Flush Puppies: The Way Doodie Was Meant to Be Handled

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner is Being a Good Sport
in this Flush Puppies Review

I've mentioned this company before on several occasions. Flush Puppies makes a water soluble doodie bag that is destined to save the landfills. I like their terminology; doodie bag sounds better than poop bag, don't you think?. I was excited to meet the Florida folks that created this neat product at Global Pet Expo and finally to get to try their bags.


Although my expectations were low, I wasn't much happier about the so-called biodegradable poop bags that I've found elsewhere. Have you checked out your brand to find out how long it takes to biodegrade? It will shock you. That's why the idea of a water soluble bag--one that biodegrades in water--was so fascinating to me.


I was curious. When I asked Josh about time frames I got just the answers I was looking for. "It all depends." It depends on the temperature of the water vs. dry compost, for instance. Big difference ranging from instantaneous in hot water to more than 90 days in dry compost tests in a lab. Since Flushpuppies are made specifically for use in septic or sewer systems, their materials (PVA and organic matter) lend themselves well to breakdown at a fast pace in this bacteria rich environment. Perfect!


According to the  EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), “Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters. . . Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies.”

© Carrie Boyko
That's It.
 No More Smelly Trash Cans!

Flush Puppies bags are designed to dissolve in the water of our sewer systems. You might be interested in reading their FAQ page here. Without tying a knot, you simply drop the bag into a toilet and flush.


Here's the high points that we've discovered when we use Flush Puppies:

© courtesy Flushpuppies

© Carrie Boyko
Stop Here; Flush it Instead

• No more smelly trash cans full of poop bags until trash day. This is definitely the best asset. Yay!
• No more 'biodegradable bags' clogging up landfills for dozens or even hundreds of years.
• No more struggling to tie a knot in doodie bags. It's best to flush the Flush Puppies bag without tying a knot.
• The product is a surprisingly substantive feeling material that resembles a heavier plastic bag than most poop bags. That was clearly a big surprise to me.
• Less trash to haul to the street on trash day.

You're probably wondering, "Do they really dissolve?" Well, my scientific curiosity had me testing one of these bags in a bucket of water--better than using a toilet! I wanted to remove it and see what the results were. As I suspected, the bag does not disappear upon contact with the water. That would be bad if your pup had one of those embarrassing moments that might call for Petpto-Bismol, if were us.

© Carrie Boyko
Down it Goes

Actually, I had the opportunity (ack!) to experience this very scenario. After Tanner ate a cookie from the kitchen counter ledge, his 'output' was less than solid. I tested the bag to see how it worked, wondering if I would end up with a messy hand. Although I did notice a softer feel to the bag, no breakdown was noted and the bag was deposited safely in the bathroom facility--aka, the john.

© courtesy Flushpuppies

Now let's change directions. Are you asking yourself if Flush Puppies will fit into your cute little poop bag dispenser? The answer is yes. They even sell an adorable, bone-shaped one of their own that you can order from their site at this link. Flush Puppies provides bags in rolls and in wallet form (all folded up) for your preference. I can see how some folks may like the wallet style better for back pockets, if a round dispenser is not attached to your leash. Lucky for us, it's a take your pick situation.


So, if you can't wait on the giveaway, you can order direct from Flush Puppies, check for other retailers here, or you're welcome to order here through Amazon:

If you're in Florida, you're in luck. Pet Supermarket is picking up the Flush Puppies line. It is expected to be available at many stores in our state by late June. Check the store locater here to find a location near you. Be sure to call first to determine availability. Thanks for considering the environment when Fido's duty calls.


Now, shall we offer a giveaway to let you test the product out? I've got 12 prizes consisting of 2 wallet packs each, ready to go to the winners of our drawing.  Here's how to enter, and please pay close attention to the minor changes in my methods, if you're a regular here:

• First and foremost, leave us a comment here on the blog. We'd love to hear your thoughts or questions. Just click the COMMENTS link at the bottom of the post.
• Print an image from this All Things Dog Blog post and add a message: "We love Flush Puppies". Take a photo of your pup with this and send it to AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. This will get you 3 entries into the drawing, and may be posted either on our Facebook page or on the blog. Email entries will be accepted ONLY if you are sending a photo of your pup. Please leave a comment telling us you have sent an email entry. (Sometimes these stinkers find their way into our spam)
• Send us a Tweet to @AllThingsDog, and be sure to tell us you're entering the Flush Puppies giveaway. Then leave a comment here, letting us know you've Tweeted us. We sure don't want any lost entries.

© Carrie Boyko
All Done! Thanks Tanner

Don't forget to leave us a way to notify you if you win (Twitter handle, email, website or blog URL) and please stop by our Facebook page to "like" us, so you won't miss out on any of our news. We run weekly giveaways of pup products to solve many dog owners' woes. Hope to see you again soon. Entries close at 5 PM on Thursday, June 23. Winners will be announced on Friday here on the blog. Happy tails!

A small number of samples were provided to All Things Dog Blog by Flush Puppies for review. No cash or other compensation was taken in exchange for my review. The opinions stated herein are my own.

Saving on Pet Food: Making the Most of Superstore Savings Programs

Guest Post by Elizabeth Glavin of 20something Saver

© Carrie Boyko
Organix Kibble with
 Stewed Organic Chicken and Carrots

Dog food can be expensive. Dog food can be really expensive when you feed your dog healthy and nutritious food.


Luckily, you’re going to play the Dog Food Game.


Want to play? Join me:


First things first-- figure out what you’re willing to spend. It’s unrealistic for someone to spend $50 on one bag of dog food when they are fostering 8 Greyhounds! They won’t be able to feed their children. So let’s be realistic, but not too cheap-- You would much rather spend a little money now on food, then a lot down the road if something happens to Fido. I highly recommend an all Organic diet. To read more on why organic is healthier, read Carrie’s post “Your Dog’s Food: Why is Organic Healthier?”.


Now that you have what you’re willing to spend, head out to the store. Personally, I suggest PetsMart or PetCo. They carry a large variety of healthy, nutritious, and organic dog food. Another great store is Pet Supermarket. Where you decide to shop is up to you and your pup.


PetsMart is one of my favorites because they have great customer service. They are very helpful and always willing to answer questions you may have. PetsMart accepts manufacturer coupons, so research online to see if your dog food company gives out coupons. 

(Not a Valid Coupon)
Manufacturer's Coupons
 are Available from Some Pet Food Makers

Their rewards program, PetPerks, is not as fun as the other stores (more on that later), but still helps you save some green. Basically, having a PetPerks card gets you special deals. There are no coupons involved, and you don’t get anything for free. Here’s how a purchase would go at PetsMart: At check out, the cashier will ask if you have a PetPerks card. If you do, they scan it and you will get the sale price of the item. Usually, dog food is about 15-20% cheaper with a PetPerks card, so I highly recommend getting one. Signing up for one is easy-- just sign up here. What’s my favorite part of PetPerks? They remember your pet’s birthday and will send Fido a card and a $5 off coupon in the mail! If you think you want to start shopping at PetsMart, be sure and find a location near you.


PetCo has some great rewards! PetCo uses the Pals Program and you can sign up for that here. For every 10 bags of dog food you purchase, you get one bag free! PetCo accepts manufacturer coupons and they have their own coupons that you can print from their website. When you’re part of the Pals Program, you will also get monthly emails containing coupons! Because they have store coupons and manufacturer coupons, PetCo allows stacking. Stacking is when you use both a manufacturer and store coupon for one item. For a PetCo near you, click here and enter your zip code.


Pet Supermarket is also a favorite because they do something none of the other stores do-- price match! Of course, you’ll want to confirm this with your local Pet Supermarket, but most stores do. Pet Supermarket also accepts competitor coupons (from PetsMart and PetCo) and manufacturers coupons. Price matching is very easy at Pet Supermarket-- just bring in another store’s ad with your item on sale for a specific price, and they will honor the price. Pet Supermarket also has a discount card; the VIP card. To obtain a VIP card, visit your local Pet Supermarket.

© Carrie Boyko
No Flips for Tanner--Just Chow!

Now that you’ve found Fido some yummy food, you might want to supplement it. We do this about once a week for a special treat. Your local Farmer’s Market sells organic fruits and vegetables that you can give to Fido-- carrots, apples, and zucchini are perfectly fine for Fido’s tummy. You could even boil some boneless, skinless chicken breasts-- Cocoa and Oreo will do flips for chicken! 

20something Saver is a blog about a 20something learning to live on less. Visit her site to learn more money-saving tips with her dogs, Cocoa and Oreo. 

***Don't miss Carrie's recipe for Stewed Chicken and Carrot Cookies for Fido, coming in June.




Have you missed any of our series on organic dog food? Here's the links:

• Our Pet Food Pantry: A Little History
• Your Dog's Food: Why is Organic Healthier?
• Our Dogs' Food: The Big Decision
• Dog Food D-Day: The Big Reveal
• Surprise Dog Toys Awarded to Observant Winners
• Organix Dog Food Giveaway: 12 Bags of Healthy Goodness