Sustainable sourcing: Limiting pet industry impact on ecosystems

Minimal impact ingredient sourcing along with alternative protein inclusion are hot topics in the pet food sustainability space. Ingredients represent the highest portion of pet food manufacturers’ carbon emissions, far outpacing any other contributor such as production, packaging and even transportation.

Pet owners are increasingly seeking products that they perceive to not only be better for their pets, but also for the planet, highlighting huge growth potential for ingredients such as insect, microbial or algae-based proteins and potentially cultured meat if it is approved.

Panel discussion: We'll examine the sustainability challenges linked to pet food ingredient sourcing. But incorporating any novel ingredients into a pet food formulation requires a focus on ensuring value along with validating the bioavailability and digestibility of the new protein sources.

Pet food companies also seek greater transparency and traceability in their supply chains. And data is key to them reaching their sustainability goals.

• Can cutting the provision of protein and fat in pet food help to lower the industry’s environmental impact?
• How can pet food companies evaluate the sustainability performance of any protein type according to its environmental impact, social impact, nutrition, and animal welfare performance?
• Will an increase in pet owner awareness and interest in sustainability encourage the pet food industry to continue improving in this area?