Thoughtful gifts for your dog, with a little less impact on the planet.
The holidays are a time for giving, but they can also mean a whole lot of stuff. More packaging, more plastic, and more things that eventually get trashed.
This year, we're thinking a little differently about what's going under the tree for our furry friends.
We believe thoughtful gifting starts with considering what something is made from, how it's produced, and what happens when it's no longer needed. From repurposed sailing rope to seaweed-based chew toys and treats made with alternative proteins, there are some interesting ways to make more conscious choices.
Here are five ways to shop a little more sustainably for your dog this holiday season.
1. Second Watch: Upcycled Sailing Line
What happens to high-performance sailing rope when it's on the cutting room floor or no longer needed on a boat? At Lake Dog, we think it deserves a Second Watch.
Our Second Watch Collection gives retired and surplus marine-grade rope a new purpose as handmade dog gear. We source materials from yacht riggers and transform them into functional leashes and accessories, keeping usable rope in circulation rather than letting it go to waste.
Because we work with reclaimed materials, colors, patterns, and quantities vary depending on what we can source. That means each piece has its own story, and some combinations may never come around again.
Why we love it: Originally engineered for demanding marine environments, these ropes were built for strength and performance.
2. Kelpy Bone: A Seaweed-Based Alternative to Plastic
Made with Notpla Rigid, a seaweed-based material, Kelpy Bone offers an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastic chew toys.
Seaweed can grow quickly without freshwater irrigation, agricultural land, or fertilizer. Kelpy Bone is also designed to be home compostable at the end of its useful life. It's a thoughtful example of how rethinking materials can change the way we approach everyday pet products.
As with any chew toy, supervise your dog during use, inspect it regularly, and remove it if pieces begin breaking off.
Why we love it: An innovative material that challenges the idea that every dog toy needs to be made from plastic.
3. Natural Chews & Toys: Coffee Wood and Coconut Fiber
Sometimes the best toys don't need complicated materials or elaborate designs.
Mumbies coffee wood chews and coconut rope balls offer two alternatives to conventional synthetic dog toys, using materials derived from plants.
Made from coffee tree wood, Mumbies repurposes agricultural byproduct rather than using wood harvested from cleared forests.
The original chews and root chews are a simple choice for dogs who enjoy settling in with something to gnaw on. As these chews wear down, they fray and crumble into soft fibers or flakes rather than splitting into sharp shards
Made with coconut fiber rope, these toys bring a natural material into everyday play. They're a fun option for dogs who love chasing, carrying, and interactive games.
Coconut fibers are another agricultural by-product that requires low-impact processing and completely biodegrades without leaving toxic residue!
Why we love them: Simple, plant-derived materials that offer alternatives to conventional synthetic toys.
4. Archway Treats: A Different Approach to Protein
What goes into your dog's treat bag matters, too! That's one reason we carry Archway treats.
Archway explores alternative protein sources, including crickets and invasive fish, as part of its approach to pet nutrition. Insect protein offers an alternative to conventional livestock proteins, while using invasive fish creates a productive use for species that can disrupt native aquatic ecosystems.
Archway also highlights environmental responsibility through its packaging efforts and participation in 1% for the Planet.
Why we love them: Thoughtfully selected ingredients and an approach to pet nutrition that considers more than just the finished treat.
5. Best Stocking Stuffer: Poop Bags
Sometimes, the best gifts are the practical things we use every day. Poop bags might not be at the top of your dog's wish list, but they're a must-have for every outing.
Why we love them: Earth Rated is our top pick for poop bags due to their high durability, leak-proof design, and eco-conscious manufacturing
Less Waste, More Adventure
Shopping sustainably doesn't have to mean replacing everything your dog already owns with something labeled "eco-friendly."
One of the simplest ways to reduce waste is to buy less, choose thoughtfully, and make the most of what you already have.
Look for products made with reclaimed or renewable materials, and prioritize quality craftsmanship and durable construction over cheaply made, disposable alternatives. Choosing well-made gear that's built to last can mean fewer replacements, less waste, and more adventures together. And when something reaches the end of its useful life, consider whether it can be reused, recycled, or responsibly disposed of.
Our dogs don't care how many presents are under the tree. They care about the next fetch, the next treat, and spending time with their favorite people.
This holiday season, we're choosing gifts that celebrate those simple pleasures while being a little more mindful of the world our dogs love exploring.
Good dogs. Thoughtful gifts. A little less waste.
Happy holidays from Lake Dog. 🎄