Pets and the Planet: A Balancing Act

Pets bring joy and health benefits to our lives. They help us stay active, reduce stress, and keep loneliness at bay. Studies show that interacting with pets can lower blood pressure and improve overall well-being. However, our furry friends also have an environmental impact that we can't ignore.

Meat Consumption and Emissions

Cats and dogs consume a lot of meat. In the U. S. , they eat about a quarter of the country's animal-derived calories. If they were a country, they would rank fifth in global meat consumption. This high meat intake contributes significantly to agriculture-related fossil fuel emissions and carbon dioxide levels.

Pet Food Choices Matter

Feeding pets human-grade meat has a greater environmental toll. A 45-pound dog on a raw food diet can have a higher environmental impact than most meat-eating humans. To reduce this impact, experts recommend pet food brands with less animal-derived protein. Chicken-based food is generally better than pork, and both are better than beef. Dry food usually has a lower environmental impact than wet food.

Overfeeding and Waste Management

Overfeeding pets is also a concern. Many cats and dogs in the U. S. are overweight. Reducing their food intake can benefit both their health and the environment. Additionally, pet waste is a problem. Dog and cat waste contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which can contaminate soil and water. Responsible pet owners can help by picking up after their dogs and properly disposing of waste.

Free-Roaming Pets and Wildlife

Free-roaming pets can harm wildlife. Dogs can disturb biodiversity just by moving through an area. Cats, with their hunting instincts, can kill small animals that would otherwise be food for native predators. Keeping cats indoors and leashing dogs can help mitigate these issues.

Adopting Pets Responsibly

Adopting pets from shelters is a good idea. In 2024, 5. 8 million cats and dogs entered U. S. shelters, with 607, 000 being destroyed. Adopting instead of buying from breeders can help reduce these numbers and address both environmental and animal welfare concerns. If you're looking for a pet with a lower environmental toll, consider smaller animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, which are also vegetarians.