As climate change is front and center, many are trying to do their part to preserve the planet, including dog parents. Indeed, while having our four-legged friends by our side is priceless, the impact they have on the environment can be detrimental. Everything from their food to toys and beds, can have an impact on our planet.
Fortunately, there are small changes dog parents can make that go a long way. One thing they can do is switch up their pup’s food to sustainable dehydrated dog food. Not only does it keep their pooch nourished, but dehydrated food also reduces a dog’s carbon pawprint. By removing water, dehydrated dog food takes up less space during shipping, meaning more can be shipped at the same time, vastly reducing emissions.
For those looking to make the change, here are four sustainable dehydrated dog food brands to get on your radar.
Related: How Often We Wash Our Dog’s Bowl Can Impact Their Health
All featured products are independently chosen by This Dog’s Life. However, we may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. The Honest Kitchen
Lucy Postins founded The Honest Kitchen in 2002 after she worried her dog’s skin issues and ear infections were being caused by the ingredients in his food. Since then, the company has blossomed into one of the world’s leading sustainable dog food brands, including its dehydrated dog food line.
Why We Love It
The Honest Kitchen doesn’t use chemical preservatives, GMOs, or other potentially harmful ingredients found in traditional dog foods. And almost 100% of its ingredients are sourced in North America to provide human-grade food for dogs and cats while also reducing travel distance.
The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated dog food makes it super easy to feed your pup homemade meals in minutes. Simply add water and ta-da: You’ve whipped up a tasty, eco-friendly dish your dog will love.
Sustainability Efforts
A certified B Corporation (meaning that they meet high standards of transparency, accountability, and performance) the company’s recipes use eco-friendly ingredients from trusted ethical sources. The Honest Kitchen’s packaging is also recyclable.
Cost Range
The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated dog food ranges from $27 to $75 in price, according to the size and type of dog food. It can be bought on its website, Amazon, Chewy, and other retailers.
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2. Dr. Harvey’s
Headquartered in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, the company was founded in 1984 by Dr. Harvey Cohen, a leading pioneer in natural and holistic pet nutrition, and is one of the first companion animal food producer in the ultra-natural pet food space, according to its site.
Why We Love It
Dr. Harvey’s dehydrated dog food is made from a USA-grain-free formula and includes nine different herbs and veggies that are mixed with protein and oil to promote optimal health.
Its recipe formulation is overseen by Dr. Marie Limoges. With a doctorate degree in animal nutrition and food science, Dr. Limoges and her staff use quality, human-grade ingredients that are reviewed by several holistic vets before being released to the public.
Sustainability Efforts
Dr. Harvey’s offers all-natural dog food made from fresh, organic human-grade ingredients. The family-owned-and-operated company uses no preservatives, added chemicals, coloring agents, or synthetic additives in its food. All of its products are made in the United States.
Cost Range
Dr. Harvey’s dehydrated dog food is $77-$85 for 5 pounds. It can be bought on its website, Amazon, and other retailers.
3. Chippin
Chippin is a women-owned business that makes it simple for dog parents to reduce their carbon footprint. The company does this through the magic of human-grade cricket protein. The crickets are a fantastic source of protein while having very little impact on the environment.
Why We Love It
Chippin’s unique ingredients, including cricket protein, spirulina protein, and wild-caught silver carp, nourish your dog’s body from the inside out. Its recipes, made with guidance from board-certified vets, are packed with the 10 essential amino acids, helping dogs feel their best.
The company’s dehydrated dog food is fresh and easy to make. Simply add warm water and wait three minutes for a delicious, nutritious meal that protects the planet.
Sustainability Efforts
Chippin’s products use fewer resources than many other dog food brands, including water and land used, as well as lower greenhouse gases emitted. Its cricket protein is sourced from a family farm in Canada. Chippin also uses sustainable packaging that is made from 29% post-consumer recycled materials.
Cost Range
Chippin’s dehydrated dog food ranges from $45 to $110 in price, according to the size and type of dog food. It can be bought on its website,
4. Only Natural Pet
Founded in Boulder, Colorado in 2002, Only Natural Pet makes high-quality, all-natural pet food for dogs and cats, including dehydrated food.
Why We Love It
The company collaborates with a holistic vet, Dr. Jean Hofve, to create dog food that supports total-body wellness, including its EasyRaw dehydrated dog food.
Sustainability Efforts
For its EasyRaw line, Only Natural Pets uses protein sourced from cage free chicken and grass-fed beef and focuses on sustainable practices. The company uses carbon-neutral shipping methods and is another B Corp company.
Cost Range
Only Natural Pet’s dehydrated dog food ranges from $29 to $130 in price, according to the size and type of dog food. It can be bought on its website, Amazon, and other retailers.
