Dog Food’s Carbon Pawprint: Study Reveals Major Emissions Impact

Key Findings

Dog food accounts for about 1% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to new research by scientists from the University of Edinburgh and University of Exeter. The study examined nearly 1,000 commercially available dog foods and found that wet, raw, and meat‑rich products were associated with substantially higher emissions compared to standard dry kibble.

Emissions Gap Between Products

The analysis revealed stark differences: the highest‑impact foods were responsible for up to 65 times more emissions than the lowest‑impact options. Overall, producing ingredients for UK dog foods contributes 2.3–3.7% of food system emissions, or 0.9–1.3% of total national emissions. If replicated globally, feeding dogs as Britons do would generate emissions equivalent to more than half of those from commercial aviation jet fuel each year.

Meat Choices Matter

The study highlighted that using prime meat cuts—which could otherwise be consumed by humans—significantly raises emissions. In contrast, using nutritious carcass parts in low demand helps limit environmental impact. Dry kibble, especially non‑grain‑free varieties, tended to have lower footprints than wet, raw, or grain‑free foods.

Guidance for Owners

Lead investigator John Harvey, a veterinary surgeon at Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, noted that pet owners often struggle between feeding dogs as “meat‑eating wolves” and reducing environmental harm. He advised checking labels for meat cut descriptions and opting for foods with less prime meat content.

Future Directions

Plant‑based dog foods could further reduce emissions, though only a small number were available for testing. Harvey urged the pet food industry to ensure clear labelling and prioritize meat types not typically eaten by humans. These steps, he said, would allow dogs to remain healthy while leaving a smaller pawprint on the planet.