plant-based dog treats
(Photo Credit: Iuliia Bondar/Getty)

Plant-Based Dog Treats Aim to Cut Harmful Emissions

Your dog depends on you for a healthy, delicious diet. As long as humans have domesticated dogs, their diets have been intertwined with ours. And if you lead an active outdoor lifestyle, you want to know what you’re feeding your pup isn’t harming the natural areas you both enjoy.

CLIFBar & Company, makers of the famous energy bar, recently came out with a new line of plant-based dog treats, CLIFPet. The tender treats are made with only seven ingredients and contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. They come in three flavors: sweet potato & blueberry, butternut squash & cranberry, and pumpkin & apple. 

Greg Lok, a representative for CLIFBar spoke with Treehugger, saying that pets have been a part of the brand’s identity for over three decades. Owners bring their dogs to work regularly, he says. On top of that, employees have urged the company to make dog treats for a while. The company even has a Chief Dog Officer named Gus!

Better Dog Treats for a Greener Planet

Besides creating new plant-based treats for our dogs, CLIFBar & Company is also prioritizing the planet with CLIFPets. According to Lok, “every single ingredient in our treats has a smart reason for being there… above all, purposefully-crafted foods are better for people, communities, and the planet, which were all considerations.”

It’s no surprise, then, that the treat is being sold at Petco. In 2018, the company announced that it would become the first national retailer to stop selling dog food and treats using artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. 

Climate Change and Our Pets

Climate change is real and affects us and our pets every day. Making conscious choices about what we feed our dogs is not just about their health. Some research suggests dogs and cats can contribute up to 30 percent of annual emissions from animal production. With that in mind, Changing your dog’s diet to plant-based, sustainable options is just one of many ways you and your dog can adapt to a changing climate. 

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