Sustainable pet food for dogs and cats will be the central theme of the webinar “Sustainable Pet Food: A New Diet Change Frontier”, organised by the American College of Animal Welfare and presented by the vet and researcher Andrew Knight, one of the leading figures in research into alternative pet diets.
During the session, the latest advances in the development of pet food formulated with plant-based ingredients, microbial proteins and cultured meat will be discussed – three areas that are gaining prominence within the pet food industry due to their potential to improve sustainability and animal welfare.
According to data to be presented during the webinar, pet food production could account for at least 20 per cent of the environmental impact associated with livestock farming in the United States, a figure that is likely to be similar in other developed markets with high pet ownership rates. In this context, nutritionally complete plant-based diets are emerging as one of the alternatives with the greatest potential to reduce the sector’s environmental footprint.
The programme will also review the available scientific evidence on the effects of these diets on the health of dogs and cats. Currently, at least eleven studies in dogs and three in cats have shown equivalent or superior health outcomes when properly formulated plant-based diets are used. Furthermore, aspects relating to the acceptance and palatability of these products will be analysed, as this is one of the most important factors for owners when considering a dietary transition.
Furthermore, Andrew Knight will examine the potential of new protein sources to reduce reliance on traditional livestock farming, cut greenhouse gas emissions and offer alternatives in line with consumers’ growing environmental concerns.
The webinar will last 80 minutes and will include a question-and-answer session with attendees.
📅 Date: 3 November 2026
🕖 Time: 7.00 pm ET (1.00 am CEST)
🏛️ Organiser: American College of Animal Welfare
🎙️ Speaker: Andrew Knight
🌱 Topic: Sustainability and alternative proteins in pet food
📌 Registration: Sustainable Pet Food: A New Diet Change Frontier – VETVINE
