Companion Animal Welfare

Pet Food Sustainability Welfare

The sustainability of conventional pet food raises welfare questions through its environmental impact on wild animal populations and biodiversity, as well as its relationship to farmed animal welfare.

Key Facts

Pet food industry uses a significant proportion of global fish and meat production
Conventional pet food uses ingredients from both farmed animals and wild-caught fish
Novel protein sources including insects and cultured meat are emerging for pets
Environmental impact of pet food is linked to the welfare of wild and farmed animals
Sustainability certifications for pet food ingredients are emerging but patchy

Welfare Considerations

Pet food choices have downstream welfare implications for farmed animals, marine ecosystems, and wild populations. Thoughtful ingredient sourcing that favours welfare-certified animal products and sustainable alternatives can reduce the animal welfare footprint of companion animal keeping.

What You Can Do

Research the welfare credentials of your pet food's animal ingredients
Consider pet foods with certified sustainable fish or higher-welfare meat
Support pet food companies that publish ingredient sourcing and welfare standards