Carbon pawprint of pets: Are our dogs and cats secret climate culprits?

From the food they eat to dog waste on the ground, our pets can end up adding to global pollution — but there are ways to give our dogs and cats a happy, healthy life while also treading more lightly on the planet. Here's how...
Carbon pawprint of pets: Are our dogs and cats secret climate culprits?

Scientists estimate that the global production of dry pet food adds up to around 26.6 million tonnes every year. Picture: iStock

They greet us with wagging tails and purrs of approval, but the last thing on our minds when cuddling our pets is whether they’re quietly contributing to global pollution.

However, a growing body of research, including a revealing study in Global Environmental Change by Dr Peter Alexander and colleagues, suggests the planet’s beloved dogs and cats might be leaving heftier carbon paw prints than we’d expect.

It’s not that our golden retrievers are taking joyrides in SUVs or that our tabbies have been secretly firing up backyard barbecues. The real issue is what we put into their bowls each day. Producing pet food on a global scale uses up surprising amounts of land, water and energy, and that adds up fast.

A rising carbon paw print

Scientists estimate that the global production of dry pet food adds up to around 26.6 million tonnes every year. Meeting all these hungry mouths may produce the equivalent of 56 to 151 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, or 1.1% to 2.9% of the emissions from all agriculture worldwide. That’s similar to the annual output of mid-sized countries like Mozambique or the Philippines. It also takes about 41 to 58 million hectares of land (twice the size of Britain) to grow the crops and raise the animals that go into those kibbles and cans.

The core reason is simple: our furry companions thrive on high-protein diets, much of which comes from meat. Livestock production and the cultivation of feed crops require vast resources, from water to fertiliser to fuel for transport.

Meanwhile, an increasing preference for premium or human-grade pet food means prime cuts of beef or chicken may be diverted from people’s plates to pets’ bowls.

But isn’t most pet food made from by-products, such as organ meats and other parts humans don’t typically eat?

Some of it is, and researchers do take this into account. These by-products aren’t just thrown-out scraps, though; they still have some market value and encourage livestock production. That’s why the study used an “economic value” approach instead of simply saying each kilogram of offal is as polluting as a kilogram of sirloin. Even then, the results are unexpectedly large once you add up all those dogs, cats, and daily meals around the globe.

Exploring alternatives



 A growing body of research suggests the planet’s beloved dogs and cats might be leaving heftier carbon paw prints than we’d expect
A growing body of research suggests the planet’s beloved dogs and cats might be leaving heftier carbon paw prints than we’d expect


One intriguing way to lighten your pet’s environmental paw print is to explore new kinds of proteins, such as insects. You’ve probably heard the buzz (pun very much intended) about insect-based snacks for humans, but they’re also gaining ground in pet food.

Why?

Insects like black soldier fly larvae and crickets are high in protein and nutrients while requiring far less land, water, and energy to produce than cattle or poultry.

To raise insects, farmers typically need only small indoor spaces with controlled climates. Insects can be grown on organic waste or specially formulated feed, producing protein-rich powders that easily blend into kibbles.

Early research suggests that many pets don’t even notice the difference. Major pet food companies and smaller startups are already experimenting with insect-based formulations highlighting the potential for drastically reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional meats.

Other ways to be planet-friendly

Of course, insect kibble isn’t the only strategy to reduce your pet’s footprint. If your vet approves, look for brands that rely more on animal by-products rather than prime cuts. Practice portion control and avoid overfeeding, heavy pets face health risks and consume more resources. Neutering your pet helps keep pet populations in check, which in turn eases the global demand for feed.

Poop disposal matters, too



Dog waste left on the ground can easily get washed into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters when it rains. 
Dog waste left on the ground can easily get washed into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters when it rains. 


In Ireland, for example, compostable dog waste bags still need to go into general trash instead of brown bins, because standard composting facilities can’t handle pet waste safely. Dog waste left on streets or in parks can easily get washed into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters when it rains. This runoff carries bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants that can degrade water quality and endanger public health, as well as harm local wildlife and marine life. So make sure to bag your dog’s poop.

A furrier, greener future

Nobody wants to give up on pets, they bring joy, lower our stress levels, and fill our homes with unconditional love (plus the occasional chewed-up slipper). But as the world becomes more aware of sustainability, it makes sense to include our animals in the conversation. If we’re trying to save fuel and cut back on single-use plastics, why ignore the extra resources going into Fluffy’s dinner bowl?

Understanding that by-products aren’t truly free and that local composting laws may prevent certain kinds of 'green' disposal are part of seeing the big picture.

Our pets don’t drive cars or run factories, but they do share in the food chain that drives global agriculture. By choosing carefully and following local guidelines, we can give our dogs and cats a happy, healthy life while also treading more lightly on the planet.

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