Pet owners around the world are shaking up old feeding habits, and the latest research proves it. Two of the largest surveys on sustainable pet diets, published in November 2025, reveal that an increasing number of people are open to plant-based and alternative diets for their dogs and cats.
These studies, led by Professor Andrew Knight and published in the journal Animals, offer a fresh perspective on the shifting attitudes behind the food choices people make for their pets.
This research pulled responses from thousands of dog and cat guardians across many regions. The results show rising interest in new diet options, even though most owners still use traditional meat-based food. The shift is not massive yet, but it is steady and signals a real change in how people think about pet nutrition.
Rising Openness to Sustainable Pet Diets
Kabo / Unsplash / The dog survey included 2,639 guardians. It found that 84% still use conventional or raw meat-based diets.
Even so, 43% of this group said they were open to trying at least one sustainable alternative. That is almost half of the group that currently feeds on meat-based diets. Cultivated meat ranked highest among those alternatives, chosen by 24% of open respondents.
Vegetarian diets came next, at 17%, followed by vegan diets at 13%.
The cat survey, which included 1,380 guardians, showed an even stronger shift. Around 89% of cat guardians still use conventional or raw diets, yet 51% said at least one sustainable option sounded acceptable. That means more than half were ready to explore something new. Cultivated meat led the list again at 33%. Vegan diets were next at 18%, which is a notable jump for a species often seen as strict carnivores.
Across both surveys, one point stood out more than any other. Pet guardians want to know that any new diet will keep their animals healthy. Nutritional soundness ranked highest for both dog and cat owners, hitting 85% for dogs and 80% for cats. Good health outcomes followed close behind at 83% for both. People are curious about sustainable diets, but they want proof that these diets work and support long-term wellness.
This focus on health shows why trust plays such a large role in the decision to switch. Many guardians are not against plant-based or cultivated diets. They simply want clear information. Owners want to see evidence that these diets meet nutritional standards, support strong digestion, and provide good energy levels. Without that clarity, many will wait before making the change.
Who Is Most Likely To Try Alternative Pet Diets?
Caroline / Unsplash / Guardians who already reduce or avoid meat in their own meals were far more open to similar choices for their pets.
Their personal habits shape their outlook, so they see less of a leap in switching their pets to something sustainable. It feels familiar, not risky.
Education level also played a role. People with higher educational backgrounds tended to be more open to alternative diets. They may be more exposed to research, global food conversations, or environmental issues. Younger guardians were also more receptive, while older guardians showed more hesitation. Region mattered too, with respondents in the UK often being more cautious than those in other parts of Europe, North America, or Oceania.
Still, many regional differences were small or not statistically strong.
Professor Knight noted that these surveys landed at a time when public awareness around environmental and ethical concerns is climbing fast. More people are thinking about the impact of traditional pet food production, especially since the pet food system uses a significant amount of global meat supplies.