The philosophy of effective altruism (EA) seeks to maximise achievable benefits using limited resources. When prioritising problems, it evaluates their scale, neglectedness, and solvability, and the likely impact and cost-effectiveness of proposed interventions. This study assessed nutritionally sound vegan pet diets through EA principles.

Methods

Published data concerning vegan pet diets were assessed through EA criteria.

Results

Dog and cat food consumes around 9% of all farmed land animals annually – or at least seven billion globally (even after accounting for the use of animal byproducts in pet food). As well as sparing billions of animals from slaughter each year, global implementation of nutritionally sound vegan pet diets would save more greenhouse gases than produced by the entire UK (1.5 times as much), vast amounts of land and freshwater, and sufficient food energy to feed 450 million additional people (the entire EU population) or 1.46 billion additional companion dogs and cats (1.7 times the global population). By 2026, 14 studies and one systematic review demonstrated good health in dogs and cats fed with vegan or vegetarian diets. Despite this, extremely few animal or environmental advocates are working on this issue. Large-scale surveys have shown that a sizeable minority (35-46%) of pet guardians would be willing to realistically consider alternatives to meat-based pet food, and nutritionally sound vegan pet diets are now widely available online. Despite the minimal personnel and resources invested so far, efforts to date have been highly impactful. Leading organisations such as the British Veterinary Association now endorse nutritionally sound vegan dog food. New product launches, patents, and studies are surging, and global valuations of vegan pet food have increased spectacularly from USD 10 billion in 2020 to USD 27 billion in 2024.

Conclusions

When considering EA principles, vegan pet food emerges as a leading EA issue.