(There may be certain types of vegetarian diets that are healthy for dogs, but you absolutely must consult your vegetarian before you consider this option.) Meanwhile, as “obligate” carnivores, there’s really no such thing as a healthy vegetarian diet for cats they need the unique amino acids found in meats to stay healthy. Dogs are omnivores and benefit from the nutrients in both meat and plants. The “final stop” for all of this meat? Pets in America produce 5.1 million tons of feces per year, which is approximately the total annual trash production of Massachusetts.ĭecreasing the amount of meat in your pet’s diet isn’t always an option. Meat-eating cats and dogs in the United States create 64 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, the equivalent of 13.6 million cars driving for a year.Ĭats and dogs are responsible for up to 30% of the environmental impact of meat consumption in the U.S. So, just how significant is this carbon pawprint? Consider the following findings from a 2017 study by UCLA researchers: ![]() And most pet foods, of course, are comprised almost entirely of meat. But compared to plant-based diets, raising meat takes a much heavier toll on the environment, necessitating more energy, land, and water. The Link Between Pet Food and Climate Changeįrom beets to burgers, all food requires natural resources and energy to produce. To better understand the connection between your pet and the planet, it helps to understand the carbon cost of pet food. Globally, 2020 was the second hottest year on record, with every month except December ranking in the top four warmest, according to the 2020 Global Climate Report. According to a survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 60% of cats and 58% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Not only are pet obesity and climate change connected, they’re both growing in scale and severity. In addition to experiencing weight-related health problems, obese dogs and cats have heavier “ carbon pawprints” as a result of their increased consumption. Unfortunately, overfeeding is unhealthy – and not just for our pets. ![]() After all, food is love! How much could another scoop of kibble or one more bacon snack really hurt? ![]() When faced with pleading puppy eyes, many pet parents reach for the treats.
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