In a report filed by Pet Product News International, non-toxic, recycled, organic, and sustainable are all terms that when found on products, are more appealing to pet owners. Writer Maggie M. Shein detailed the appeal of a more natural pet product marketplace and what it means to the industry as a whole.
Some of the companies mentioned include Planet Dog, West Paw Design, and Zigoo Pets and that they use FDA-approved materials and compounds for pet safety guarantee. For example, the Zigoo Pets’ toy, Crinkits, which is its flagship toy, is both BPA and phthalate free and made in the United States (Maine) from materials sourced here. The toy houses an empty water bottle and is therefore believed to appeal to consumers wanting “green” toys for their pets.
Managing director of the company Simply Fido, Sam Hahn, reported that they now make a line of toys with low-impact dyes, organic cotton, natural canvas, bamboo, and cotton rope.
PlanetDog, of Maine, uses both recycled and recyclable materials for their toy line. They work with a local manufacturer for high-end climbing rope in relation to their two pack of RecycleBALLs. A popular toy in their line is the Wood Chuck, which is a ball tosser made from bamboo and recycled cork. Even the ball is made from leftover materials on the factory floor, the company reported.
Company representatives interviewed revealed that many people are now asking where products are made. The belief is that local means more quality control, according to Zach Day, founder and owner of Zigoo Pets.
“It’s easy to dig in and find out what a company is about,” said Kathleen Johnson, COO of West Paw Design, a Bozeman, Montana, manufacturer. “A lot of our dealers take time to do that.”
For more information and to read the entire report, visit www.petproductnews.com.
Dr Patrick Mahaney
#1
January 31st, 2012 9:51 am
It's great to hear that consumers are considering the effect that toxins from toys could affect our pets. Now we need to move more in the realm of protecting our pets from toxins in the environment and food. There are innumerable potential and known toxins that we put into our pets' bodies in pet-grade, commercially available, dry and canned foods. I hope that consumers change their tune and realize that companies that create products comparable to home prepared foods (Lucky Dog Cuisine, Honest Kitchen, etc) or services that help you to prepare foods (UC Davis Nutritional Consultation, Balance It, etc) are the way to go to reduce food based toxins entering our pets' bodies.
Dr Patrick Mahaney
www.PatrickMahaney.com