{"id":1823,"date":"2021-11-16T08:02:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-16T08:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/?p=1823"},"modified":"2021-11-16T08:02:00","modified_gmt":"2021-11-16T08:02:00","slug":"what-is-the-carbon-footprint-of-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/what-is-the-carbon-footprint-of-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Carbon Footprint of Pets?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"dog<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, are produced around the globe. Notably, the burning of fossil fuels, bulldozing forests, transportation, construction, high-yield agriculture, and livestock management all contribute to rising greenhouse gases. We are all collectively and individually responsible for our impact on the environment, and the pets we care for are no exception. Whether we like it or not, the carbon footprint of pets is growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Hard Look<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pets give us so much to live for. Their unconditional love and emotional support bolster us, and they can even help facilitate a deeper connection to nature when we exercise together outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

With global pet care market expectations (from $222 billion to $325 billion over the next seven years), it\u2019s time to take a closer look at what that means for the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A High Cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The carbon footprint of pets is skyrocketing primarily because of meat-based food production. The land, water, and energy required for livestock management is directly linked to heat-trapping greenhouse gases. For America\u2019s 200 million kibble-eating pets, the equivalent impact on the environment is akin to driving 13 million cars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We Are What We Eat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Of all the meat consumed in the U.S. each year, pet meals account for about a quarter<\/a> of all meat production. A thousand kilograms of carbon dioxide is needed to produce one kilogram of beef; twenty-four kilograms are required for one kilogram of pork. According to some calculations, the diets of American cats and dogs can be linked to major increases in greenhouse gases (in the neighborhood of 64 millions tons of nitrous oxide and methane). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can Be Done<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pet owners may be interested in ways they can affect change, but at the end of the day, their pet still has to eat a high quality food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, there are some great products that not only complete your pet\u2019s nutritional needs, but don\u2019t add to the climate crisis either. Since we know foods containing lamb, beef, or pork can be linked with higher greenhouse gases, check out foods with organically-grown poultry<\/a> listed as the primary protein. Many foods with high vegetable values may decrease the carbon footprint of pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you make the switch to a more earth-friendly diet, be sure that your pet\u2019s veterinarian is aware of the change<\/a>. It can take a pet several weeks to fully adopt a new meal plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbon Footprint of Pets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, we can reduce the carbon footprint of pets in these ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n