Companion Animals

Pet Food Sustainability and Animal Welfare

The environmental and welfare footprint of pet food has gained increasing attention as pet ownership grows globally.

Key Facts

Global pet food production uses large quantities of fish meal, meat, and other animal products
UK dogs and cats are estimated to consume around 8 billion meals per year
Sustainable pet food ingredients including insect protein are entering the market
Pet food production creates significant greenhouse gas emissions and land use impacts
Novel protein sources must maintain nutritional adequacy for pet health and welfare

Welfare Considerations

The welfare footprint of pet food extends to the farmed and wild animals that produce its ingredients. Choosing pet foods with sustainable, welfare-aware ingredient sourcing is an impactful welfare decision.

What You Can Do

Research the ingredient sources and sustainability commitments of your pet food brand
Consider insect protein or other novel, lower-welfare-impact pet foods
Advocate for pet food industry transparency about ingredient sourcing and welfare standards
Support brands with credible commitments to sustainable, welfare-positive ingredients
Engage with the growing debate about companion animal environmental footprints