First Aid for the Ecological Footprint

To reduce our ecological footprint, we eat less and less meat. But have you ever thought about how much meat your pet eats? Reducing the ecological footprint of your four-legged friend: how do you actually do that?

Pim Martens, professor of sustainable development at Maastricht University, investigated how big the footprint of dogs and cats really is. The ecological footprint of the average Dutchman amounts to 4.9 hectares. This figure includes not only food, but also air travel, clothing, electronics, etc. For dogs this varies between 0.9 and 3.66 hectares per year.

According to the professor, the relatively large impact of pets is mainly due to the type of meat they eat. Although most food contains residual meat, pets are increasingly given a fresh piece of meat or salmon from the supermarket. Not exactly sustainable. Because Yarrah guarantees organic, animal-free and sustainable dog and cat food, the company only uses residual meat.

Two peas in a pod

Eating organically has many advantages. Both for you and for your pet. It is also better for the planet, allowing you to reduce your pet’s footprint. Organic products provide more biodiversity and less environmental impact. But also on your pet itself organic food has a great positive impact. A healthier coat, better digestion and an improved energy balance are often mentioned advantages. In addition, less itching and fewer allergic reactions are also positive consequences of organic food. No wonder that organic food and animal welfare are two peas in a pod – or rather two paws in a pod. The best for your animal, without burdening nature unnecessarily.

To ensure these high standards, we have a quality manager who ensures that all ingredients are indeed organic. Arthur Hartman personally visits our suppliers to check that the organic animals do not just have a better life on paper. Organic farmers make products without environmentally harmful pesticides, fertilisers or other unnatural components. But other ingredients are also carefully checked for their organic character.

From carnivore to omnivore

To reduce the ecological footprint, it is not only important to choose organic. A plant-based diet for your dog can also have a big positive impact. And yes, plant-based food is good for your dog! In a previous blog, you could read that dogs have evolved from carnivores to omnivores. Your dog can therefore live a healthy life on a plant-based diet. But do not try to whip up a veg meal yourself. Choose official vegetarian food. These contain all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your dog needs.

At Yarrah we pay a lot of attention to the recipes. We do this in close cooperation with animal nutrition scientists. This way we not only have an eye for ingredients that are kind to the planet, but also nutritious and tasty for your pet.