Food Systems

Plant-Based and Vegan Diets as Animal Welfare Interventions

Shifting toward plant-based diets is one of the highest-impact individual actions for reducing farm animal suffering at scale.

Key Facts

A vegan diet spares approximately 100 animals per year compared to omnivore diet
Animal agriculture accounts for over 70% of all land animal welfare impacts
Beef requires 20 times more land per calorie than plant proteins
Global meat demand is projected to double by 2050 without significant dietary shifts

Welfare Considerations

The scale of farm animal suffering is directly linked to demand for animal products. Reducing consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs is the most direct way individuals can reduce their contribution to animal welfare harms. Plant-based diets can be nutritionally complete and are increasingly available and affordable in most parts of the world.

What You Can Do

Reduce meat and dairy consumption through Meatless Monday or other commitments
Explore plant-based alternatives to commonly consumed animal products
Support restaurants and food service providers expanding plant-based options
Engage with friends and family about the animal welfare case for dietary change