Pet Food Sustainability and Welfare: Understanding the Connections

Pet food production has significant animal welfare and environmental implications, with billions of animals farmed to feed companion animals - an often-overlooked dimension of the pet ownership welfare debate.

Key Facts

UK companion animals (dogs and cats) are estimated to consume the equivalent of 5 million tonnes of food annually
Pet food uses significant quantities of meat-grade ingredients from the same supply chains as human food
Fish-based pet food is a major driver of aquaculture and wild-capture fisheries
Insect-based pet food is growing as a lower-welfare-impact protein source for omnivores like dogs
Cats are obligate carnivores and cannot thrive on plant-based diets without careful veterinary management
High-meat premium pet foods often use ingredients from the same intensive production systems as human food
Some pet food brands have committed to welfare certification requirements for their ingredient supply chains

Welfare Considerations

The welfare implications of pet food extend far beyond the companion animal being fed. Each bowl of fish-based cat food represents fishing industry impacts on welfare; each dog food meal containing factory-farmed chicken represents intensive production. Pet food is rarely scrutinised through a welfare lens by animal-loving owners, creating a disconnect between concern for companion animals and the welfare of animals in their food supply chains. Choosing pet food from brands with welfare-certified ingredients, or insect-based options for omnivores, is a meaningful extension of welfare values.

What You Can Do

Research pet food brands for their ingredient welfare certifications and sustainability commitments
Consider insect-based protein dog food as a lower welfare-impact alternative for omnivorous dogs
Ask cat food brands about their fish and meat ingredient welfare sourcing standards
Support pet food brands with transparent supply chains and welfare commitments
Discuss pet food welfare implications with other pet owners to build awareness