Licki mat.for cats promotes slower eating. Courtesy photo.
Most of us think of our pets as family. They're our kids, confidantes and right-hand companions. So we want to make sure we're giving them safe toys, treats and everyday essentials.
Here are some responsibly made pet products that reflect how much we care for our planet and our furry friends — whether they live in our homes or the backyard.
DOGS’ GAME NIGHT
The Dog’s Best Friend game from West Paw is a cleverly designed board game that brings dogs into family night in a way that’s active, screen-free and refreshingly low-waste. Players complete simple challenges with their pet, like teaching tricks or encouraging movement.
It gets kids and dogs interacting rather than staring at a screen. West Paw is a certified B Corp with a strong reputation for responsible manufacturing and durability.
The company is known for making products designed to be used for years, not tossed after a season, which is one of the most effective forms of sustainability.
Find The Dog’s Best Friend game in DFW for around $25-$30 at independent pet boutiques, locally owned toy stores and select gift shops.
We saw them on the shelf at World Market.
PUPPY TRAILS
For families who love spending time outdoors, this Kobe Dog Hiking Kit is a thoughtful way to encourage responsible adventures. It includes reusable essentials designed to make hikes more convenient while helping reduce litter and mess along the trail such as three biodegradable poop bags, three wet wipes, two emergency paper water bowls, dog click light, tick removal tool with magnifier and dog traveling guide booklet.
So practical without feeling preachy, a nice balance for families who want to go green. It includes everything that you need for a great hiking experience with your best friend and is a gentle reminder that sustainability often starts with everyday choices. Find locally at Kohls, the Perot Museum Store, and Half Price Books. $19.
LICK, CHILL, REPEAT
While wandering the grocery store with my son the other day, I stumbled upon a delightful line of dog lick mats and toys, and the one that immediately caught my eye was the Yoggie Pot ($16.99) by Licki Mat.
Think of it as a rubber bowl designed for serious licking satisfaction. Our Border Collie is going to love the challenge of working tasty goodies out of it, which helps fight boredom and encourages calming, focused play.
The Yoggie Pot can be filled with soft foods like peanut butter, cottage cheese, yogurt, soaked kibble, wet food or frozen treats – and yes, even doggie ice cream you can freeze right inside. Made from plant-based natural rubber, it contains no BPA, PVC, phthalates, silicone or TPE plastics, making it a safer, more sustainable option for pets.
It’s also dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe, and 100 percent recyclable.
Other LickiMat options for cats and dogs start around $10 and are widely available in pet stores, grocery stores, and online.
FILLING GOOD
For an extra-special (and calming) Yoggie Pot stuffing, try Peanut Pupper CBD Peanut Butter for Dogs. I discovered this thoughtful product on a trip to Arkansas, where I met founder Daniel Schroeder and heard the heartfelt story behind the brand.
After seeing how CBD helped his mother cope with debilitating nerve pain, Daniel was inspired to create a similar option to support dogs’ comfort and well-being.
As he shares on the website, Peanut Pupper helps soothe anxious pups during storms and fireworks while also supporting mobility in senior dogs, one jar at a time.
Made with pet-safe, THC-free CBD and simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s free from unnecessary fillers and junk. The recyclable jars, small-batch care and transparent sourcing reflect Daniel’s genuine love for animals and our planet.
Dogs think it’s a treat — pet parents know it’s wellness disguised as something delicious.
$30 per jar. Non-CBD, people-friendly version is $10. Visit PeanutPupper.com to read more about it.
MINTY FRESH
One of the best gifts that you can give your dog is clean teeth, preventing future pain for your pet and costly vet bills for you. Texas-made Merrick Fresh Kisses Mint Dental Dog Treats are natural chews designed to clean teeth and freshen breath every time your pup chows down. Their unique double-brush texture helps fight plaque and tartar buildup, while the real mint infusion gives your dog fresher breath for sweeter, slobbery kisses.
Unlike some dental chews that rely on artificial flavors, Fresh Kisses use real peppermint and spearmint oils for breath support and are grain-free and potato-free to suit pups with sensitivities.
Only 10 ingredients (like turmeric and tapioca) so Fido will love them as much as you do! Our dogs just eat ‘em up! $7.99 at Petco and other pet shops around DFW. Visit MerrickPetCare.com to find a location near you.
SOOTH THE POOCH
Does Teddy have a tummy ache? Try probiotics from Native Pet, a vet-formulated digestive powder that gives your pup’s gut the love it deserves.
This blend of multiple probiotic strains plus prebiotic fiber supports smoother digestion, helps balance healthy gut flora and can make meals easier on sensitive stomachs.
Many dog parents sprinkle it over food daily to help reduce gas, loose stools and other common digestive woes.
Around $20 for 8.2 oz (about 60 scoops, great starter size).
Native Pet doesn’t stop at stomach care. The brand makes a whole lineup of health-focused supplements designed to support dogs at every stage of life. That includes All-in-One daily nutraceutical blends, omega-3 oil for skin and coat health, gut-support pumpkin fiber, allergy & immune chews and even natural dental chews, starting around $5.
So whether Teddy’s tummy is just off for a day or you’re building a full wellness routine, Native Pet’s products are a simple, vet-backed way to support overall health, one scoop at a time. At most local pet stores and online.
CAT SCRATCH FEVER
Green Pet Supply in Oak Cliff is a local, independently owned pet store known for its focus on all-natural, healthy food, treats and supplements for dogs, cats and more.
The shop is co-owned by Leslie McKay and her business partner Eloy Trevino with both of them actively involved in running the store and serving the community.
The store just got in some Max & Marlow cat scratchers, a satisfying kitty activity made from durable natural sisel with catnip included to entice play.
Designed to give cats a healthy, instinct-fulfilling outlet for scratching while protecting furniture, it delivers eco-friendly entertainment without excess.
Handy self brush on the back to extend Kitty’s enjoyment. Choose from Blueberry and Apple shapes, both priced at $54.95 each.
Check out their other fun dog and cat gift items, all chosen with sustainability in mind. Green Pet Supply, 1907 Balboa Dr, Dallas. Call (214) 942-6042 for questions about products, hours, home delivery, or special orders.
DISTRACT A CAT
Is Kitty attacking the Christmas tree again? Don’t hang it from the ceiling, just get a PetShop by Fringe Studio cat teaser toy – basically cat nirvana on a stick.
Designed for interactive play, it features a smooth wooden wand with mini toys dangling from sturdy jute rope, all styled to look good in your living room and be kind to the planet.
Each little jellyfish is packed with cat-approved fun, including non-toxic canvas, sustainable straw, friendly fringe, raffia ribbons, North American catnip, crinkly paper, a hint of jingle bell, and even recycled water bottle filling.
The result is a toy that invites batting, pouncing, chasing and serious jelly-bration from even the pickiest kitties. Thoughtfully made, eco-conscious and guaranteed to bring out your cat’s inner wild thing. The natural wood wand makes it easy for humans to join the fun, while the mix of fabric, rope and fringe keeps even the most sophisticated couch tiger fully entertained.
Fair warning: your cat will win. Find at pet stores around town.
REINDEER TREATS
Looking for a feel good gift for your favorite horse or maybe Santa’s reindeer? Honest to Goodness Upcycled Horse Treats are a sweet but not too sweet way to show some love.
These crunchy, heart shaped hard crackers are made with just nine simple, natural ingredients, including alfalfa, oats, flaxseed and rescued apples or bananas – with no corn, soy, wheat, or added sugar.
They are packed with Omega 3s and beta glucans to support happy bellies, strong immune systems and overall barnyard (or North Pole) bliss.
Even better, they are the first and only Upcycled Certified horse treats, packaged in bags made with 30 percent recycled plastic.
Both flavors make a thoughtful, earth friendly gift that are as good for your hooved friend as they are for the planet. Great for other herbivores in your life such as cows, sheep, goats – and even squirrels! 3-lb bag is only $18.99 at Tractor Supply Co. and feed stores around the area.
WORLD WAR TREE
If squirrels are hogging all your bird seed, David Hurt over at Wild Birds Unlimited on Lovers Lane recommends “Blaze the Hot Pepper Squirrel” a decorative seed character ($26 ).
Easily used with a seed cylinder feeder, it’s a fun, no-waste gift for backyard bird lovers. Made with premium bird seed infused with spicy peppers oil that birds love but squirrels avoid, its all-seed squirrel shape skips plastic feeders and messy shells.
Just hang it up and enjoy more birds and fewer squirrel shenanigans. Accompanying wire feeder ($10-44)).
For those who would rather attract the squirrels rather than battle them, there’s the Squirrel Abode ($79), a cozy home for your little friends all winter — and a safe (and predator-proof) place for Mama Squirrel and her babies in the spring.
WBU also offers some adorable Squirrel Feeders ($29-39) as well as a special blend of squirrel food for about $11/bag.
You can visit Wild Birds Unlimited at 5708 Abrams Rd, Dallas TX 75214 or 5715 W Lovers Ln, Dallas TX 75209 to pick out something special – or shop online for curbside pickup.