Sustainable Cat Food: Introduction
Sustainable cat food is the purrfect solution for feline lovers who want to treat their pets without harming the planet. As more of us question what’s in our cupboards, it’s only fair we turn our attention to what’s in the bowl on the floor. With over 11 million pet cats in the UK alone, their food choices come with a surprising environmental cost.
This week, we scratch beneath the surface of cat food history, explore the environmental impact of feline feasts, and share tips and brands to help you choose greener options. Your cat might not thank you, but the planet will.
A History of Domesticated Cats (and Their Food)
Cats have been shadowing humans for thousands of years, but not for belly rubs. Around 7500 BC, wildcats in the Fertile Crescent began lingering near farms, drawn to rodents. Humans welcomed their pest control, and the relationship began. Ancient Egyptians took the next step: worshipping cats, housing them, and even mummifying them (you could say things escalated quickly).
Unlike dogs, who were trained and tamed over time, cats largely domesticated themselves. As humans spread across the globe, cats hitched rides, becoming mousers on ships, barn guardians, and eventually, full-time sofa loafers.
As for food, cats lived on scraps, rodents, and raw meat until commercial cat food emerged in the 20th century. The first mass-produced cat foods arrived in the 1930s, followed by dry kibble in the 1950s. Since then, the industry has exploded, but so has its environmental impact. Which brings us to the modern problem of meaty, packaged, and often wasteful meals.
Environmental Impact of Conventional Cat Food
Most commercial cat food is meat-heavy, and that comes at a cost. Pets are estimated to consume 20% of the world’s meat and fish, making their diet a serious contributor to emissions. Livestock farming is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and cats (unknowingly) play their part.
Then there’s the packaging. Most cat food is packed in single-use pouches or tins, often unrecyclable or requiring energy-intensive processing. With millions of households feeding cats twice a day, that’s a mountain of waste.
And let’s not forget overfishing. Tuna, a popular cat food ingredient, is under pressure due to unsustainable fishing practices. Add transport emissions from globally sourced ingredients, and the pawprint becomes clear.
But here’s the good news: eco-conscious cat food brands are on the rise, rethinking everything from protein sources to packaging. It’s never been easier to reduce your cat’s impact while keeping them healthy and happy.
What to Look for in Sustainable Cat Food
Choosing sustainable cat food means reading beyond the marketing. Start with the ingredients. Brands using alternative proteins, like insects, or lower-impact meats such as chicken or sustainably sourced fish are a better option for the planet.
Avoid mystery meats. Transparency is key: if a brand can tell you where its ingredients come from, that’s a good sign. Look for certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) for fish, Organic for farming practices, and B Corp for broader sustainability ethics.
Next, consider packaging. Recyclable tins are better than plastic pouches, but compostable or refillable packaging is ideal. And if it’s made in the UK using locally sourced ingredients? Even better. That means fewer food miles and fresher food.
Finally, pay attention to company values. Are they reducing waste? Using renewable energy? Supporting animal welfare beyond cats? These clues help you spot the truly green brands among the greenwashed.
Three Favourite Brands for Sustainable Cat Food
Naturo
Naturobakes a natural approach, using British ingredients and high-quality meat with no artificial additives. They offer grain-free recipes, MSC-certified fish, and clear sourcing. Their packaging is fully recyclable, and the brand is committed to improving animal welfare and sustainability across its range. Head over to their website and use code NATUROWELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.
Scrumbles
Scrumbles is a UK B Corp using insect protein and sustainable chicken in its cat food, with all recipes developed by pet nutritionists. Their focus on gut health (with added prebiotics) benefits cats and reduces waste, while their plastic-free, recyclable packaging makes it easy to do the right thing. They even donate to animal charities. Use voucher code PRETTYP for 25% off your order.
Bella & Duke
Bella & Duke offers raw, nutritionally complete meals with a focus on animal health and minimal environmental impact. They use ethically sourced meat, minimal processing, and fully recyclable packaging. Their raw approach cuts out unnecessary additives and waste, giving your cat a diet closer to its natural roots, without damaging the planet. They currently offer a 6 week deal for just £15.
Sustainable Cat Food: Wrap-Up
Feeding your cat shouldn’t cost the Earth. By switching to sustainable cat food, you can shrink your pet’s pawprint and support better practices across the industry. From ethical sourcing to eco-friendly packaging, small changes in your cat’s bowl can lead to big shifts in environmental impact.
Let’s keep pushing for better choices, one bowl at a time. After all, every mealtime is a chance to be part of the solution.
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