Pet food is estimated to be responsible for a quarter of the environmental impacts of meat production in terms of the use of land, water, fossil fuels, phosphates and pesticides. However, with pet parents becoming more aware of the environmental impacts of pet food, the sales of eco-friendly pet food have soared.

Figures in the UK indicate that pet food products containing Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified sustainable seafood has grown by 57% in the last 5 years.

 Although the British Veterinary Association still does not recommend feeding your pet a plant-based diet, research by Andrew Knight, a professor of animal welfare and ethics at the University of Winchester, showed that cats and dogs had better or just as good health outcomes when they were fed plant-based diets compared to pet foods containing meat.

In general, fish has a lower carbon footprint than meat and are a popular choice for pet owners. Salmon is the most popular species for MSC-certified sustainable pet food containing fish, closely followed by cod, tuna sardines and saithe.

 Interestingly, the maximum sentence for failing to feed your pet a “suitable diet” under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in the UK is a 20,000 pound fine or a 51-week jail sentence.

 In the US, companies are making cultured meat products for pets in order to allow the entire family to reduce their carbon footprint. Two companies in this industry, namely Bond Pet Foods and Because Animals, aim to start selling their products in 2022 and 2023 in response to growing demand for meat alternatives by people becoming more aware of the environmental impacts of consuming meat.

Whilst Hong Kong has yet to develop a focus on eco-friendly dog food, it remains an area that will allow the Hong Kong population to reduce their carbon footprint. There are, however, local businesses that place the welfare of animals at their forefront in their pet food creation - including Buddy Bites, Hong Kong’s first direct to consumer subscription based dog food brand, which has been carefully vet-created, and delivered to your door each month. Alongside this, Buddy Bites partners with dog shelters in Hong Kong to make their life easier - for every 2kg of Buddy Bites ordered, they donate 1kg of nutritious kibble to their dog shelter partners.

Courtesy of Michelle Cheung

Main Source: The Guardian, Forbes