The Kibble Diet Dramatically Reduces the Environmental Impact of Pets | Sciences

People who have dogs and cats can significantly reduce their pets’ environmental impact by feeding them dry food such as kibble instead of food that has a higher water content. This is according to a Brazilian study published on Friday.

A 10-pound dog eats an average of 534 calories per day. If we include the emissions from the production of this food, a dog on a dry food diet would emit about 828 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. A dog on a so-called wet diet, the production of which has a greater impact on the environment, emits up to 6,541 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. That’s nearly seven times as much.

More and more people around the world have dogs or cats at home. For example, the United States currently has about 76.8 million dogs and 58.4 million cats. The research shows how owners can feed their pets more sustainably while still providing them with adequate nutrients and calories.

Scientists examined 816 dog diets and 320 cat diets in Brazil. They compared all types of food, from kibble and biscuits to meat meals and foods the owners made themselves. They tested the nutritional value of the diet and its impact on the environment.

Wet diets for cats and dogs have the greatest impact on the environment, especially when compared to dry diets. Homemade diets tend to have a moderate environmental impact, although water consumption for homemade foods is similar to dry diets.

The researchers are excited. They wrote: “We have found a new way for people to contribute to reducing carbon emissions.”