Sit Stay Forever organic dog sunscreen, named Best Organic by The Spruce Pets

Sit Stay Forever Named "Best Organic" in The Spruce Pets' Top Dog Sunscreens

We're proud to share that Sit Stay Forever's Organic Sunscreen was named the "Best Organic" pick in The Spruce Pets' roundup of the top dog sunscreens.

What made it stand out:

An all-natural organic ingredient list, SPF-supporting oils, moisturizing benefits alongside sun protection, and a vegan, cruelty-free formula — free of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and other chemically toxic ingredients commonly found in conventional sunscreens.

Our sunscreen gets its SPF protection properties from natural, fruit based oils, including red raspberry and carrot seed oil whose efficacy has been proven in peer reviewed scientific research experiments. The sunscreen also includes antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids that support skin health and repair. Every ingredient used in our formulation is lick safe.

It's such an honor to be recognized alongside big trusted name brands in the sun care market. We have also remained committed to formulating chemically safe effective products where every ingredient used is safe for dogs, cats, horses and humans.

The Spruce Pets Best Organic dog sunscreen award

Why "Organic" Is Its Own Category in Pet Sun Care

Most pet sunscreens fall into one of two categories:

Physical (mineral-based) Barriers.

These sunscreens act as a literal shield sitting on top of the skin. These minerals reflect and scatter the harmful rays. Common mineral based sunscreen ingredients are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are not safe for dogs, cats and horses to lick or swallow, and zinc oxide in particular is toxic if ingested.

Chemical Barriers.

These sunscreens act as a sponge rather than a shield. These sunscreens use carbon based organic compounds that are absorbed into the skin where they act to absorb UV radiation and convert it into harmless heat.

Each has trade-offs — mineral formulas tend to offer more consistent, tested protection, while organic formulas prioritize being fully non-toxic if licked or ingested, which matters for pets that groom themselves.

Being recognized specifically in the "Best Organic" category means Sit Stay Forever's formula stood out among other plant-based, zinc-free options — not just pet sunscreens broadly.

Steve recently discussed this exact topic — why dogs and cats need dedicated sun protection — in a segment for WGME/CBS 13.

A Quick Refresher on Pet Sun Safety

Sunburn in dogs and cats isn't limited to hairless breeds. All pets with short or thin coats, pink skin, or areas thinned from shedding are vulnerable to UV damage. Noses, ear tips and bellies are all super vulnerable areas. If these areas are left unprotected, long repeated sessions of sun exposure can lead to irritation, burning and long term skin damage.

For a full breakdown of what to look for in a sunscreen for your dog or cat and how to apply it correctly, see our Complete Guide to the Best Dog and Cat Sunscreen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a pet sunscreen "organic"?

While there are different levels of “certification” of what makes a product organic, we use organic red raspberry and carrot seed oils. An organic pet sunscreen relies on natural, plant-based oils for SPF properties, rather than synthetic chemical UV filters or minerals like zinc oxide.

Is organic sunscreen safe if my pet licks it?

Yes — in particular our sunscreen, and all our products were formulated to be effective and super safe for our pets. Organic, oil-based formulas are generally formulated to be safe if ingested in small amounts, which matters since pets frequently groom themselves after application.

Does organic sunscreen work as well as mineral sunscreen?

Organic formulas definitely require more frequent reapplication than mineral-based sunscreens, since natural oils don't provide the same consistent, tested UV-blocking strength. It's truly the tradeoff from sunscreens which can make your pet sick if ingested.

We're honored to be recognized alongside other trusted names in pet sun care. This recognition reinforces our commitment to developing safe, effective, organic sun care products for dogs, cats, and horses.

The Spruce Pets named our organic dog sunscreen Best Organic in their roundup of the best sunscreens for dogs.

Here's what they said:

"For dog owners passionate about finding an organic sunscreen option for their pup, Sit. Stay. Forever's combination sunscreen and moisturizer is their best choice."

The Spruce Pets also noted that the formula is vegan and cruelty-free, and free of titanium and zinc oxides, benzophenone and oxybenzone.

Why Organic Dog Sunscreen?

Dogs and cats with light, pink and thin coats can sunburn just as easily as humans, especially on the noses, tips of ears and bellies. Most dogs and cats lick any balm or salve you apply to their skin. Our sunscreen is completely safe if your pet licks it, and usually enough sunscreen will have already absorbed into their skin to be effective.

Because it's natural, reapply every 2–3 hours and after swimming. For long days at the beach, add shade.

Shop Organic Sunscreen for Dogs & Cats

Read the full list at The Spruce Pets.

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Steve Whitney

Steve Whitney is a biologist and the founder of Sit Stay Forever, where he develops organic, chemical-safe care products for dogs, cats, and horses, made in Maine since 2012.

Raised alongside companion animals and horses from birth, his background combines deep academic research with hands-on clinical and equestrian experience:

• Scientific Background: Earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Natural Resources, concentrating on biology and genetics.
• Veterinary Experience: Began his career as a veterinary assistant, was accepted to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and has worked alongside veterinarians caring for small and large animals.
• Equine Experience: A lifetime of riding and training sport horses. Groomed 1980 Kentucky Derby winner Genuine Risk and served as a safety official and announcer at three-day eventing trials.

Steve Whitney is a biologist and lifelong animal caretaker whose training in genetics and hands-on veterinary and equine experience qualify him to formulate chemical-safe pet products.