Fresh dog food

How to recycle dog food packaging

27 March 2025Sustainability

Can I recycle dog food packaging?

We can all be more eco-friendly in our day-to-day lives. Many of us already opt for eco-friendly options, such as using public transport instead of driving, and purchasing loose fruit and veg instead of those wrapped in unnecessary plastic. Did you know you can also be sustainable in your choice of food for your four-legged friend?


Whilst not every dog food uses packaging that can be recycled or reused, there are eco-friendly options to discover, such as Different Dog.

What parts of Different Dog’s packaging can I recycle?

At Different Dog, we keep the environment in mind whenever we make a decision, including sourcing our packaging. You can recycle our pot sleeves, delivery box, the outer of the wool lining, and ice packs (make sure to drain the non-toxic solution down your drain first). The pots themselves are compostable.

Can I send my Different Dog packaging back to you to reuse?

If you’d like to do your part in helping us limit waste, you can send your wool liners (the insulation in your box) back to us to reuse! We recommend holding on to one of your delivery boxes and filling it up with your wool liners. Once the box is full, get in touch with our Customer Delight team and we’ll send you a free returns label to post it on to us.

Creative ways to reuse dog food packaging

If your recycling bin is already full, we have some fun inspiration below on creative and practical ways to reuse your packaging instead.

Using the icepacks on a picnic

With sunnier days (hopefully) approaching, you can save up your ice packs to keep your lunch cool on your next picnic. Or, if you’re planning a staycation this summer (lucky you!), you can use the ice packs to keep your dog’s favourite recipes cool for the journey until you arrive at your destination.

Using the insulation for plants

The insulation can be used to line your plant pots as well as our boxes! Lining your plant pots with insulation keeps them warmer during the frostier times of the year. Customer and Devoted to Dogs member, Fern, shared photos of her insulated pot. We’re very impressed!

Steph ready to cook our mouth-watering Turkey Fricassee recipe at a previous Crufts

One of our customers, Fern, used the wool from the insulation to line her plant pot.

Steph ready to cook our mouth-watering Turkey Fricassee recipe at a previous Crufts

Fern’s plant today. Looking good!

Turn your packaging into a piece of art

For the more creative among us, why not turn your packaging into something brand new? Our Pup Partners are pros at creating new pieces of art out of our pot sleeves and delivery boxes. Take a look at two of our favourite examples below to get your creative juices flowing!

Steph ready to cook our mouth-watering Turkey Fricassee recipe at a previous Crufts

Charlie and the cutest kissing booth. @charlieofcandymountain on Instagram

Steph ready to cook our mouth-watering Turkey Fricassee recipe at a previous Crufts

Knight Morty guarding his cardboard kingdom. @phoebeandmomo on Instagram

Get in touch with our team

Whether you need to double-check how to dispose of our packaging, or you have a unique way of reusing it, get in touch with our team on social media or email us at feedme@differentdog.com.

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Different Dog exists to improve the lives of dogs through freshly, hand-cooked food. Different Dog's recipes are nutritionally balanced by their vet and pet nutritionist for optimum canine health. They have expanded their production facilities and market presence since 2018 to reach more dog families across the UK.

It is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development

Different Dog Ltd © 2025. Units 13-16 Centurion Park, Kendal Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 4EH