We talk a lot about the carbon footprint of what we eat, from beef and dairy to avocados and air-freighted produce. But what about our pet food?
With pet ownership on the rise globally, the environmental impact of feeding millions of dogs and cats is attracting growing attention from researchers, veterinarians and sustainability experts alike.
Yet despite pet food consuming an estimated 20 per cent of the world’s meat production, the sector remains largely absent from conversations about climate change and sustainable consumption.
Why Chris Packham’s Taking His Dogs Plant-Based According to Dr Guy Sandelowsky, a practising veterinarian and co-founder of pet nutrition brand Omni, one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding pet health is the belief that more meat automatically means better nutrition.
‘There is a misconception that the more meat a food contains, the better it is for dog health,’ he says. ‘The reality is that dogs need protein, not meat.’
It’s a distinction that could have significant implications for both animal health and the environment.
The overlooked climate cost of pet food
While livestock agriculture is widely recognised as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the role of pet food is often overlooked. Yet feeding the world’s companion animals requires vast quantities of meat, land, water and energy.
Omni cites lifecycle analysis showing its products generate around 72 per cent less CO2 than typical supermarket pet food, largely through the use of alternative proteins derived from yeasts, algae and pulses rather than conventional meat ingredients.
The company is part of a growing movement exploring whether novel proteins, plant-based formulations and even cultivated meat could help reduce the environmental burden of pet ownership without compromising animal wellbeing.
A changing conversation
The debate comes as pet owners become increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. From biodegradable poop bags and sustainable pet toys to lower-impact pet food, consumers are beginning to scrutinise the carbon pawprint of their four-legged companions.
For Dr Sandelowsky, the issue is not simply about sustainability but also health. After years in veterinary practice, he says he witnessed rising levels of obesity, digestive issues and skin complaints in pets, prompting him to explore alternative nutritional approaches.
As the sustainability conversation evolves, experts believe pet food may become one of the next frontiers in reducing household emissions.
After all, if we are willing to rethink what goes on our own plates for the sake of the planet, perhaps it’s only a matter of time before we start asking the same questions about what’s going into our pets’ bowls.
