Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability: The Future of Pet Food Industry

Empowering Change Through Ethical Practices

The pet food sector is witnessing a paradigm shift as brands prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing. This movement is driven by consumer demand for products that align with their values. Companies are now focusing on reducing carbon footprints, ensuring animal welfare, and promoting social equity. To achieve these goals, many are adopting comprehensive strategies that encompass every aspect of ingredient procurement.

A Holistic Approach to Ingredient Procurement

Responsible sourcing in the pet food industry extends beyond environmental considerations. It integrates animal welfare and social aspects, creating a holistic view of ingredient origins. Brands like Instinct Pet Food exemplify this approach by ensuring their ingredients are obtained ethically and sustainably. Dave McCoy, director of strategic sourcing at Instinct, emphasizes the importance of doing the right thing for pets and the planet. By using MSC-certified wild-caught Alaskan Pollock, Instinct demonstrates its commitment to sustainable fishing practices.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition also plays a pivotal role in advancing responsible sourcing. Utilizing MSC-certified seafood in its Science Diet line, Hill’s reduces carbon emissions while enhancing product quality. According to Nick Rozzi, Ph.D., vice president of product development at Hill’s, the company focuses on traceability and certification from reputable organizations to uphold sustainability standards. Open Farm further reinforces this ethos by sourcing seafood responsibly and adhering to strict animal welfare standards.

Innovations in Sustainable Ingredients

The quest for sustainability has spurred innovation in the pet food industry. Novel proteins, such as insects, offer promising alternatives to traditional ingredients. Hill’s Pet Nutrition incorporates insects raised in North America into its recipes, addressing the need for more sustainable protein sources. Collaborating with Bond Pet Foods, Hill’s explores fermented animal proteins to enhance sustainability further.

Petcurean has embraced black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in its Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Insect Recipe. Additionally, the company utilizes upcycled ingredients in its Go! Solutions Benefit Chews, reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles. These innovations reflect Petcurean’s dedication to making a positive impact on the environment and supply chain efficiency.

Regenerative Agriculture: A New Frontier

Regenerative agriculture is gaining traction in the pet food industry, offering numerous benefits. Martin Williams of Above Food Ingredients highlights the potential of regenerative farming to reduce chemical use, optimize water consumption, and increase carbon sequestration. Canidae, a champion of regenerative agriculture, sources plant-based ingredients from U.S. farmers who prioritize these practices. Partnering with Greenfield Robotics, Canidae integrates weed-cutting robots to eliminate chemicals from its supply chain, ensuring high-quality, nutritious pet food.

Canidae’s All Life Stages line exemplifies the advantages of regenerative agriculture. By using regeneratively farmed ingredients, the brand promotes superior nutrition and taste while contributing to soil health and carbon sequestration. Johanna Tulfer, brand director at Canidae, underscores the importance of regenerative farming in producing wholesome, nutrient-dense food for pets.

Building Strong Partnerships

Responsible sourcing relies heavily on partnerships with suppliers and industry associations. Conducting materiality assessments and establishing Supplier Codes of Conduct are crucial steps for companies. Petcurean’s Supplier Code of Conduct holds Tier 1 suppliers accountable for social and environmental performance, covering biodiversity loss, waste production, GHG emissions, water usage, and child labor.

Hill’s collaborates closely with its suppliers to identify ways to lower carbon footprints across various ingredients. Supporting farmers in transitioning to regenerative and alternative farming practices is a key focus. Associations like the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) and the ASPCA play vital roles in promoting responsible sourcing. The PSC’s Blueprint to Responsibly Sourcing Animal Proteins guide and partnership with HowGood provide valuable resources for processors. The ASPCA connects manufacturers with humane producers through its Higher Welfare Pet Food Initiative, ensuring farm animals receive proper care.