Companion Animals

Pet Food Sourcing and Animal Welfare

Pet food production has significant animal welfare implications — both for the pets being fed and the animals in pet food ingredients.

Key Facts

The US pet food industry uses billions of pounds of animal protein annually
By-product meals from poultry and fish industries often come from low-welfare sources
Some pet foods now specify higher-welfare ingredient sourcing
Insect-based pet foods offer potential welfare advantages over conventional proteins

Welfare Considerations

Choosing pet food involves an indirect welfare decision about the animals whose proteins and fats make up the food. High-volume, inexpensive pet foods typically use ingredients from intensive production systems. Some premium brands now source from higher-welfare suppliers. This creates an opportunity for welfare-conscious pet owners to influence animal welfare through purchasing choices.

What You Can Do

Research the ingredient sourcing policies of your pet food brands
Choose pet food brands committed to higher-welfare sourcing
Support the development and adoption of insect-based pet foods
Advocate for transparency in pet food ingredient sourcing