The real impact of dog food on the environment

The environmental impact of feeding dogs is significant and increasing due to the growing canine population and the trend to feed dogs better quality meat.

High-quality, meat-rich dog food appears to have a larger environmental footprint than human food. This is according to the largest study of its kind by the Universities of Edinburgh and Exeter, published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, which finds that wet, raw, meat-rich products are associated with significantly higher greenhouse gas emissions than dry dog food.

In total, the production of ingredients used in UK dog food would contribute around 1% to the country's total greenhouse gas emissions.

The study

According to the experts, producing enough dog food to meet global demand, with models similar to those in the UK, would have a huge impact on the climate: greenhouse gas emissions would be comparable to more than half those generated annually by the fuel used by commercial flights.

The study also shows striking differences between products: dog food with the highest carbon footprint can emit up to 65 times more greenhouse gases than dog food with the lowest footprint.

The use of 'noble' meat, i.e. of a quality suitable for human consumption, has the greatest impact on emissions. On the other hand, the use of less desirable but still nutritious parts of the carcass helps to reduce the environmental impact. Overall, dry foods not labelled 'grain-free' have less impact than wet, raw or grain-free foods.

For those wishing to reduce their carbon footprint without completely changing their diet, it's advisable to read labels carefully and choose products containing a lower percentage of prime meat. Greater use of plant-based dog food could also help reduce emissions, although researchers point out that there are currently few tested options in this area.

"As a veterinarian committed to sustainable development, I often see owners torn between the idea that dogs are carnivorous 'wolves' and the desire to reduce the damage caused to the environment," explains lead researcher John Harvey, from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Our research shows the scale and variability of the impact of dog food on climate. It's important for dog owners to know that choosing a grain-free, wet or raw diet can have a greater impact than standard kibble. The pet food industry should ensure that the cuts of meat used belong to species not generally consumed by humans, and that labeling is clear. These measures could help us achieve healthy, well-nourished dogs, while reducing the impact on the planet.

The researchers conclude that "experts say that the results underscore the need for greater transparency and better ingredient labeling in dog food to help consumers make informed choices as the number of pets in their possession continues to rise."

(MP/©GreenMe.it/Translation and adaptation: The Global Nature/Illustration: Unsplash)