Keeping Your Dog Warm the Eco-Friendly Way
- The Earth Pup
- 16 minutes ago
- 6 min read
"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire." – Edith Sitwell
I look at the weather app on my phone and can’t help but groan.
Not just one snowflake – two snowflakes – in the ten-day forecast.
Snow. It’s going to snow. While it is pretty, I don’t think I could be labeled as a big fan of snow.
Pup, on the other hand? He seems to like it just fine. Perhaps I get him a little more prepared than I do myself, with a coat, extra blanket and personal heater, but I imagine there are some eco-friendly options I could research while hiding inside from the snow.
When temperatures drop, fur coats do go a long way in staying warm, but most of our pups still rely on us to help them stay cozy, comfortable, and safe. Of course, there are a lot of products on the market to assist with this, but winter care doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. With greener eco-friendly pet products, natural materials, and mindful choices, it is possible for pet parents to keep their dog cozy all season long—while also reducing their carbon pawprint.
So, in doing a little desktop research, here are some of the top eco-friendly ways to keep our pups warm this winter, featuring sustainable coats, snuggly blankets, and internal fueling options that align with The Earth Pup’s journey.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Dog Coats
Not all dog coats are created equal. Many conventional options (e.g., fleece, nylon, polyester) are made from petroleum-based synthetics or contain chemical waterproofing. Instead, look for coats made from:
Organic or Natural Fibers
Top pick. Wool, hemp blends and organic cotton offer warmth without synthetic dyes or pesticides. And they’re biodegradable.
Recycled Materials
While they don’t break down quickly after pup’s worn them out, coats crafted from recycled plastic bottles or reclaimed polyester do keep waste out of landfills and oceans.
Low-Impact Waterproofing
If pup needs protection from rain and/or snow, look for brands using PFC/PFAS-free waterproof coatings, which are safer for dogs and waterways. These are classified as “forever chemicals” that present serious health risks for people and pups. As of January 2025, both California and New York have banned the sale of certain materials that contain intentionally added PFAS.
Product Finds:
✔ EcoPup Recycled Fleece Jacket
Can be used alone or under another coat, simplistic styling fits a wide variety of pup shapes and sizes.
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Made from recycled plastic bottles, with organic cotton trim.
Find it at:
✔ Ruffwear “Climate Changer” Coverall Dog Jacket
A unique design with articulated, stretchy sleeves and reflective trim, great for early morning or evening walks/hikes. Other “Climate Changer” options also available on their site.
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Body made of recycled polyester fleece, which is durable and long-lasting. Durable water repellants are PFC-free.
Find it at:
✔ WoolDog Handmade Wool Sweater
Soft, warm, elastic and classic – what more could pup want in a sweater? Blankets and cowls also available on their site. Toys, too!
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Natural wool, hand-knit, biodegradable fibers.
Find it at:
✔ Hurtta ECO Monsoon Coat
A warm and weatherproof coat designed for durability, visibility, and adjustability – safe for pets, people and the planet.
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Made from 80-100% recycled materials that are bluesign® approved to be from a toxin-free supply chain.
Find it at:
TEP Tip: Just like human clothing, dog clothes come in many different fits and measurements. Be sure to measure your pup and compare them to the various size charts to find which coat will fit the best and be the most comfortable for your pup. If sizing is tough, choose brands offering stretchy material, adjustable straps and/or custom sizing.
Warm Up Pup with Cozy Blankets
A cozy blanket is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your dog warm indoors—and choosing sustainable textiles makes it even better.
Eco-Friendly Blanket Options:
Blankets made from recycled PET bottles (easy to wash and dry, which can be helpful for wet pups coming inside after winter play)
Upcycled wool blankets (naturally insulating, moisture-wicking, and durable)
Organic cotton or bamboo fiber throws (soft, breathable, and gentle on skin)
These can be layered in your dog’s bed, placed in crates, or snuggled into favorite resting spots.
Product Finds:
✔ Barkingtosh Tartan Wool Pet Blanket
Offered in two different sizes and a wide variety of tartan plaids – all registered with the Scottish Tartan Registry – these classically styled blankets are made with a luxurious blend of Lambswool and Merino wool.
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Made mostly (75%) from recycled wool.
Find it at:
✔ Earthdog Hemp & Recycled Fleece Blanket
Durable hemp canvas meets soft and cozy recycled fleece. Bonus: machine washable and dryable!
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Made from eco-friendly hemp and recycled polyester.
Find it at:
✔ Simply Organic Bamboo Plush Throw
We all know our pups like people products, so don’t forget that people blankets can also make great pup blankets! These are sourced from organically grown bamboo and are certified to be free of harmful chemicals. Offered in several colors of a cozy textured material that is also machine washable.
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Made entirely from plant based and recycled materials; OEKO-TEX® certified free from harmful chemicals.
Find it at:
TEP Tip: Be sure to check out the materials used to make pup’s new blanket. Though a brand may be known for products made of a certain fabric, that isn’t always what they make their pet blankets out of. In doing this research, we found a brand well-known for their premium wool products selling pet blankets made from virgin polyester. And, sadly, they were recommended by AI as being eco-friendly.
Support Your Dog’s Natural Warmth Through Nutrition
While not a traditional “warming” product, diet does influence winter comfort. Depending on pup’s level of activity and time spent outdoors, (s)he may also need additional calories in the winter to maintain a good weight and/or supplements for healthy skin and coat that can become dry with indoor heating.
Some seasonal, eco-conscious boosts to consider:
Omega-rich oils (flaxseed, algae-based omega-3s)
Dog-safe root veggies (carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes)
Warm, slow-cooked meals using sustainably sourced ingredients
Healthy fats help dogs maintain their winter coat and their internal warmth. As always, consult with your vet and/or pet nutritionist for a pet-specific diet plan.
Product Finds:
✔ Sustainable Omega-3 Oil (Algae-Based) – Fera Pet Organics
A plant-based oil rich in Omega-3s that provides a sustainable alternative to fish oil.
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Plant-based omega-3s avoid overfishing and growing plants absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change and are biodegradable.
Find it at:
✔ Wild Earth Dog Food & Treats
Clean, green and loaded with plant-based protein, they offer both a performance and maintenance kibble to best meet your pup’s activity level. Complete with a 30-day Happiness Guarantee.
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Vegan, sustainable proteins require less water and land than meat-based proteins and have a low carbon footprint.
Find it at:
✔ Human Grade Food and Treats from The Honest Kitchen
Might pup fancy a warm broth over kibble on a cold winter night? Or a fresh, homemade meal from fresh ingredients and minimal processing? The Honest Kitchen offers a wide variety of foods, treats and toppers for different dietary needs, from high protein to low carb, growing puppy to settled senior.
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Non-GMO, fair-trade ingredients, packaging from renewable resources.
Find it at:
TEP Tip: Many retailers and e-tailers offer both eco-friendly and not-so-eco-friendly food, treats and supplements for substantiating a business. By looking around and digging through to find and choose the eco-friendly product, you're providing support of these products by way of market demand. The greater the market demand, the more of these products the retailers/e-tailers will carry to substantiate their business.
Responsible Winter Care Choices
Key to note: While it can be fun to buy new stuff for pup, sometimes the most sustainable option is simply using less or using what you already have.
Eco-Friendly Options to Try:
Repairing small rips in coats or beds instead of replacing them
Upcycling old sweaters into DIY dog coats
Gifting an unused blanket to your pup
Matching winter gear to your dog’s actual needs (not all breeds and situations require coats!)
Sustainability isn’t just about buying eco-friendly—it’s also about reducing waste and making long-lasting choices.
While it sometimes seems that's all there is on the market, a little digging proves keeping your dog warm in winter doesn’t have to involve harmful chemicals, synthetic textiles, or wasteful products. From sustainably sourced coats and blankets to natural foods, eco-friendly winter care is better for your dog and the planet. Snow or no snow!
Comments