Cut your pet’s carbon paw print: The benefits of sustainable, animal-free pet food

As concern for the planet and animal welfare grows, many pet owners are rethinking what’s in their dog and cat food bowls. Two major studies published in 2025 show there’s robust science—and strong motivation—behind the move away from meat-based pet diets. Here’s what the latest research found, why it matters, and how making the switch can benefit pets, farmed animals, and the environment.

What do the studies reveal about plant-based pet food?

The first study surveyed nearly 2,700 dog guardians globally. It found that 43% of those feeding conventional or raw meat diets would consider switching to a more sustainable alternative (such as vegan, vegetarian, or cultivated meat). Among these alternatives, cultivated meat-based options were the most favoured (24%), followed by vegetarian (17%) and vegan (13%) diets. Nutritional soundness and proven health outcomes were the top priorities for guardians considering a switch.​

The second study surveyed 1,380 cat guardians worldwide. Even among cat owners—whose pets are obligate carnivores—more than half (51%) would consider a sustainable diet, including cultivated meat or vegan options. As with dogs, cultivated-meat-based diets were most popular (33%), followed by vegan alternatives (18%). The leading decision factors closely mirrored the dog study—guardians prioritised pet health (83%) and nutritional soundness (80%) when evaluating new diets.

Are plant-based diets healthy for dogs and cats?

Both studies highlighted a major shift in attitudes: many pet owners are open to change when science supports it.

Recent research shows that modern, commercial plant-based pet foods can offer nutrients comparable to meat-based diets. For dogs, analyses of UK pet foods found plant-based products met almost all essential nutritional standards, with minor differences easily addressed by supplementation. Cats are more complex, but studies show that vegan cat foods—properly formulated and supplemented with crucial elements like taurine—can support feline health as effectively as meat-based diets.​

In fact, health surveys found vegan-fed cats had slightly fewer vet visits and health disorders, and less medication use, than cats fed standard meat diets.​

How does pet food impact the planet?

Pet food is a major driver of factory farming and environmental damage. Globally, cats and dogs consume at least 9% of all farmed animals, and 20% in high pet-owning nations like the US, increasing demand for intensive animal agriculture. This industry is a top contributor to deforestation, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Research comparing pet food footprints found that plant-based diets are dramatically better for the planet:

• Up to 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions than beef-based pet foods.
• Land use for plant-based pet food is a fraction of that for meat diets.
• Vastly reduced water consumption and potential for habitat restoration.​

Switching your pet to a nutritionally sound vegan or vegetarian diet can cut their carbon “paw print” and help fight climate change, without compromising their health.

What about animal welfare?

Pet food demand results in billions of farmed animals being slaughtered each year—most raised in close confinement, often with minimal opportunity for natural behaviours, and are often subjected to painful procedures such as tail-docking or beak-trimming, without painkillers. Nearly all are then killed at a very premature stage of life when marketable body weights are reached or productivity declines. Reducing meat in pet food directly lowers demand for factory-farmed animals, sparing billions of animals from suffering.​

Study co-author Professor Andrew Knight emphasised the broader implications: “According to recent research, our dogs and cats together eat a significant proportion of all animals raised for food. Plant-based or cultivated meat-based dog and cat diets have the potential to revolutionise the pet food industry, and to reduce negative effects on both the environment and farmed animals.”

How can pet owners make the switch to sustainable pet food?

Making the change is easier than ever:

• Choose reputable brands offering nutritionally complete plant-based foods for dogs and cats—look for compliance with standards like those published by the international authorities FEDIAF and AAFCO.​
• Transition gradually, mixing in more plant-based food over 1–2 weeks to help pets adjust.​
• Monitor your pet’s health - you’re more likely to see benefits than problems, but see a veterinarian if you have any concerns. Be aware, however, that most vets are not yet aware that nutritionally sound vegan diets are now commercially available, nor of the recent scientific evidence supporting their use, and so may be opposed to this dietary choice.
• Even reducing meat-based pet food by half yields substantial benefits. You don’t have to go all-in at once.

What do these results mean for the pet industry?

These studies make it clear: the future of pet food will be built on trust, science, and honesty. More pet guardians want to understand exactly what’s in their pets’ bowls, how the food is made, and whether it truly supports good health. For brands, this means going beyond clever marketing—nutritional quality, clear labelling, and sharing real-world health results all matter more than ever.

Veterinarians and animal-welfare advocates also have a key role to play. The research shows that many pet owners are willing to try sustainable diets, but only when they have reliable, evidence-based advice they can trust. Open conversations and up-to-date knowledge will help guardians feel confident about alternative options.

As more people recognise the big environmental impact of conventional pet food, it’s obvious that change isn’t just possible—it’s already happening. The next step? Scientists, vets, and the pet food industry working together to give pets the healthiest diets with the smallest paw print on the planet. This moment offers a real opportunity to rethink what “good pet food” means for everyone—animals, people, and the world we share.

Study co-author Billy Nicholles explains that: “These findings are of value to the rapidly growing pet food alternatives industry, enabling pet food companies to accelerate their growth and acquire new customers through evidence-based, targeted outreach.”

The bottom line

The science shows nutritionally complete, plant-based pet foods can support canine and feline health. Adopting these diets helps curb climate change, reduce animal suffering, and support a more sustainable food system—while still providing pets the nutrition they need.

For caring guardians, it’s a simple decision with lasting impact. Moving away from food made from farmed animals isn’t just good for your pets; it’s a step toward a healthier, more compassionate world.