Sourcing sustainable ingredients
The use of by-products from the human food chain prevents disposal of healthy and tasty ingredients
Pet owners want to feed their pets in a way that respects the environment.
Sustainable ingredient sourcing means ensuring, to the best of our abilities, that the ingredients we use have a positive impact on the local community and a limited impact on the ecosystems from which they are sourced.
Sustainable and healthy by-products
Most ingredients in pet food are by-products from the human food chain, such as organ meats and the less pretty trimmings. These are not just leftovers but high-quality, sustainable ingredients that people usually don’t eat. Pet food manufacturers are experts in converting these by-products into valuable, nutritious products which cats and dogs will happily and healthily eat.
This also means that no animal is raised specifically for pet food and ensures as much of the delicious and nutritious food that is already produced is consumed. Manufacturers commonly use beef, lamb, poultry, pork, fish, and game and select these based on nutrient profile and ingredient digestibility.
Reducing the impact of food waste
By using these by-products in pet food, we are reducing the impact on food waste, the availability of commodities and minimising the environmental footprint of producing foods specifically for use in pet food. This benefits the farmer by providing an outlet for what would otherwise be costly to dispose of, as well as reducing both the price of meat for human consumption and the demand on the human food chain.
The pet food industry has been one of the first to commit to recycling: the use of by-products from the human food chain prevents disposal of healthy and tasty ingredients.
Fish and seafood are precious resources
Similarly, surplus fish products are parts of a fish that remain after the fish fillets are removed for the human food supply chain. In addition to being nutritionally beneficial, using fish by-products represents an environmentally and socially responsible practice, as all the protein sources of the fish are used while not competing with the human food supply. Overfishing is a key challenge facing all of us in the human and pet food sector. Replacing vulnerable species with more sustainable species or alternative proteins is another change many manufacturers continue to adopt and explore.
Plant-based ingredients
Plant-based (grain and vegetable) by-products such as soy leftovers, broken rice, and beet pulp are also used in pet food. In recent years, additional plant protein ingredients have become increasingly viable options. These include pea protein, potato protein, and rice protein. Changes in the pet food market mirror those in the human food industry, catering to vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian consumers. The selection of plant-based ingredients will have an impact on the format, texture and appeal of the finished product and manufacturers consider this factor when selecting a plant protein or selection of plant proteins. As always, the key consideration is to ensure that a pet’s diet is complete and meets their nutritional needs.
When it comes to pet food ingredients, the Industry is conscious of sourcing pet food ingredients responsibly and sustainably.
The role of alternative ingredients
With growing pressure on our planet’s resources, UK Pet Food and our members are focused on finding smart, sustainable ways to make pet food.
One exciting area we’re exploring is alternative proteins, like insect-based foods and even cell-cultivated ingredients now in dog treats. We’re backing research and innovation in these new ideas, alongside improving traditional methods to help build a more sustainable future for pets and people alike.
