Pet Diets Are Quietly Contributing to Climate Change

In London on May 22, 2025, a recent study has shed light on the potentially harmful impact of traditional meat-based pet food on the environment. The research shows that pet food production is closely linked to the livestock industry, which contributes significantly to land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. With nearly one billion pets worldwide, particularly in the United States, the environmental toll of dog and cat diets is substantial, accounting for a significant portion of livestock farming’s impact. In fact, it was found that the environmental footprint of a medium-sized dog’s diet in Japan surpasses that of the average Japanese person’s diet.

The lead author of the study, Billy Nicholles, emphasizes the potential of switching pets to nutritionally balanced vegan diets to reduce their environmental impact. The research highlights that protein choice plays a crucial role, with diets rich in animal ingredients linked to higher environmental impacts. Conversely, vegan pet diets, when properly formulated, offer substantial reductions in all environmental impact categories. If all pet dogs globally were fed a vegan diet, it could save enough food energy to feed 450 million people and surpass the annual greenhouse gas emissions of the UK.

Experts like Professor Andrew Knight advocate for the adoption of modern vegan pet foods, which are not only safe and healthier but also more sustainable. The study also mentions emerging alternatives such as cultivated meat and precision-fermented proteins entering the pet food market, offering meat-like taste and nutrition without the extensive environmental implications. As consumer interest in sustainable pet food grows, the authors call for governments, brands, and the public to reconsider the composition of pet food, presenting sustainable pet food as a significant climate solution that is often overlooked.