. With flavors like Apple, Pumpkin and Blueberry – who wouldn’t want at least a bite?!? Just $7.99 per 14 oz. bag at Roach Feed in Garland. Create a gift basket out of these sweet treats for all of the furry friends in your life. You’ll finds lots of unusual gift ideas while shopping in the genuine vintage charm of Roach Feed & Seed, 409 Main St, Garland 75040.

 

Felted Cat Cave

Cats crave a warm and safe place to retreat – and cardboard boxes don’t enhance your décor even though MewMew might not agree. Walking Palm Cat Caves provide a stylish yet comfortable sleeping and playing burrow for cats and kittens of all sizes. Ideal too for small dogs, ferrets and other pets who love to snuggle. Hand-felted from all natural wool, they ensure security, warmth and luxury for your furry pals – and you help provide an income to a needy family with each purchase. These Fair Trade pet beds are made by skilled Nepali artisans who earn 200 percent of the average wage. Various colors. $36.99 at Hollywood Feed locations around town.

 

Hen treatsHen Treats 

Your hens worked hard during the warm months producing eggs for you. Now it’s time to let them know that you still care – even when production slows down. Tickle their feathers with treats containing crunchy dried mealworms that they’ll adore – and the calcium and protein inside helps to strengthen your flock’s bones and feathers. Various sizes and flavor mixes, some with sunflowers seeds and other munchies. Parrots and other pet birds love them too – plus use them to refill your outdoor bird feeder as well. George the Rooster’s fav is the Sunflower and Raisin Party Mix for $7.99. Rooster Home & Hardware, 10233 East Northwest Hwy. Suite 409, Dallas 75238. 

 

Tuffy ToysSuper Tough Dog Toys

Sometimes, the most eco-friendly product is one that doesn’t have to be replaced as often. Tuffy Toys are extremely durable playthings made by rolling multiple layers of tough material into the toy shape rather than stuffing an outer skin with filling, creating a firm body that is hard for your pet to destroy. Each is non-toxic and actually meets child-safety standards. The company tests the toys with rescue tigers and lions and then rates them based on their durability. Watch a video here. Tuffy Toys is also a generous donor to animal rescue groups all over the country. In DFW, Lucky Dog Barkery carries a wide selection including the pig, elephant, armadillo, longhorn, sheep, lizard, dinosaur and just a simple ring. Prices start at $19.95 and go up to around $50 for larger creatures. The Lucky Dog Barkery, 8320 Preston Center Plaza, Dallas 75225.

 

Paw BalmMila's Paw Balm

Do your pets’ paws get dry and sore during the winter months? Massage them with Mila's Paw Balm – a 100 percent Vegan all natural salve, locally-made with just three nontoxic ingredients: Jojoba Oil, Organic Coconut Oil and Candelilla (plant) Wax – no fragrance or petroleum distillates. Helps prevent damage from abrasion, rain and even ice melt salts – plus your pet will enjoy the spa treatment! Great for dogs, cats and people paws too. $7 for 1.5 oz. in reusable metal tin at White Rock Soap Gallery, 10233 East Northwest Hwy, Suite 401, Dallas 75238. Also available online.

Gingerbread dog biscuitsGIngerbread Dog Biscuits

Trader Joe’s has a compact but well-stocked pet department featuring several yummy and natural products. A favorite during the holidays are these tasty gingerbread men that your dog will eat up – but grab some soon because they are only available for a limited time. They’re made using whole wheat, rolled oats, molasses and natural gingerbread flavor – and without any corn or soy, common allergens for your furry pals. Lots of tail-wagging fun! $3.49 for 16 ounce box. At Trader Joe’s locations throughout the Metroplex.

 

Eco-friendly Pick-up BagsCycle Dog Earth Friendly Pick-Up Bags 

Did you know that REI carries pet products? Grab a handful of these biodegradable waste bags the next time you’re in-store getting some hiking boots. Then hit the trail with your pooch and use these bags to secure any waste along the trail. Corn and plant-based bags decompose through natural microbial decay when buried or placed in your landscape compost. A great stocking stuffer for pet aficionados. REI, 5929 E Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75231.

 

Air FiltrationAir Filtration

We all love our pets but the hair and dander that they produce doesn’t love us. The HealthMate+ Jr.™ Plus offers multiple stages of filtration removing all of the little nasties floating freely around our homes plus trapping chemicals and even harmful gases. The HealthMate+ Jr. Plus draws over 125 cubic feet of air through a 4-stage filter containing 6.5 pounds of activated carbon impregnated with potassium iodide and over 30 square feet of true medical grade HEPA. Just one of several clean air solutions at the new TreeHouse store at Walnut Hill Lane and Central. Don’t miss their full line of eco-friendly gift ideas too. $419 at the TreeHouse, 8021 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas, TX 75231

 

Hemp ToysHemp Dog and Cat Toys

Your fuzzy friends will light up with excitement when they see these all-natural toys made in the USA by From the Field. Choose from several sizes of hemp dog twists (starting under $10) or a variety of catnip-filled choices such as this refillable hemp squeaky mouse (under $7). The perfect gifts for your pals but just don’t let them smoke ‘em. Green Pet Supply in the Bishop Arts section of Oak Cliff is a local, independently-owned paradise, chocked full of natural gift ideas, foods, supplements and other eco-friendly products for pets. Green Pet Supply, 315 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, 75208

Eco-flipsEco-Flips

Cat lovers will find a lot to purr about at the Cat Connection in Dallas. The shop carries a variety of eco-friendly products currated by cat experts including Eco Flips, flying disc cat toys made from post-consumer waste. Each cardboard sheet makes 12 flying discs and 3 balls. The Cat Connection, 14233 Inwood Rd., Dallas, TX 75244. Also shop online

 

AVAILABLE ONLINE:

Book for Animal LoversBooks for Pet Lovers

Dallas eco-gal, Kim Young, has assembled a fabulous collection of gifts for folks of all ages and interests. As an animal lover herself, she seems to have a unique talent for choosing books that tug at our heartstrings and make us think. A few animal-oriented titles include How Dogs Work, Do Unto Animals: A Friendly Guide to How Animals Live ­­- And How We Can Make Their Lives Better, The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions and The Soul of All Living Creatures: What Animals Can Teach Us About Being Human. Check them out at PrettyThingsandCoolStuff.com.

 

Pet bedHeyday Pet Bed with Microsuede

If you’re tired of that old, soiled, stinky doggy bed, perhaps it’s time to invest in a replacement that will last and last. The Heyday bed is made with super tough Micro suede® fabric that resists stains, odors and is tough enough to stand up to your favorite fido or feline. Made in the USA from recycled water bottles, it’s available in four color choices and multiple size options starting at $79. Watch a demo video here. At Dallas-based Dolphin Blue, a local eco-friendly office supply that also carries a wide selection of organic home products and pet supplies. DolphinBlue.com


Bamboo collarAlice in Wonderland Bamboo Dog Collar

This lovely collar offers several hidden benefits. First of all, it’s made from bamboo, one of the most sustainable materials on the planet, Secondly, it is allergen-free due to the very nature of bamboo which naturally inhibits microbes and dust mites – perfect for a pet or owner with allergies. The extras are its super soft feel and adorable floral motif. Designed and made in the USA by Molly Mutt. Various sizes available starting at $25. Matching leash also offered. You’ll find more to love at EarthDoggy.com.

 

Healthy Hound CookbookThe Healthy Hound Cookbook

Our friends at Mother Earth News are known for helping us save money and live a healthy and happier life – and that extends to our pets. Their online store offers a terrific selection of books and accoutrements that will enhance your lifestyle and that of your pets. Many veterinarians believe that commercial pet foods contribute negatively to the health of our four-legged pals causing problems ranging from diabetes to allergies. Why not make your own? Authors Paris Permenter and John Bigley have assembled a collection of over 125 recipes for dog foods including several for special health needs such as gluten-free and allergen related. $16.99. MotherEarthNews.com.

 

Green Source DFW'S 2017 Green Gift Guide

Green Gift Guide: for women

Green Gift Guide: for men

Green Gift Guide: for kids


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