TUCSON, Ariz. — Pets are a part of many eco-conscious consumers’ lives and shopping lists, and now it's easier than ever to keep canines and kitties aligned with a green lifestyle.

“I think animals deserve to eat the same quality food that I eat,” said Karen Anderson, an animal communicator who endorses the use of organic and eco-friendly pet products, like food.



“I’m a real big advocate of using products that are safe,” Anderson said. “Just like you baby-proof your house when you have a baby, you should pet-proof your house by using non-toxic cleaners and food.”

There’s more than just organic eats out there to help reduce your furry friend’s carbon footprint and help keep tails wagging.

Eco-friendly pet resources and products are popping up in pet stores across the nation.

One store, Muttropolis, is a top destination for upscale pooches to get the latest in Mother-Nature-approved products.

The store boasts a wide array of green goods ranging from leashes and collars made out of hemp and organic cotton dog tees, to sleeping mats made out of recycled plastic bottles.

The store also has toys for dogs and cats made out of post-consumer products.

“There have been a lot of scares with dog products from China. Everything here is made in the United States and is eco-friendly; everyone has really been into it,” Muttropolis employee Amanda Stolkin said.

Muttropolis has several eco-friendly cat supplies, including fresh catnip. Allison Hamila	Muttropolis has an extensive supply of green dog products. Allison Hamila
Muttropolis promotes eco-friendly dog products as sustainable and recycled. Allison Hamila	Muttropolis shows off mats made from recycled plastic soda bottles. Allison Hamila

Stolkin said the best-seller so far has been the crate mats made of recycled plastic soda bottles.

Stacey Toibin, founder of Eco-Pet, an online store selling green pet products, said she started her site after frustration about not being able to find safe products easily.

“It just makes it easier to make the right choices,” Toibin said.

Eco-Pet lists natural, organic and environmentally-friendly pet products. Toibin said that all vendors are based in the United States and she makes sure everything lives up to a high quality and integrity standards.

“They all care about pets,” she said of the vendors listed.

Toibin, who started the site last November, said the pet food recalls of last year and the questionable quality of some foreign products have brought more awareness to green pet products.

“I was frightened by the food recall because there were a lot of high-end brands on that list that were recalled,” Toibin said.

Toibin learned that high-end does not always mean better for pets. That’s why she suggests not having anything around the house that’s not meant for children or pets.

“It’s up to the pet owner to make the responsible decision,” Toibin said.

Eco-friendly pet products are available without visiting upscale shopping areas or surfing the Web.

PetSmart a wide range of organic products, like organic dog food, cat litter made from old
newspaper, and organic tennis balls.

A whole line of products called Pet Organics, which are all made with natural ingredients, are also offered by PetSmart and Petco as alternatives to using synthetically made sprays to prevent scratching and help with housebreaking.

Anderson said using organic and natural cleaning products is much better for pets because normal cleaning supplies may contain chemicals which are harmful or even deadly to pets.

Animals often ingest these chemicals by licking their feet after stepping on a floor cleaned with a synthetic and toxic product, Anderson said. Breathing in toxic chemicals is also an issue, said Anderson, who once worked with a bird which developed an asthmatic cough once its owner began using Febreze, a fabric freshener, where it played.

Vicki Duraine of the Pima County Animal Care Center said that if a pet is ever showing signs of being poisoned, bring it to a veterinarian immediately.

Anderson promoted feeding pets’ better quality food than the ones found at grocery stores, which can contain harmful chemicals such as Malamine, which was associated with the 2007 dog food recall, and Proheart 6, a harmful chemical meant to reduce heartworms.

“There are so many better choices,” Anderson said. “We need to make good, informed choices about what we give pets.”

You can buy organic, natural and eco-friendly pet products at Muttropolis, PetSmart, and Petco, but check out these online resources if you're not near a store: 1. Happy Pet Organics sells treats, food and spa products for pets made by only a handful of vendors and some of the proceeds are donated to animal rescue organizations. 2. The Only Naturals Pet Store is a large online resource for all types of green pet products, complete with a holistic healthcare library and an “Ask the Vet” section where you view natural solutions to problems from itching to seizures. 3. If you’re looking for a good source for natural and organic food and supplements, check out The Wholistic Pet. There are over 30 stores across the United States, as well. 4. Organic Style is an “eco-lifestyle boutique” that sells eco-friendly and organic products that look, taste and smell good. Its pet section has toys, treats, bedding and gift sets for your pet-loving friends. 5. If your dog is having specific issues or an ailment, you can search Botanical Dog for a holistic and natural remedy. The site also has toys, food, treats, vitamins and a long list of skin treatments.