Wet Dog Food vs Dry Dog Food – Which is More Sustainable?
A recent study delves deep into the ecological consequences of pet food, answering the burning question: Wet dog food vs dry dog food – which is more environmentally damaging?
The environmental impact of our choices has never been more in the spotlight. From the cars we drive to the food we consume, every decision carries a carbon footprint. And, if you’re a pet owner, the choices you make for your furry friend also have environmental repercussions.
The Environmental Impact of Wet Dog Food
According to a new study conducted by researchers in Brazil, wet dog and cat food is significantly more harmful to the environment than its dry counterpart. The study showed that wet pet food results in a staggering eight times more climate-heating emissions than dry pet food.
For a clearer perspective, a typical dog on a wet food diet creates an “ecological pawprint” equivalent to its human owner’s carbon footprint. With an estimated 840 million cats and dogs globally and this number steadily rising, understanding the environmental implications of their diets has become imperative.
Meat-based pet foods, especially wet ones, have the heaviest environmental toll among all foods. This is primarily because 90% of the calories in wet diets stem from animal ingredients, in stark contrast to the 45% in dry diets. Consequently, a 10kg dog consuming about 500 calories daily from dry food would contribute to approximately 828kg of CO2 emissions annually. However, when this diet shifts to wet food, the CO2 emissions skyrocket to 6,541kg annually, an amount nearly comparable to the average carbon footprint of a Brazilian citizen.
The Environmental Impact of Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food, such as biscuits and kibble, exhibits a considerably lower environmental impact. This advantage comes from its reduced reliance on animal-based ingredients. Moreover, some dry pet foods utilize by-products like offal, bone meal, and blood, which might otherwise go to waste, promoting a more efficient utilization of resources.
Alternative Solutions to Reduce Environmental Footprint
The increasing environmental concerns of traditional pet foods have driven researchers and industry experts to seek more sustainable solutions. One such alternative lies in insect-based protein sources. Insects, as a protein source, emit CO2 at rates tenfold less than traditional meat. Additionally, reducing the amount of protein and fat in pet diets can also mitigate their environmental impact, especially since many commercial pet foods exceed the recommended amounts for both.
Furthermore, plant proteins offer a promising avenue for sustainability. They exert a substantially lower environmental strain compared to animal-derived proteins. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that nutritionally complete vegan diets can be both healthier and safer for dogs.
Conclusion
The choices we make for our pets have a tangible impact on the environment. While wet dog food provides a palatable option for many pets, it undeniably contributes more significantly to environmental degradation compared to dry food. As pet owners, understanding these implications and considering alternative, sustainable diets can be a significant step towards a greener future.
Bonza is arguably the most eco-friendly dog food currently available. With no meat, corn, soya, wheat or rice (among the most damaging of plant-based ingredients), climate smart ingredients like chickpeas, peas, fava beans, seaweed and sweet potato, and cold-extruded, our vegan dog food has a far lower impact on the environment.
