Animal Welfare Science

Plant-Based Diets and Animal Welfare: The Connection

The global food system is the largest single driver of animal welfare compromise, with dietary choices directly determining the scale of farm animal suffering experienced globally.

Key Facts

Over 80 billion land animals are killed for food globally each year
A vegan diet reduces an individual food system land use by 76% and water use by 55%
Each person who adopts a plant-based diet spares approximately 200 animals per year
Partially reduced meat consumption has proportionally reduced welfare impact
Plant-based diets are nutritionally adequate across all life stages per major dietetic associations

Welfare Considerations

The connection between individual food choices and animal welfare is direct and quantifiable. Every reduction in consumption of factory-farmed animal products corresponds to reduced demand that translates into fewer animals in intensive production. While individual choice alone cannot transform food systems, collective dietary shifts have historically driven industry and policy change.

What You Can Do

Reduce or eliminate consumption of factory-farmed animal products
Explore plant-based alternatives to animal products in everyday cooking
Choose higher-welfare animal products when continuing to consume meat and dairy
Advocate for plant-based options in institutions including schools and hospitals
Support policy frameworks that internalize animal welfare costs into food pricing