Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Pet parents swear by these non-toxic dog products for their pooch

As a devoted pet parent, you buy products with confidence, hoping that the companies who manufacture them have the same dedication to protecting the health of their furry little customers as you do. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In fact, there isn’t a regulatory agency to make sure pet accessories, grooming products, or bedding meet any safety standards, which leaves the gate wide open for interpretation.

What’s a conscientious pet parent to do? Get educated. Thanks to the growing trend of treating pets like family members, especially among our millennials, more and more manufacturers are jumping into the organic pet product market. These are some of the best non-toxic dog products around.

two dogs in bathtub with bubbles
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Grooming

It’s not only what we put in our bodies that matters; the products we put on our hair and skin play a part in good health, too. The same can be said for our canine companions. Physical differences aside, their hair and skin are as porous as ours, which means any toxins in their grooming products are absorbed into their bodies.

Recommended Videos

For that reason, look for natural grooming products like Pro Pet Works Organic Shampoo + Conditioner. Not only is this shampoo-and-conditioner combo formulated for pets with skin allergies, it’s also free of parabens, sulfates, animal byproducts, and alcohol. The aloe vera gel is soothing, while the almond oil contains vitamin E, which helps keep skin cells healthy.

Pet parents say it lathers like an expensive shampoo, rinses out of the fur easily, and although it has a strong scent right out of the bottle, the lingering smell is natural and mild.

Burt’s Bees Natural Oatmeal Shampoo is another pet parent favorite. It’s ideal for dogs with sensitive skin and is made with colloidal oatmeal, beeswax, and honey. It’s also tearless, making it safe for dogs of all ages and breeds. Dog parents rave about the smell and also say that the shampoo is very easy to rinse out, which is a plus. There are some complaints about the shampoo not lathering as well as other products, but overall, Burt’s Bees is a trusted brand that dog owners are mostly pleased with.

Toys

Since dogs use their mouths to play and explore, it’s important that the toys we give them are free from hazardous toxins like lead, arsenic, melamine, and formaldehyde. These chemicals can cause a long list of health problems, including digestive tract issues, kidney failure, and even death.

You don’t have to worry about that with toys made of natural materials, like these SunGrow Cotton Rope Knot animals, which are all-cotton rope and colored with edible dye. Gaby the Giraffe and Daisy the Dog can also be cleaned in the washing machine — another bonus if you have a dog who likes to take his toys outside when he plays.

Pet parent reviewers say these toys last longer than regular stuffed toys. At least one says she appreciates the fact that they don’t contain a squeaker!

akita puppy in dog bed
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Accessories

You probably haven’t given all that much thought to what your dog’s bed is made from, but perhaps you should. Some contain triclosan, a chemical with anti-bacterial properties that have been found to cause colon problems, skin and thyroid issues, and food allergies in pets. Toxic fabric treatments, like flame retardants and PFCs, can damage your dog’s endocrine system and cause cancer.

That’s why we like these Molly Mutt duvet covers. These 100% cotton, fully zippered, preshrunk sacks fulfill two purposes: They are made from natural fibers, and they can be stuffed with your old linens and blankets, which calms anxious pups with the familiar scent of their favorite human. Pet parents say they are durable and wash well and “really stand up to the pack we have here.”

Being mindful of the toxins in our pets’ products might seem like a lot of work, but it’s really a small price to pay in exchange for the unconditional love they give us. Thankfully, it’s becoming easier to find companies that have devised a way to manufacture products that benefit the health and safety of our canine companions as well as their bottom line. Mother Earth is undoubtedly happy, too.

Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
Why does your dog stick out their tongue? Vets explain the ‘blep’
This behavior may be cute, but what does it really mean?
A German shepherd puppy sticks out their tongue

There's nothing funnier than a "blep," but what does it mean? Whether you first heard the word blep on the internet (it is meme-worthy, after all), or are learning of it right now, you're in for a treat. Bleps are positively adorable. The term started gaining traction in the late 2010s, though it's no less popular today. The common canine behavior it's based on, however, is a habit as old as time: sticking out a tongue. Yep, a dog's tongue sticking out is enough to break the internet!

It's pretty dang cute, after all, but not always easy to figure out why a dog's tongue is out. Don't worry, though, pet parents — this is a great place to start. Here is everything you need to know about bleps and what they mean.
What is a blep? How about a mlem?

Read more
Why you shouldn’t feed your dog trail mix: The hidden dangers
Here's exactly why dogs can't eat trail mix or their common ingredients
Pug licks their lips and looks into the camera

At first glance, trail mix might look like a healthy snack for everyone in your home. It has a little sugar, some healthy fats, and a small number of carbohydrates to keep you going throughout the day. Sounds great, right?
Although people can eat as much trail mix as they please, the same isn't true for our canine friends. There are many ingredients in this popular combo that aren't safe for dogs to eat. Let's go over a few of the reasons why as we answer some of the most common questions:

Can dogs eat raisins?
Why can't dogs eat trail mix?
Which nuts are safe for dogs to eat?

Read more
Cavapoo dog breed: Everything to know about this adorable hybrid pup
Do Cavapoos make good pets?
A Cavapoo dog on the lawn with purple collar looking at camera

With curly-q fur, floppy ears, and tender, round brown eyes, the Cavapoo dog breed is a strong contender for the cutest dog ever. Yet, we're told not to judge books by their covers or humans by their looks. The same goes for a Cavapoo dog, especially one you hope to make a family member.

The good news? Cavapoos are sweethearts and often make excellent family pets. However, like all dogs, they have needs and are prone to specific health problems. Understanding how to care for one upfront can help you determine whether your home best fits a Cavapoo (or any pet). Here's what to know about the breed's physical appearance, health, and personality and tips on "raising one right."
Cavapoo dog breed: Physical characteristics and health

Read more