Recyclable Pet Packaging: 5 Best Eco-Friendly Brands

Look, we all love our furry friends, but let’s be real—the amount of trash we generate buying pet food and supplies could fill a small landfill. That’s where recyclable pet packaging comes in to save the day (and the planet). If you’re tired of guilt-tripping yourself every time you toss another plastic bag in the trash, you’re not alone. The good news? There are actually brands out there that get it, and they’re making packaging that doesn’t suck—literally or environmentally.

Why Recyclable Pet Packaging Actually Matters

Before we dive into the five best eco-friendly brands, let’s talk about why this stuff matters. Americans spend over $136 billion on pets annually, and a huge chunk of that goes toward food and supplies that come wrapped in enough plastic to choke a whale (hopefully not literally). Traditional pet packaging ends up in landfills where it takes hundreds of years to decompose. Meanwhile, our oceans are basically becoming plastic soup, and wildlife is suffering big time.

Choosing sustainable pet packaging isn’t just a trendy Instagram flex—it’s genuinely one of the easiest ways to reduce your household waste footprint. Plus, brands using eco-friendly materials are often more thoughtful about their entire supply chain, which usually means better quality products for your pets too.

Understanding Compostable vs. Recyclable Pet Packaging

Here’s where people get confused: compostable and recyclable aren’t the same thing, and honestly, most compostable pet packaging won’t actually break down in your home compost pile (shocking, I know). True recyclable pet packaging uses materials like cardboard, paper, and certain plastics that your local recycling facility can actually process. Compostable packaging requires industrial composting facilities, which most people don’t have access to.

When you’re shopping for eco-conscious pet products, look for packaging that clearly states it’s recyclable through your local program. Check the bottom of containers for recycling symbols—numbers 1, 2, and 5 are most commonly accepted. This is way more practical than waiting for a mythical composting facility that might not exist in your area.

Brand #1: Nom Nom (Fresh Pet Food Delivered)

Nom Nom gets serious about their environmentally friendly pet packaging. They deliver fresh, human-grade pet food in insulated boxes lined with recycled materials and cooling packs made from water and cellulose. The best part? The outer box is 100% recyclable, and they use minimal plastic. The meals come in compostable trays (yes, actual industrial compostable ones), and they’ve partnered with TerraCycle to make sure packaging gets properly processed.

Beyond the packaging, Nom Nom’s food is fresher than most kibble, which means better nutrition for your pup and potentially fewer vet visits. That’s a win-win for both your wallet and the planet. If you’re looking to upgrade your pet’s diet while also reducing waste, this is a solid choice. You can also check out our guide on fresh food feeding routine to understand how to transition your pet properly.

Brand #2: Open Farm (Kibble with Conscience)

Open Farm’s commitment to recyclable pet packaging is backed by actual certifications. Their bags are made from recyclable kraft paper and use water-based inks instead of petroleum-based ones. They’re transparent about their sourcing—all ingredients are non-GMO and ethically raised. The packaging is designed to be lightweight (reducing shipping emissions) while still protecting the food inside.

What makes Open Farm stand out is their consistency. Every product line—from kibble to treats to supplements—uses the same eco-conscious packaging philosophy. They’re also certified by the Global Animal Partnership, which means they actually care about animal welfare beyond just making pretty packaging. For more on what goes into quality pet nutrition, check our article on made in USA pet supplements.

Brand #3: Primal Pet Foods (Raw & Responsible)

Primal uses recyclable cardboard boxes for their frozen raw pet food, which is honestly genius because the product stays cold during shipping without excessive styrofoam. The inner packaging is minimal—just what’s needed to keep meals separated. They’ve eliminated plastic windows and unnecessary filler materials that most pet food companies use.

Raw feeding can seem intimidating, but Primal makes it accessible with pre-portioned meals. Their sustainable packaging approach means less waste per serving than traditional kibble (which often comes in oversized bags with air space). If you’re considering raw feeding but worried about waste, Primal proves it can be done responsibly.

Brand #4: Ollie (Fresh Food, Smart Packaging)

Ollie delivers fresh pet food in insulated boxes made from 100% recycled materials. Their meal containers are made from recyclable plastic (specifically #5, which is accepted in most curbside programs), and they’ve worked hard to minimize packaging waste. The insulation uses recycled paper instead of plastic foam, and they even provide prepaid shipping labels so you can return packaging for reuse.

The company is transparent about their environmental goals and regularly updates their sustainability metrics. They’re not perfect (no company is), but they’re genuinely trying to reduce their footprint. Their meals are customized based on your pet’s age, weight, and health needs, so you’re not buying excess food that goes to waste.

Brand #5: The Farmer’s Dog (Transparent & Thoughtful)

The Farmer’s Dog uses recyclable cardboard boxes and has made a public commitment to carbon-neutral delivery. Their meal packs are sealed in compostable film (the real stuff that actually breaks down in industrial facilities), and they partner with Footprint to ensure their packaging is truly sustainable. They publish annual sustainability reports—which is rare and honestly pretty cool.

Beyond packaging, The Farmer’s Dog sources ingredients from U.S. farms and uses pet food supplement boosters thoughtfully to ensure complete nutrition. Their commitment to transparency extends to their sourcing, ingredient quality, and manufacturing practices. If you want to support a company that’s actually walking the walk on sustainability, this is a solid choice.

How to Maximize Your Recyclable Pet Packaging Impact

Buying from eco-conscious brands is great, but you can do more. First, actually recycle the packaging—don’t just assume it goes to the right place. Check your local recycling program’s website to confirm what they accept. Some programs take specific plastics but not others, and contamination ruins entire batches of recyclables.

Second, buy in bulk when possible. Larger bags or boxes mean fewer shipments and less packaging overall. Yes, you need space to store it, but if you have the room, bulk buying is genuinely one of the most effective ways to reduce waste. Third, consider sharing purchases with other pet owners to split bulk orders and reduce individual packaging waste.

Finally, give feedback to brands. If you love their recyclable pet packaging approach, tell them. If you think they could do better, tell them that too. Companies respond to customer demand, and enough voices can push even big brands to improve their practices.

The Reality Check: No Perfect Solution Exists

Let’s be honest—there’s no perfectly sustainable pet packaging yet. Even the best brands use some materials that aren’t recyclable, and shipping fresh or raw pet food requires cooling materials that add environmental cost. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Choosing brands that prioritize sustainability is better than defaulting to whatever’s cheapest or most convenient.

Also, consider whether fresh or raw feeding actually makes sense for your pet and lifestyle. Sometimes traditional kibble in recyclable pet packaging is genuinely the most sustainable option if it reduces food waste or shipping impacts. The most eco-friendly pet food is the one your pet will actually eat and thrive on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all pet packaging recyclable?

No, unfortunately not. Many pet food bags are made from multi-layer plastic that combines plastic and aluminum foil, which most recycling facilities can’t process. Always check the packaging for recycling symbols and contact your local program to confirm what they accept. The brands mentioned above specifically choose recyclable materials, which is why they’re worth supporting.

How do I know if pet packaging is truly compostable?

Look for certifications from organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or similar bodies in your country. Real compostable packaging will have clear labeling stating it’s certified for industrial composting. If the packaging doesn’t mention a specific certification, it’s probably not truly compostable—it’s just marketing speak.

Does recyclable pet packaging cost more?

Yes, typically it does cost 10-20% more than conventional options. However, fresh or raw pet foods often reduce waste (because your pet actually eats all of it without spoilage), which can offset higher packaging costs. Plus, better nutrition usually means fewer vet visits, which saves money long-term.

Can I compost pet food in my home compost?

Only if you’re composting meat-based raw pet food, and even then, it’s complicated. Most home compost piles don’t reach temperatures high enough to safely break down raw meat. For kibble and other processed pet foods, stick to regular composting or trash. Industrial composting facilities are the only reliable option for certified compostable packaging.

Are these brands available everywhere?

Most of the brands mentioned are available online through their websites or Amazon, which is actually convenient for bulk purchasing. Local availability varies by region. If you prefer shopping locally, ask your pet supply store about their recyclable packaging options—they might surprise you.

Making the Switch to Sustainable Pet Care

Switching to brands that prioritize recyclable pet packaging is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing quality. Your pets don’t care about packaging—they care about nutrition, taste, and your love. By choosing eco-conscious brands, you’re giving them better food while protecting the planet they’ll inherit.

Start by trying one brand and seeing how your pet responds. Every company offers some kind of satisfaction guarantee, so there’s minimal risk. Once you find what works, you can expand to treats and supplements from the same brand. Before long, you’ll realize that sustainable pet care isn’t actually that hard—it just requires being intentional about your choices.

For more information on quality pet nutrition, check out our articles on over the counter pet supplements to understand what supplements your pet might need. The combination of quality food in recyclable packaging and thoughtful supplementation creates a holistic approach to pet wellness that benefits both your furry friend and the planet.

The bottom line: Recyclable pet packaging isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary shift in how we think about pet care. These five brands prove that sustainability and quality aren’t mutually exclusive. Your pets deserve the best, and so does your planet.