Your dog’s dinner might have a bigger impact on the climate than your own

Dog owners face many choices when selecting pet food, considering factors like nutrients and price. A vet-turned-researcher emphasizes the environmental impact of these choices, which can be significant. A recent study calculated the carbon footprint of almost 1,000 dog food types in the UK. Dog food production in the UK contributes about 1% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that matters. Scaling up, the emissions from dog food could exceed half of the global commercial aviation emissions from jet fuel. The environmental impact of dog food varies greatly depending on ingredients, with a 65-fold difference between the most and least impactful options. Meat-rich, wet, raw, and grain-free foods generally have the highest emissions, exceeding even high meat human diets. The study aims to raise awareness without blaming owners, encouraging informed choices. Switching protein sources and opting for byproducts or plant-based options can reduce emissions. Pet owners can also manage portion sizes and waste to improve the climate impact. Harvey's goal is to make owning pets and addressing climate change compatible.