“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings

Happy Friday (and Earth Day)! Here's the scoop:

• The surprising affects your dog has on the planet

• A handy household ingredient you can use instead of chemicals for cleaning up after your dog

• Sustainable dog food made from a surprising protein source (warning: your dog will become obsessed with it)

• The right way to hike with your dog so you both can enjoy nature safely

True or False...
The Guinness World Record for “most tennis balls held in the mouth by a dog" is 4 tennis balls.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

How your dog’s carbon “pawprint” is impacting the planet
Happy Earth Day! We love this planet for so many reasons - one of them being that our dogs absolutely love to run around it. But, much like humans, dogs can leave an unexpected but lasting impact on the Earth.

Because we want to do anything we can to preserve and protect our planet (today and everyday), we dug into some of the major areas of concern. Check out how these relate to our pups and how can make small changes that have a big impact:

1. Pet toys and products. It’s no secret that many dog products are made from plastic or other “indestructible” materials that are, therefore, impossible to recycle. The production of these products also comes at a cost to the environment, from the manufacturing to the packaging to the transportation process. After they’ve been thoroughly loved by our pups? These toys end up in landfill sites.

Consider opting for natural dog toys and chews, or trading the toys your pup no longer loves with other pet parents! They’ll get to enjoy something new (to them) and you’ll feel better about creating less unnecessary waste.

2. Pet waste. One of the least glamorous - but very necessary - burdens of pet parenthood is, of course, poo pickup. Cleaning up after your pup and dropping that plastic bag in the nearest waste bin seems like the responsible thing to do, but what impact does this have on the environment?

Pet waste collected in plastic bags normally ends up in landfills, contributing to the trash problem on our planet. In the US, pets produce the same amount of bodily waste each year as about 90 million humans (!!) – approximately 5.1 million tons altogether.

Since not picking up after your pet is not really an option, we recommend switching to a scooper and compost bin for tidying up your own yard, and using compostable bags whenever a bag is necessary.

3. Pet food. Our dogs’ food is perhaps the biggest perpetrator. Pet food consumption is now estimated to be responsible for the release of up to 64 million tons of CO2 each year – a figure described by scientists as “an environmental disaster.”

The production of beef-based kibble is particularly problematic, as red meat production is highly inefficient. To produce 1lb of beef requires 25lbs of grain. Cattle are the highest methane-producing animal on the planet, with livestock farming creating 18% of human-produced greenhouse gas emissions worldwide – more than all emissions from cars, trucks, planes, ships, and all other transport put together.

So, what’s the best solution when it comes to sustainable pet food options? Check out our What we’re digging section below!

Do(g)-It-Yourself
Looking to get rid of chemical cleaning products? Taking a look at the ingredients in your cleaning products can be a big “yikes” moment – particularly for dog owners. Thankfully, there are natural alternatives that can help you keep your home and your pup clean.

Celebrate Earth Day with these life hacks for cleaning your dog and your house with a simple, inexpensive, and convenient ingredient: baking soda.

6 ways to clean with baking soda:

1. A dry dog bath. Don’t have time for a full bath? Sprinkle some baking soda on your dog’s coat, rub it into their fur, and brush it out. It’s basically the dog equivalent of dry shampoo - but without the expensive price tag!

2. …or a wet bath. Mix 3 tablespoons baking soda with 1 teaspoon natural dishwashing liquid and 1 teaspoon baby oil in a spray bottle. Spritz your dog in the bathtub.

3. Dog toothpaste. Brush your dog’s teeth and gums with baking soda. You can also combine baking soda with salt and warm water for dog-friendly mouthwash.

4. Odor elimination. Sprinkle baking soda on rugs and fabric, wait 15 minutes, and then vacuum to get rid of the dog scent in your furniture or your dog’s bedding.

5. Accident clean up. If your pet has a potty-related accident on the carpet, wipe it up, then sprinkle baking soda, wait 15 minutes, and vacuum.

6. Keeping your dog brushes clean. Soak dog brushes in a mixture of warm water and baking soda, then rinse and air dry.

What we're digging
Did you know that 30% of the beef and chicken industry in the US goes to support the pet food industry? Thirty. Percent. As a result, the pet industry has an enormous carbon "pawprint" that most people aren’t even aware of.

Thankfully, Jiminy’s is on a mission to change that.

Jiminy's makes sustainable dog food and treats using insect protein instead of traditional animal protein. We know what you’re thinking - insect protein?

Curiosity got the best of us and we tried it out on our dogs. And…they absolutely loved it. And we mean the begging for breakfast the next morning kind of love. Not only is their food sustainable and nutritious, it’s apparently delicious.

In honor of Earth Day, Jiminy's is offering 35% off for our Daily Dig readers. Use promo code EARTHDAY35 when you check out now through Sunday, April 24th.
Your pup and the planet will thank you!

The right way to hike with your dog
Love hiking? Going for a hike is a great way to enjoy nature, and dogs love to come along for the new sights and smells along the way. Before you hit the trails, here’s what you need to know about hiking with your pup.

• Before heading out, consider your dog’s age and ability before going on a strenuous hike. You may want to start on an easier trail before going on a longer adventure.

• Always bag your dog’s waste (and use eco-friendly bags, please!). Remember to bring extra bags and take them with you. It’s best not to leave used bags at the trailhead.

• Keep your dog on a leash – for the safety of other hikers and your dog. This way you’ll be able to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re not eating anything they shouldn’t be.

• Respect plantlife by keeping your dog on the trail.

• Do your research. Make sure you know where you’re allowed to bring a dog before starting a hike.

True or False...
Answer: FALSE! Finley the Golden Retriever can hold six tennis balls in his mouth at one time, making him the proud holder of this unique record.

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