Why incorporate green practices? What does the environment have to do with your business? Even if you have not gotten into the green movement in your home life, there are compelling reasons to consider it for your business. In addition to good karma, sustainable practices have been shown across markets and industries to have positive effect on growth and helps your business stand out from competition in a way that justifies charging a premium for your services.

Where to start?
If you are in the planning stages of your business, there are many techniques to make your facility green from the ground up with everything from construction materials to lighting. What about established businesses or companies who would like to start small and see quick results? Green dog treats can be a great entry into “going green” because of their relative ease, straightforward marketing tie-in, and potential for expanding your offerings.

Dogs can go green?
Just like food for people, the most beneficial foods start with the best ingredients. The whole, organic ingredients that are planet-friendly also are often the healthiest. Dog treats made from human-grade veggies, grain, and easy-to-digest protein eliminate the fillers, chemicals, and factory farms that contribute to pollution in the environment – and our bodies.

Dogs are naturally opportunistic eaters – that is to say that a healthy dog eats more than kibble. They have developed characteristics that permit digestion of a varied diet. Plant-based treats with high-quality ingredients can be easier to digest, provide antioxidants, support a doggie’s weight loss program, and increase energy. Plant-based foods are also being studied for their potentially positive effect on common diseases in animals and avoid many of the additives in processed meat and dairy products.

How will green practices help my business?
Four out of five consumers say they stick with environmentally friendly products and services even when the prices are higher and the economy is wavering.

The hallmarks of a green consumer are loyalty, consistency, and a willingness to spend their money on companies that share their values.

• Stand out from competitors by marketing your green practices and products
• Increase your prices as your business becomes known for its planet- and dog-friendly practices
• Reduce money spent on processed treats
• Create easy gifts for clients - both the treats and recipe cards for treats they can make at home
• Show clients you are committed to the health of their dogs

Plant–based treats

• Can provide antioxidants
• Support a weight loss plan
• Increase energy
• And are currently being studied for their effect on common diseases.

Try these quick and easy planet-friendly recipes to get started going green. Taste tested and approved by our dogs, but as with any treats or food, check with owners and vets before feeding anything to dogs.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream
This all-natural ice cream has a smooth finish dogs love. Try making it with your favorite organic peanut butter.
Yield: 1 quart
Ingredients

• 2 cups soymilk
• 3/4 cup peanut butter

In a medium-size saucepan, combine soymilk and peanut butter. Bring to a boil then remove from heat. Refrigerate mixture until chilled, approximately 2 to 3 hours. Freeze according to your ice cream maker’s instructions.

Applesauce Biscuits

• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup oatmeal

Preheat oven to 375 °F. Combine the applesauce and water in a small bowl. Combine the flour and oatmeal in a large bowl. Pour the applesauce mixture into the dry ingredients and mix. Knead the dough and turn out onto a floured surface. Roll dough to about a 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Be creative with cookie cutters. Try different shapes and sizes for client gifts and celebrations!

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