Dogs fed premium, meat-rich pet food can produce larger dietary carbon footprints than their owners, according to University of Edinburgh research analyzing the climate impact of dog food in the UK.
The study examined nearly 1,000 commercially available dog foods in the UK, finding wet, raw and meat-rich products generate substantially higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than dry dog food. Overall, ingredient production for UK dog food contributes approximately 1% of the country's total GHG emissions.
Carbon footprint calculations
Scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and Exeter calculated carbon footprints based on emissions generated during ingredient production, using ingredient and nutrient labeling information. Their sample included dry, wet and raw foods, plus plant-based and grain-free options.
The analysis revealed variable differences in environmental impact among commercial dog foods, with the highest-impact products generating up to 65 times more emissions than the lowest-rating options.
Producing enough food of the types fed in the UK for all dogs worldwide could generate GHG emissions equivalent to over half of those from burning jet fuel in commercial flights annually, researchers estimated.
Ingredient impacts vary
Using large amounts of prime meat that could otherwise be consumed by humans increases emissions, while nutritious carcass parts in low demand help limit environmental impact, said the study. Dry food not marketed as grain-free tended to have lower environmental impact than wet, raw or grain-free options.
"As a veterinary surgeon working on environmental sustainability, I regularly see owners torn between ideals of dogs as meat‑eating 'wolves' and their wish to reduce environmental harm," said John Harvey, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. "Our research shows just how large and variable the climate impact of dog food really is. It's important for owners to know that choosing grain-free, wet or raw foods can result in higher impacts compared to standard dry kibble foods. The pet food industry should make sure meat cuts used are of the types not typically eaten by humans, and that labelling is clear. These steps can help us have healthy, well-fed dogs with a smaller pawprint on the planet."
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council funded the study, published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.
