Scientists have pointed to the polluting diet of pets

Modern owners increasingly perceive pets as family members and buy food for them similar to their own food. However, the researchers warned that the diet of dogs and cats has a noticeable impact on the climate. This was reported by ABC News channel.

According to the publication, most people eat meat, the impact of which on the environment consists of the animal's habitat, its food, waste and other factors. Allison Reaser, Director of Sustainability and Innovation at the Pet Sustainability Coalition, noted that, as in the case of humans, the impact of pets on the planet can vary significantly due to diet.

According to Alison Manchester, associate professor of clinical sciences at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, traditional dry and wet food can become a well-balanced diet for pets. She clarified that animal parts that are unpleasant to humans and could be discarded are often used in its production.

Billy Nichols, a researcher of pet food at Bryant Research, noted that the trend of using meat suitable for human consumption in feed increases climate damage, as such products cease to be recycled waste.

Experts recommend choosing feeds with sustainable protein sources, such as chicken, fish, insects, or offal. According to the Association of American Food Inspectors, protein should make up about 18% of the diet of an adult dog and about 26% of an adult cat.

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"Dogs can get enough protein and maintain the right balance without actually eating meat," Manchester emphasized.

However, she noted that cats are more dependent on animal products. The specialist added that she does not know of any balanced vegan food for them. This indicates that their environmental impact can be minimized by choosing the least polluting types of meat possible. So, beef is the most polluting, while chicken and fish have less impact. At the same time, plant-based options are considered the most environmentally friendly.

In addition, Manchester recommended giving preference to buying pet food rather than cooking it at home. According to her, when balancing nutrients in homemade food, there is "a huge scope for mistakes" — this can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. Reaser advises to check the label and avoid ingredients that seem appetizing to people.

It is also important to take into account the type of pet, its breed and origin. Nichols emphasized that the smaller a pet is, the smaller its carbon footprint. Accordingly, small dogs not only eat less, but also produce less waste.

Veterinarian Ekaterina Nigova, in an interview with Izvestia on June 9, warned about the dangers of excess weight in pets. According to her, in Russia, every fourth owner of a dog or cat recognizes that the animal is overweight or obese. The specialist stressed that the most alarming condition of a pet with obesity is considered to be digestive problems, diseases of the cardiovascular system and urinary tract.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.