Reducing Your Dog’s Carbon Pawprint: Sustainable Pet Parenting

Caring for your dog goes hand in hand with caring for the planet. While our four-legged companions bring joy and comfort, their diets, toys, and accessories can have a larger environmental impact than many realise.

The good news? By making small, mindful changes, you can dramatically reduce your dog’s carbon pawprint - without compromising on their health or happiness.

How Much Do Dogs Impact the Environment?

Dogs contribute to carbon emissions primarily through their diet and lifestyle products. Meat-based diets, in particular, are linked to significant greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming and resource-intensive food production.

Industry data shows the global pet food market was valued at over USD 126 billion in 2024, projected to exceed USD 193 billion by 2032, demonstrating how substantial pet nutrition’s footprint can be. In the UK, the dog food sector alone is worth around £2 billion and growing by 9% annually. With such scale, even small sustainable shifts can make a measurable difference.

Why Plant-Based Dog Food Reduces Emissions

Switching from meat-heavy to plant-based nutrition is one of the most effective ways to lower your dog’s environmental impact.

A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems found that plant-based dry dog foods required as little as 2.73 m² of land per 1,000 kcal, compared to over 102 m² for beef-based formulas, highlighting their dramatically lower carbon and land-use footprint.

Plant-based meals eliminate the intensive resource use tied to animal agriculture while maintaining complete, balanced nutrition.

The PDSA PAW Report 2024 revealed that over 78% of UK pet owners now view nutrition as central to their dog’s health and longevity. This growing awareness is driving more sustainable feeding habits that benefit both pets and the planet.

Beyond emissions, plant-based diets offer added advantages for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Studies show that common animal proteins such as beef, chicken, and dairy are frequent dietary allergens in dogs, while food-induced skin and gut sensitivities are seen in up to 24–40% of dogs referred to dermatology specialists (Olivry & Mueller, 2017).

Omni’s novel protein formulas meet nutritional needs while reducing allergen exposure and environmental strain.

Eco-Friendly Treats and Supplements

Sustainability extends beyond the food bowl. Functional treats and supplements made with plant-based or novel proteins not only avoid animal by-products but also minimise emissions from production.

The UK pet nutraceuticals market is forecast to reach £446 million by 2030, driven by interest in calming, digestive, and joint-supporting formulas (Mordor Intelligence, 2025). Choosing products packaged in recyclable materials and made through cruelty-free methods aligns wellness with eco-conscious values.

Smarter Choices in Toys and Accessories

Toys and accessories can be major contributors to plastic waste. Rather than repeatedly buying synthetic products that end up in landfill, consider durable or recycled alternatives:

• Toys made from natural rubber or upcycled fabrics
  

• Biodegradable poo bags
  

• Repurposed textiles for bedding or enrichment
  

These small swaps save resources, reduce waste and often last longer than disposable alternatives.

Supporting Ethical Pet Brands

Sustainability in pet care is driven by consumer choices. The global veterinary diet market is projected to reach nearly USD 37 billion by 2030, reflecting increasing demand for targeted and environmentally responsible nutrition. By supporting transparent, science-backed brands with sustainable sourcing, you’re contributing to long-term positive change - for animals, people and the planet.

Final Words: Small Changes, Big Impact

Becoming a sustainable dog parent isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Each thoughtful choice - switching to plant-based meals, choosing recyclable packaging, or picking longer-lasting toys - contributes to meaningful change.

Every decision supports not only your dog’s wellbeing but also the world they’ll inherit. A greener planet starts with every wagging tail, every recycled bag, and every bowl of consciously chosen nutrition.

Explore Omni’s Sustainable, Novel Protein Range

Sources

• Brocieck, R.A. & Gardner, D.S. (2025). Environmental impact of feeding plant-based vs. meat-based dry dog foods in the United Kingdom. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1633312/full

• Olivry, T. & Mueller, R.S. (2017). Prevalence of cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research. Available at: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-017-0973-z
  

• Mordor Intelligence (2025). UK Pet Nutraceuticals Market – Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2025–2030). Available at: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/uk-pet-nutraceuticals-market