Reducing Suffering in the Pet Food Industry

The pet food industry uses billions of farmed animals annually, and improving the welfare of animals in pet food supply chains is an often-overlooked dimension of companion animal ownership.

Key Facts

US pets consume approximately 25% as much animal-derived calories as the human population
Most commercial pet food uses low-grade byproducts from the human food supply chain
Insect-based pet foods are gaining market share as a lower-welfare-impact alternative
Some pet food brands now source from higher-welfare certified farms
Plant-based pet foods are nutritionally complete for dogs and some cat formulations

Welfare Considerations

Responsible companion animal ownership includes considering the welfare cost of food that sustains them. Standard commercial pet foods draw from the same intensive farming supply chains that raise concerns for human food. Choosing pet foods from certified higher-welfare sources, exploring insect-based formulations, or supporting plant-based options for dogs represents an extension of animal welfare values from the pets we see to the animals we never meet who produce their food.

What You Can Do

Research pet food brands for their animal welfare sourcing commitments
Consider insect-based pet foods as a lower-welfare-impact protein source for dogs and cats
Choose pet foods with third-party welfare certification in their supply chains
Support pet food companies developing and marketing higher-welfare formulations
Engage with pet food companies about transparency in their welfare sourcing standards