Paws & Planet: Things to consider when choosing your pet’s diet

First and foremost, we always recommend that you speak with your Vet about the most appropriate diet for your pet. You can discuss your options with them and take into consideration any special nutritional requirements your pet may have.

There are so many different brands, packaging, and options out there, but what is the environmental impact of each type?

Here, we take a brief look into the various pet food options available in the UK, and what impact they may have on your pet’s carbon pawprint:

Dry food (or kibble)

Kibble is a form of dry pet food that is often chosen for its convenience, longer shelf life, and affordability. It’s available in countless varieties, catering to different dietary needs and preferences, from budget price up to premium brands. Many kibbles have a high meat content, this can drive up the environmental impact of the food, as the meat industry is known for its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and excessive water use. Looking for diets that use local, sustainably sourced meats can help reduce this. Chicken and fish usually have a lower impact than beef or lamb, but this can vary depending on how they have been sourced and farmed.

Kibble is also commonly packaged in plastic bags, which may contribute to plastic pollution. Opting for brands that use recyclable or biodegradable packaging can help reduce waste - just be sure to dispose of these in the correct way. There are some great refill schemes available now too where you can top up your pets food into your own bag, a fantastic way to cut down on packaging!.

Wet food, usually available in either in cans or pouches 

Wet food may sometimes be more palatable than kibble (it all depends on the individual pet!) and has a higher moisture content. The same impacts of meat apply as for the kibble, but we also may need to consider any canning process, which may be quite intensive on energy. The packaging of aluminium cans however can be a more easily recyclable option compared to plastic pouches, making them a slightly eco-friendlier option.

Raw food diet

This typically consists of uncooked meats, bones, fruits, and vegetables. Some advocates believe that this mirrors the natural diet of our pet’s wild ancestors.

Meat production is of bigger impact here due to the higher meat content. Again, opting for local, sustainably source proteins can have a positive impact, as the production methods and transport may produce less greenhouse gas emissions.

You may find that your energy use increases if you feed a raw diet. Freezing and refrigeration of raw foods consumes energy, especially if you have a large pet and like to buy in bulk.

Vegetarian and vegan diets

Some pet owners are considering vegetarian or vegan diets for their pets, mostly due to ethical and environmental reasons.

Plant-based diets generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to meat-based diets (same for humans too!), however there can be nutritional considerations which are best discussed with your vet before making any changes. Cats especially need a balanced diet and careful supplementation to meet their nutritional needs.

Insect-based food (yes, it’s a thing!)

Insect-based pet food might sound quirky, but it may hold promise as a sustainable alternative to the environmental problems associated with traditional meat production. It typically uses insects like black soldier fly larvae or crickets as the primary protein source.

Insect farming has a lower carbon footprint than meat, may use less water, and requires less land compared to traditional livestock farming. Some insect-based foods are high in protein and contain essential amino acids, making them a viable alternative to traditional meat sources.

So, as we can see, choosing the purrfect food for your pet involves a balance between meeting their nutritional needs, and minimising the environmental impact of their diet.

Always speak with your vet to ensure that their diet meets all the nutritional requirements of your dog or cat, and remember, as consumers our choices can make a difference. 

By opting for sustainable and ethically produced pet food, we can contribute to the well-being of our pets and the planet. 

You can also find some great further advice  from our friends at UK Pet Food.