10 Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Dog Food Brands [& Why Buy Them]

sustainable dog food

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Did you know owning a dog has an environmental footprint equivalent to a large SUV? With over 90 million dogs in the United States, the scale of this impact is significant. The ecological consequences of meat and agricultural production for pet food further amplify this effect on our planet. As conscientious pet owners, we aim to provide the best nutrition for our dogs while also considering the sustainability of our choices. This guide explores the best sustainable dog food options available today—brands that offer nutritious, eco-friendly food that provides optimal nutrition while minimizing environmental impact compared to traditional dog food brands.

Best Sustainable Dog Food — At A Glance

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We have tested and rated thousands of dog products, including sustainable dog food. Our writers, editors, research team, and in-house veterinary review board spent hours analyzing these products to help you find what’s best for your dog. Read the product review methodology and editorial mission to find out how we test, analyze, and rate.

What Is Sustainable Dog Food?

Sustainability is maintaining or improving living standards without damaging or depleting natural resources for present and future generations.[1] Sustainability encompasses three core pillars: economic development, environmental health, and social equity. By embracing sustainable practices, we can help foster thriving, diverse, and resilient communities for present and future generations.

Sustainable dog food brands follow these sustainability principles and leverage green practices and technologies that lessen the land and water used and greenhouse gasses emitted during food manufacturing. Eco-friendly pet food manufacturers promote economic and social development in their communities while understanding the importance of conserving finite resources for long-term sustainability.

The Impact of Dog Food on Our Planet According to Science

Pet meat consumption impact In the United States, over 163 million dogs and cats consume animal products, accounting for approximately 25-30% of the environmental impacts of meat production. This includes using land, water, fossil fuel, phosphate, and biocides. The consumption of dog and cat meat products contributes to the release of up to 64 million tons of carbon dioxide (methane and nitrous oxide) annually, which are potent greenhouse gases.[2]
Affected land during food production The arable land needed to produce dog feed ranges from 10 to 20% of national land resources. Approximately 24.1 million hectares of arable land are required in the USA for dog food production, equating to around 2000 m² of land per dog.[5] This land allocation for animal agriculture leads to biodiversity and plant loss, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
Transportation and shipping Transportation is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, surpassing agriculture. According to the EPA, commercial goods transportation contributes about 7% of human greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while industry and agriculture transportation contribute 23% and 10%, respectively.[7]
Livestock and farming Raising animals for food generates more greenhouse gases than all the cars and trucks in the world combined, says the United Nations.[8] The New York Times notes that animal agriculture, specifically factory farming, accounts for 18% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.[9]
The impact is equivalent to 14 million cars UCLA professor Gregory Okin links the environmental impact of pet meat consumption in the U.S. to the equivalent of 13.6 million cars annually. The U.S. pet population would rank fifth in global meat consumption if considered an independent country. The environmental impact is significant, with over 844 million pet dogs and cats worldwide.[3][4]  
Meant protein demand Pet food primarily consists of meat as the central ingredient, with protein levels ranging from 18 to 50 percent, despite the minimum protein requirement for adult dogs being 18% according to AAFCO. This excess protein is wasted as it is excreted. The consumption of meat by humans and dogs is increasing rapidly, and by 2050, we will require 1.5 planets to meet the demand.[6] The livestock used to produce this protein is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy
It’s estimated that the energy required to feed a human is equivalent to the energy needed to feed three dogs. However, since dogs are often overfed, the actual energy consumption to feed them may be even higher. Producing livestock for pet food is resource-intensive, particularly in terms of water usage. For instance, producing just one pound of beef requires around 1,800 gallons (8,182 liters) of water. Additionally, it takes about 10 kcal of fossil energy to produce just 1 kcal of plant protein that goes into livestock feed. So, the next time you pick up a 5-pound bag of dog food, consider the significant amount of energy and water that went into its production.

Sustainable Dog Food Benefits

According to a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), pets have become involuntary sentinels of widespread chemical contamination. Dogs are exposed to 40% higher levels of chemicals than humans. The study found that dogs were contaminated with 48 out of 70 industrial chemicals, including plastics, food packaging chemicals, heavy metals, fire retardants, and stain-proofing chemicals.[11] Feeding your dog sustainable food can help them avoid ingesting these harmful chemicals in traditional kibble. Sustainable practices prioritize the use of pesticide-free and environmentally friendly ingredients. As a dog owner, supporting a sustainable dog food system can lead to significant benefits, including reducing your dog’s exposure to harmful chemicals, minimizing its ecological footprint, and promoting its overall health and well-being.

Other benefits include:

  • Reduces CO2 production
  • Reduce methane and nitrous oxide production
  • Save large amounts of water
  • Avoid further pollution of streams, rivers, and oceans
  • Reduce fossil fuels
  • Produces less waste
  • Reduce destruction of topsoil and tropical rainforest
  • Preserves and uses fewer planet resources
  • Reduce the destruction of wildlife habitats and endangered species
  • Reduces the environmental footprint required to raise these animals
  • Reduction of operating costs for the manufacturer
  • Sustainable proteins stop animal suffering and slaughter
  • Ingredient traceability and transparency
  • Less carbon footprint from locally sourced ingredients

What to Look For In The Best Sustainable Dog Food Brand

Here are key characteristics, practices, and trends to look for when choosing a sustainable dog food brand:

  1. Partnerships and certifications. Sustainability certifications demonstrate commitment and credibility to sustainable practices and standards.
  2. Locally sourced. Using local ingredients reduces transit pollution.
  3. Organic agriculture. Organic farming is generally more sustainable as it avoids synthetic pesticides, promotes soil health, conserves resources, and contributes to climate change mitigation.[10]
  4. Sustainably harvested fish. Sustainably raised fish cause no harm to the marine environment. It is the most eco-friendly protein source. In the US, wild-caught and farmed fish and shellfish are managed responsibly.[11]
  5. Humanly raised, grass-fed, or cage-free. Certified meat is natural, nutrient-rich, and produced responsibly. It requires fewer inputs and no hormones or antibiotics, lowering carbon emissions.
  6. Sustainable proteins. Opt for more sustainable proteins. Vegan dog food reduces deforestation, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions from meat production, supporting climate change mitigation and global food security. Insect-based dog food, using protein from mealworms and crickets, is a sustainable alternative for dogs. It requires minimal resources and emits no harmful gases. Finally, cultured meat dog food is an exciting development in sustainability. It is bioidentical to traditional meat, with the same nutritional value and composition, but without the negative impacts of conventional meat. It is grown from a small collection of animal cells in a nutrient-rich laboratory environment.
  7. Renewable energy. Opt for dog food manufacturers that use clean energy, like solar and wind, to power manufacturing plants, offices, and appliances.
  8. Electric vehicles. Use of electric vehicles for transportation and shipping. They produce 43% fewer greenhouse gases than diesel vehicles.
  9. Donations & social responsibility. Donating to environmental causes and shelters and offsetting carbon emissions by planting trees are some of these companies’ social sustainability responsibilities.
  10. Recyclable packaging. Use recyclable or recycled materials in the packaging to minimize waste and plastic use – including compostable bags.
  11. Cooking methods. Use low-emission processing and cooking techniques, such as freeze-drying, gently cooked, raw, or dehydrating food.
  12. Pesticide-free produce: Approximately 30% of greenhouse gas emissions come from pesticides, which can harm the planet.
  13. Ethically sourced (animal welfare). Includes high standards of farm animal welfare, ensuring animals are treated with kindness and respect, provided with a natural, nutritious diet (no antibiotics or hormones), and given ample space to roam and engage in their natural behaviors.

Best Sustainable Dog Food

Best Overall Sustainable Dog Food

4.8

Open Farm

Who It’s For: Dog owners who want ultra-premium pet food that is ethically sourced and made from start to finish with sustainable and non-GMO human-grade ingredients.

Transparency report

Green packaging

Sustainable fishing

No animal testing

Carbon offset strategy

Why we recommended it: Open Farm has clear climate objectives outlining a 10-year roadmap for reducing its carbon footprint and emissions by 42% by the Paris Agreement. Their dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly practices have set the bar high for most of the competition.

What sets it apart from competitors: Nearly 90% of fruits and vegetables are locally grown, and it audits every ingredient provider to meet high environmental and health standards, helping reduce their carbon footprint.

Key Sustainable Features

  • Actively offsets emissions from direct operations and product manufacturing by investing in high-impact, verified carbon offset programs to make an immediate positive environmental impact. These programs include Grasslands Portfolio, USA; Darkwoods Forest Conservation Project, Canada; and Teak Afforestation, Mexico.
  • Partners with Terracycle for nationwide dog food bag recycling.
  • Adheres to Oceanwise and Seafood Watch standards to minimize bycatch overfishing and protect the marine environment.

Pros

  • Carefully sourced ingredients from the most humane and ethical farms, fisheries, and producers
  • Annual emissions data report
  • Ingredient traceability by scanning lot codes on their bags
  • High environmental and health standards set by organizations like Certified Humane and Global Animal Partnership

Cons

  • Higher price tag than the average
  • Few puppy specific recipes

Get 20% OFF your first order with the code CANINE20 — Use this link to get started.

Best Sustainable Protein Dog Food

4.6

Wild Earth

Who It’s For: Excellent for those who a brand that prioritizes animal welfare and the environment that uses alternative protein sources that don’t rely on industrial farming.

No animal testing

GMO ingredients

AAFCO & FDA approved

Cruelty-free protein

Plant-based

Why we recommended it: Wild Earth achieves a much lower carbon footprint and less environmental damage by only using ultra-high-quality plant protein in their dog food and treats, requiring fewer resources to produce. This is increasingly important as the over-reliance on meat in kibble is responsible for 25-30% of the environmental impact of meat consumption in the United States.

What sets it apart from competitors: Their plant-based dog food requires 95% less water and emits 96% less CO2 than meat-based kibble. Their treats require 90% fewer resources to produce than meat-based treats.

Key Sustainable Features

  • GMO ingredients are a safe, reliable, and sustainable way to produce food. As a result, they produce higher yields on less land, making them more sustainable than those grown organically. “World Health Organization, American Medical Association, and British Royal Society, among others, say GMO crops are safe.”[13]
  • Plant-based food production offers a lower environmental impact and a sustainable solution by reducing energy consumption, emissions, land usage, and water consumption.[14]

Pros

  • No fillers, mystery meats additives, or preservatives
  • Uses cultured protein made with human-grade Koji for their treats

Cons

  • Higher price tag than the average
  • Few puppy specific recipes

Best Carbon Neutral Sustainable Dog Food

4.6

Chippin

Who It’s For: Ideal for those who want to reduce carbon emissions through sustainable novel protein sources like insect protein, silver carp, and spirulina.

Hypoallergenic

Oven-baked

Sustainable protein

29% recycled packaging

Insect-based

Why we recommended it: Chippin has carbon-neutral shipping for every bag sold. They have partnered with Pachama to offset the impact of climate change on your shipment. Pachama funds high-impact forest conservation and restoration projects worldwide to offset your order’s carbon footprint.

What sets it apart from competitors: The company uses sustainable protein sources to minimize its carbon footprint. Chippin utilizes overpopulated silver carp, which helps improve water quality and protect Great Lakes communities. They also use human-grade cricket protein, which requires significantly less water and emits no methane. And lastly, the use Spirulina, a vegan blue-green algae, is high in protein and absorbs CO2. These protein sources provide a complete and highly digestible protein with all ten essential amino acids.

Key Sustainable Features

  • The University of Illinois, Department of Animal Sciences, concluded that Chippin protein sources have the same or better results for amino acid content (the building blocks of protein) than proteins like chicken and are more digestible for dogs.
  • Chippin is powered by proteins that use 80% fewer resources. This includes the land and water used and the greenhouse gasses emitted.

Pros

  • Chippin helps improve water quality for over 48 million people by using this fish, protects great lake communities, and restores fish and wildlife biodiversity
  • It only takes 1 gallon of water to produce 1lb of cricket protein, but 2,000 gallons of water to produce 1lb of beef protein
  • Keeps landfills clean by using recycled materials to create their packings

Cons

  • Only one dog food recipe

Best Human-Grade Sustainable Dog Food

4.7

The Farmer’s Dog

Who It’s For: Excellent choice for those seeking fresh, human-grade dog food that prioritizes optimal nutrition for their pets and the planet.

Dissolvable insulation

Recyclable packaging

Health-specific recipes

Human-grade ingredients

Fresh food

Why we recommended it: The Farmer’s Dog food is custom-made fresh meals that meet your dog’s specific dietary and health needs. All meals are prepared using human-grade ingredients. The recipes are pre-portioned to your dog’s weight, breed, and activity level and are delivered directly to your door. All their recipes are formulated by leading board-certified veterinary nutritionists and carefully crafted in USDA-certified kitchens to exceed industry nutrition standards established by the AAFCO.

What sets it apart from competitors: The brand is re-evaluating its entire product experience, from the moment you open the box until you’ve finished feeding your dog, aiming to make every element as sustainable — and delightful — as conceivably possible. For instance, their insulation is made from corn starch that dissolves under running water. 

Key Sustainable Features

  • Ingredients are sourced from small farms for a low carbon footprint, so you can trust it’s real food that looks after the planet.
  • Food packs are recyclable after rinsing, and the reusable container they provide in every box is made of biodegradable and recyclable materials. All of their bags are made from BPA-free materials and are non-toxic.

Pros

  • Pre-portioned and ready-to-serve meals
  • Able to ship more food at one time to reduce the delivery frequency and environmental impact

Cons

  • More expensive than traditional kibble

Get 50% OFF your first order — Use our link to get started.

Best Dehydrated Sustainable Dog Food

4.6

The Honest Kitchen

Who It’s For: People who want the benefits of fresh, nutritious dog food without refrigeration. It’s easy to pack and rehydrate, making it perfect for life on the go or limited storage.

Remote working team

61% recycled packaging

HACCP™ system

Human-grade ingredients

Non-GMO produce

Why we recommended it: The Honest Kitchen’s mission is to provide socially and environmentally conscious dog nutrition. They use small, controlled batches and innovative, earth-friendly cooking practices (such as dehydration). They are one of the few companies we’ve seen with a social and environmental impact report on their website. Moreover, The Honest Kitchen is a Certified B Corporation (businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance). They are also certified by Amazon as a Climate Pledge Friendly company. This means Amazon recognizes the brand’s commitment to helping preserve the natural world.

What sets it apart from competitors: 46% of its finished products are currently produced using solar power, with plans to increase this percentage. Additionally, 70% of dehydrated recipes use domestically sourced ingredients, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with imports.

Key Sustainable Features

  • The brand’s suppliers have implemented formal programs to protect wildlife habitats, reduce pesticide usage, and implement other environmental programs for superior land management, soil quality, and more.
  • Donates $100K+ to animal aid programs; employees volunteered over 263 hours to help these organizations. Committed to women/minority leadership in the company, 71% of the workforce is female.

Pros

  • Transitioned to 100% remote working (except for production crew) — to reduce the carbon footprint from fossil fuels.
  • Shipping dehydrated food consumes less energy and space, which reduces emissions

Cons

  • More expensive than other brands

Cheapest Sustainable Dog Food

4.5

Canidae Sustain

Who It’s For: Great choice for dog owners looking for the most affordable sustainable dog food.

No truck delivery

40% recycled packaging

Limited ingredients

Human-grade ingredients

Sustainable protein

Why we recommended it: Canidae Sustain is the company’s environmentally conscious dog food line. It features premium ingredients, responsibly sourced proteins, and the highest PCR% (post-consumer recycled) packaging in pet food. They donate pet food to the San Antonio Food Bank and support The Alliance of Therapy Dogs to promote the healing power of the human/pet bond.

What sets it apart from competitors: It partners with US farmers who use regenerative agricultural practices that leverage cutting-edge technology in robotics, water usage, weed management, and pesticide usage to reduce the negative impact on farmlands and environmental impact. Within ten years (by 2030), their goal is to source over 80% of all their ingredients from regenerative agriculture.

Key Sustainable Features

  • Their wild-caught Alaskan salmon is sourced from fisheries that maintain salmon populations and minimize the impact on their habitats. Their chickens are raised humanely for animal welfare.
  • Their plant-based recipe reduces carbon emissions and utilizes upcycled brewer’s yeast for essential non-animal-derived nutrients.

Pros

  • Recipe including probiotics, omega fatty acids and antioxidants
  • Committed to making food good for pets and the planet
  • No animal by-product meals

Cons

Best Sustainable Raw Food

4.9

We Feed Raw

Who It’s For: Individuals who believe in providing their dogs with a diet that closely mimics what they would eat in the wild.

Raw

PhD nutritionist

Biodegradable packaging

Human-grade meats

Bulk ordering

Why we recommended it: The nutritional benefits of raw food include higher protein content, natural enzymes, and unprocessed ingredients, all of which are more sustainably sourced and made as raw diets that do not need to be processed, unlike kibble. As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of a raw diet for dogsWe Feed Raw is our top pick for the best raw dog food delivery companies. All ingredients come from trusted suppliers, and all meats come from USDA-inspected facilities.

What sets it apart from competitors: We Feed Raw uses sustainable practices, including selling raw dog food in bulk. This lets dog owners save a lot of money while helping to reduce their carbon footprint. They also use eco-friendly, biodegradable, compostable coolers that you can run underwater in your sink and dissolve within minutes.

Key Sustainable Features

  • Raw food creates smaller, firmer poops, reducing mess and waste bag usage
  • Their raw formulas use fewer processing methods like freeze-drying and raw, significantly reducing the brand’s carbon emissions.

Pros

  • Premium ingredients sourced from reputable USA farms
  • Lamb and venison sourced from New Zealand, pasture-raised, grass-fed, and grass-finished
  • No fillers or artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
  • Complete and balanced for cats as well

Cons

  • It does not offer other raw dog products, such as treats

Get 25% OFF your first order using the code CB25 — Use our link to get started.

Best Renewable Energy Dog Food

4.6

Freshpet

Who It’s For: Dog owners who want to reduce their carbon footprint and want to support brands that use renewable energy sources in their production processes.

Sustainable chillers

Wastewater treatment

APHIS & FDA kitchens

Humane farming

20 quality & safety tests

Why we recommended it: Freshpet’s food is made in kitchens powered by wind or solar energy and stored in fridges powered by the same renewable energy. These efforts help them reduce their CO2 footprint and achieve carbon neutrality. As a result of their renewable energy commitment, they prevented 46,567 metric tons of CO2e emissions in 2020 – equivalent to taking 10,208 cars off the road for a year.

What sets it apart from competitors: All Freshpet recipes are gently cooked in USDA kitchens at low temperatures to protect ingredient integrity and then vacuum-sealed. Freshpet sources over half its ingredients within 200 miles, uses SmartWay trucks for transportation, and partners with Terracycle for 100% recyclable plastic packaging. They use up to 20 times less packaging than wet food competitors to feed a 30lb dog daily.

Key Sustainable Features

  • All Freshpet Kitchens waste is recycled, reused, or turned into energy. Cardboard recycling alone saved 1,345 metric tons of CO2e emissions, 2,811,200 gallons of water, and 6,827 trees in 2020
  • Advocates and partners with no-kill shelters, anti-cruelty programs, and for healthcare, recovery, and rehabilitation. On-site filtration and anaerobic digestion prevent organic waste from ending in landfills, preventing 108 metric tons of CO2e emissions and reducing the burden on water facilities.
  • Freshpet uses energy-efficient lighting, compressors, and nonozone-depleting refrigerants to create a more sustainable electric grid.

Pros

  • On-site filtration and anaerobic digestion prevent organic waste from ending in landfills, preventing 108 metric tons of CO2e emissions and reducing the burden on water facilities
  • Their manufacturing process is designed to reduce water usage, and rainwater is collected for irrigation, minimizing stormwater runoff

Cons

  • Requires refrigeration

Sustainable Dog Food Packaging

4.5

I And Love And You

Who It’s For: Pet owners are concerned about plastic’s overuse of packaging and its impact on the environment. 

Non-GMO ingredients

Grass-fed & free-range

Waste management

Wheat & gluten-free

Giving back

Why we recommended it: I And Love And You proudly use 100% sustainable (reduced, reused, recycled) packaging and shipping materials, partnering with TerraCycle to ensure recyclability. Additionally, they prioritize sustainable practices on their packaging labels through a partnership with The Clean Label Project (CLP), which tests for over 130 harmful contaminants and toxins in pet food, reassuring customers of the sustainability and safety of their products. Even in their office, the company notes they use recycled paper in printers, reusable silverware and dishes in the Kitchen, and non-toxic cleaning supplies. They recycle and compost as a team, and some employees bike to work.

What sets it apart from competitors: Since 2015, they have donated over one million meals to pets in need, including during natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires, floods, and more. They also donate surplus products to animals in need rather than throwing them in a landfill. 

Key Sustainable Features

  • “I and Love and You”  partners with Climate Collaborative, Clean Label Project, Colorado Patry, XcelEnergy, Pet Sustainability Coalition, and Impact Assessment to help foster their sustainability mission and reduce carbon PawPrint.
  • They are committed to providing food assistance to pets nationwide in times of crisis.

Pros

  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

Cons

  • Requires refrigeration

Best Sustainable Wet Dog Food

4.5

Nature’s Logic

Who It’s For: Dogs with specific dietary needs or preferences may choose sustainable wet dog food because it often contains higher moisture content and more easily digestible ingredients.

Sustainable development goal

Whole foods

Clean energy

Green packaging

Helps pets in need

Why we recommended it: Nature’s Logic has been recognized as one of the top sustainable brands in the pet industry by the Pet Sustainability Coalition, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. With numerous partnerships and accolades for their sustainability practices, they offer 100% all-natural food and generate renewable energy with each pound of food.

What sets it apart from competitors: Their Tender & True Canned Dog Food provides nutrient-dense, muscle and organ-meat-based meals with concentrated fruits and vegetables. They have implemented 100% carbon-neutral warehousing and shipping.

Key Sustainable Features

  • Nature’s Logic received top ratings across four critical SDGs: #7 affordable and clean energy, #8 decent work and economic growth, #13 climate action, and #14 life below water.
  • All kibble, bags, and biscuits are produced with 100% renewable electricity. Every pound you feed creates 1 kWh of new production renewable energy and a greener future.

Pros

  • Kibble bags use 20% less plastic and biscuit bags are made from 40% post-consumer recycled plastic. Their cans are 100% recyclable

Cons

  • Requires refrigeration

Other Sustainable Eco-Friendly Dog Foods

  • Sustainable Dog Food Supplements. Because Animals is the first and only company to make cultured meat (lab-grown) pet food, supplements and treats. The company’s mission is to make the healthiest and most sustainable food for dogs and cats on the planet through lab-grown pet products.
  • Best Sustainable Topper. Portland Pet Food company offers the best sustainable fresh dog food meals that work as toppers, mixers, or soft treats. Their meal pouches are not intended to be full-on meal replacements but to complement, add variety, and boost the nutrition of your dog’s usual diet.
  • Best Sustainable Fish Dog Food. Tender & True wants the world’s oceans to teem with life – today, tomorrow, and future generations. They are certified by The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), meaning a certified sustainable fishery has responsibly caught the fish used in their recipes. Only seafood from fisheries that meet the MSC strict standard for sustainability can be sold with the blue MSC ecolabel.
  • Best Sustainable Dog Food UK & Europe. Beco Pets has been around since 2009 and has been on a mission to create the best products for cats and dogs while doing as little harm to the environment as possible. They provide an impact report to back up their sustainable practices. All their recipes are filled with delicious meat, vegetables and superfoods. Nothing artificial. All ingredients are cooked at low temperatures to enhance flavor and nutrients.

How to Make Sustainable Food Choices For Your Dog

There are many ways to live a more sustainable life with your dog, including:

  1. Buy eco-friendly dog food. Choose from our sustainable dog food recommendations
  2. Don’t overfeed meat protein. Feed the appropriate amount to reduce waste and
  3. Choose indestructible dog toys for heavy chewers
  4. Feed ingredients that are in season. Seasonal foods are typically not artificially ripened and have come from overseas
  5. Cook your dog food. Homemade dog food preserves energy and reduces environmental impact
  6. Don’t throw away used dog food. Donate it instead
  7. Use sustainable dog products (i.e., dog bowls, accessories, poop bags, etc.)
  8. Grow your herbs, fruit, and vegetables dogs can eat

The sustainable pet food trend is growing. “The State of Sustainability in Pet Foods and Treats” reports that 27% of pet food purchasers want to see more sustainably sourced pet foods.[12] Be part of a like-minded tribe that can make a living and eat sustainably much simpler for your dog and future generations.

Other Sustainable Dog Food Problems

  • The crops used to feed industrially raised animals could feed an additional four billion people
  • Factory farming is the largest source of water pollution
  • 26% of the earth’s terrestrial surface is used for livestock grazing
  • 1/3 of the planet’s arable land is occupied by livestock feed crop cultivation
  • Agribusiness systems, which occupy more land and resources than any other industry in the U.S., have stifled the biodiversity of crops and animals and indirectly destroyed wildlife habitats
  • 41% of the United States land is used for animal feed, grazing, and keeping farm animals (nearly 800 million acres). Less than 20% is used as croplands
  • America’s pets produce about 5.1 million tons of feces each year, which is equivalent to the waste produced by 90 million Americans. If all of it were thrown in the trash, it would rival the total trash output of Massachusetts, at least from the human population.

*Source: 15,16,17

The Bottom Line

Choosing a sustainable diet for your pet can positively impact their health, wallet, and the environment. We recommend feeding your pup sustainably, as it promotes overall health and has a minimal environmental impact. Adopting a sustainable diet will help preserve resources for future generations of dogs and humans. All the companies reviewed in this article adhere to the highest sustainability standards in the industry and offer nutrition approved by AAFCO. However, we advise consulting your vet before changing your dog’s diet. Considering that meat production for pet food contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, alternatives like vegan, insect-based, or cultured meat dog food can effectively reduce this impact.​⬤


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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. EPA Sustainability
  2. Journal Plos One
  3. UCLA
  4. DSM Animal Nutrition & Health
  5. Research Gate
  6. Because, Animals
  7. EPA
  8. United Nations
  9. NY Times
  10. Columbia Climate School
  11. NOAA
  12. Michigan State University
  13. Wild Earth
  14. Oxford Academy
  15. Bloomberg
  16. Smithsonian
  17. WRI Policy Note.
Editorial Team at  |  + posts

Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.

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