UK pet food industry urged to support ‘No Empty Bowls’ initiative keeping pets in loving homes

The UK pet food industry is being called on to get behind ‘No Empty Bowls’, a collaborative initiative led by Battersea and FareShare (joining forces with the Felix Project), backed by UK Pet Food. 

Pet food companies across the sector are encouraged to donate surplus pet food and play a direct role in supporting pet owners struggling to afford everyday essentials.

Nicole Paley, Deputy CEO at UK Pet Food advises: “For many people, pets are family. But for some households, rising everyday costs are making it increasingly difficult to keep up with the basics, including feeding their pets.”

The programme redistributes surplus pet food from manufacturers to a nationwide network of charities and community groups, helping ensure pets can remain with the people who love and care for them.

Why it matters

Frances Drury, Head of Advice and Support at Battersea, said: "Battersea research found that almost a third of dog and cat owners have had to cut back on essential costs to feed their much-loved pets. Sadly, this is the reality many owners are facing, with some having to consider giving up their pet if their situation doesn't improve. At Battersea, all too often we sadly see owners having to give up their beloved pet because they're struggling. 

No Empty Bowls is designed to support pets and owners through difficult times, helping more pets stay in loving homes, reducing the number of pets being relinquished and easing pressure on rescue centres. "

Real impact across the UK

The initiative is already making a meaningful difference. So far, it has:

• Delivered over 1.6 million meals to pets in need.
• Engaged 23 pet food companies.
• Supported more than 1,600 charities and community groups across the UK.

A simple way for industry to help

For manufacturers, getting involved is straightforward and impactful.

According to Sophie Orpen at FareShare (joining forces with the Felix Project): “The process is designed to be simple and efficient, with surplus stock removed at no cost, swift, straightforward logistics, and clear reporting on the impact of donations. Alongside this, companies can be confident that perfectly good product is being put to good use, delivering real social impact.”

Get involved

UK Pet Food is encouraging manufacturers of all sizes to take part and support the continued growth of the initiative.

• Send any questions to: [email protected]
• Donate at: fareshare.org.uk/giving-food, referencing "No Empty Bowls" in additional information.
• Learn more: No Empty Bowls | Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Notes to editors    

Companies already supporting ‘No Empty Bowls’ include:

Lily’s Kitchen, Fish4Pets, Rolf C Hagen, Inspired Pet Nutrition, Denzel’s, and Burgess Pet Care.

About UK Pet Food

• UK Pet Food brings together the UK pet food industry, representing manufacturers and suppliers to support high standards, build trust, and promote the sector.

About Battersea

• At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.    
• In 2024 Battersea directly cared for 2,766 dogs and 2,454 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.    
• Battersea has three centres based in London; Old Windsor, Berkshire; and Brands Hatch, Kent. 
• To find out more visit Battersea’s website or follow Battersea on Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea   

About FareShare (joining forces with the Felix Project)

• FareShare is the UK’s leading food redistribution charity, harnessing the power of food to change lives. We take good-to-eat food that would otherwise go to waste and ensure it reaches people in need via our network of regional partners, over 8,000 local charities and community groups, and thousands of volunteers. Through this network, FareShare not only tackles food waste but also helps reduce isolation, promote wellbeing, and improve employability—supporting stronger, healthier communities across the UK. FareShare’s vision is a sustainable food system where no good food goes to waste.
• The Felix Project was set up by Justin and Jane Byam Shaw in 2016, in memory of their son Felix. The charity supplies surplus food to over 1,200 community organisations across London. 
• The two charities have worked together in London since 2020, when The Felix Project became FareShare’s London delivery partner, taking over the operation of their South London depot.