UK Dog Food Carbon Footprint Study

A new study by the University of Edinburgh and the University of Exeter found that dog food contributes approximately 1% of the United Kingdom's total greenhouse gas emissions. The research, led by John Harvey, analyzed nearly 1,000 commercially available dog foods and revealed significant differences in their carbon footprints, with wet, raw, and meat-rich products having substantially higher emissions than dry kibble. The study, funded by the United Kingdom — Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, suggests that using prime meat in dog food increases emissions, while plant-based options could reduce them. The researchers advocate for greater transparency and clearer labeling in the pet food industry to help consumers make informed choices.