If you bring a keep cup to the café, buy secondhand when you can, or check where something was made, it makes sense to think about what your dog eats too.
The good news is you do not need to overhaul your whole routine. What goes into their bowl can be one of the simplest and most impactful switches you make.
This guide outlines five practical steps to feed your dog in a way that supports a sustainable lifestyle and your dog’s health.
1) Choose a hypoallergenic protein
Many traditional dog foods rely on beef or chicken. These are among the most common protein triggers for dogs with food sensitivities. The result can be itchy skin, ear flare ups, soft stools, and extra vet visits.
A hypoallergenic dog food built on a novel protein can help. Insect protein is naturally low allergen and highly digestible, which makes it a smart option for dogs with suspected sensitivities. It also supports a lighter environmental footprint compared with conventional livestock proteins.
Try an insect protein dog food as part of a short elimination trial. Transition slowly over 7 to 10 days and track stool quality, skin, and energy.
2) Look for Australian made dog food
Locally made supports Australian jobs and shorter supply chains. Shorter supply chains can mean fewer transport emissions and better traceability from ingredient to bowl. Australian standards and transparency also give peace of mind on safety and quality.
When comparing brands, check the country of manufacture, named protein sources, and whether the brand provides clear information about where key ingredients are grown and processed.
3) Ask where the protein is grown, not just what it is
Sustainable dog food is not only about what goes in the recipe. It is also about how those ingredients are produced.
Insects such as black soldier fly larvae can be grown on diverted food waste, turning potential landfill into high quality protein for dogs. This is a circular model that reduces waste and pressure on land and water use. If the larvae are grown in Australia, you are supporting local circular economy jobs while keeping supply chains close to home.
Questions to ask a brand:
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Is the primary protein grown in Australia?
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What is the brand doing to reduce packaging and transport emissions?
4) Buy in bulk and plan deliveries
Sustainable living often comes down to consistency. Buying larger formats can reduce packaging and transport frequency, which helps lower emissions. It can also save money over time.
Practical tips:
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Choose a 10 kg option if storage allows and decant into airtight containers
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Set a subscription cadence that matches your dog’s intake to avoid emergency top ups
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Store in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness and reduce waste
5) Choose brands that measure and share their impact
Not all sustainability claims are equal. Look for brands that publish clear information on ingredient sourcing, energy use, waste diversion, and freight choices. Certifications can help, but so can third party testing, lifecycle thinking, and transparent reporting.
A simple check is whether the brand names the protein source, shows where it is grown, and communicates continuous improvements over time. If the brand uses insect protein, ask whether it is black soldier fly larvae, whether inputs include diverted food waste, and whether production happens in Australia.
Wait, do dogs really have a carbon footprint
Yes. Diet composition and serving size influence your dog’s carbon pawprint. Protein source is the main driver. Switching to a lower impact protein such as insect protein can reduce emissions while maintaining complete and balanced nutrition. Pair that with local manufacture, bulk formats, and transparent impact reporting to compound the benefits.
Putting it together
Start with a gentle transition to a hypoallergenic insect protein base, choose Australian made dog food for traceability and fewer food miles, buy larger formats to cut packaging and deliveries, and support brands that measure and report their impact. These small, repeatable actions add up to a healthier dog and a lighter footprint.
Call to action
Curious about insect protein and how it can support skin, gut, and planet health
Explore our sustainable dog food range and choose the size that fits your home and routine.