Wet, raw, and meat-based foods contribute particularly significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
A large study on the impact of dog food on the climate has shown that premium diets high in meat may have a larger carbon footprint than the diets of the pet owners themselves.
Wet, raw, and meat-based foods contribute particularly significantly to greenhouse gas emissions – their impact is noticeably higher compared to dry foods. Overall, the production of ingredients for dog food in the UK is estimated by scientists to account for about 1% of all national greenhouse gas emissions. The authors of the study emphasize that as the number of pets increases, there is a growing need for more transparent information and clear labeling of foods so that owners can make environmentally conscious choices.
Researchers from the universities of Edinburgh and Exeter analyzed data on the composition and nutritional value listed on the packaging of nearly a thousand commercial dog foods. They assessed their carbon footprint based on emissions generated during the production of ingredients. The analysis included dry, wet, and raw foods, including grain-free and plant-based options.
According to experts' calculations, if all dogs worldwide were fed according to the British diet model, it would lead to emissions comparable to more than half of the annual emissions from burning aviation fuel in commercial aviation.
The study also revealed a huge variation in the environmental impact of different foods: products with the highest carbon footprint cause up to 65 times more emissions than the most environmentally friendly options. The use of a large amount of prime meat suitable for human consumption significantly increases the climate burden, while the use of less sought-after but nutritious parts of the carcass allows it to be reduced. Generally, dry foods that are not grain-free tend to be more environmentally friendly than wet, raw, or grain-free counterparts.
Experts recommend dog owners who want to reduce their environmental impact to carefully examine the composition of the food and choose products with a lower proportion of high-quality meat. Expanding the range of plant-based foods could also help reduce emissions, although researchers note that there are currently too few of such products for a comprehensive assessment.
