Here’s something you might not know—if they made up their own country, pets in the U.S. would rank fifth in the world in meat consumption! In fact, 25-30% of meat produced in the U.S. is used in food for dogs and cats. And like most of the meat, eggs and dairy consumed by people, almost all pet food is made from animals who spent their lives confined in inhumane conditions on factory farms.

The ASPCA is working to improve the lives of billions of farmed animals, and we need pet owners’ help. Like all animals, farm animals feel joy and can suffer. Pigs are exceptionally smart, hens have different personality traits [PDF] (and even varied parenting styles), and cows love a good scratch!

It’s no surprise that pet owners care deeply how farm animals are treated. A 2023 national survey found that a whopping 87% of pet food shoppers reported that they would be likely to switch to another brand of pet food if they knew the brand sourced more humane ingredients. And the vast majority of shoppers are willing to pay more for those higher-welfare pet food products.

A handful of pet food companies are leading the way and helping to meet this growing demand by ensuring ingredients are from animal-welfare certified farms and ranches. The ASPCA Shop With Your Heart Grocery List includes pet foods and treats by brands that are verifying that animals are never confined in cages or crates, have more space and were given important enrichments or access to the outdoors.

Recognizing the animal-welfare benefits and potential for impact in the pet food market, the ASPCA is launching a new initiative focused on improving this industry’s sourcing practices. We are proud that 10 pet food brands have recently worked with us to commit to new, industry-leading standards that will improve millions of farm animals’ lives:

Furthermore, five pet food brands with existing commitments to animal welfare have been working hard to implement changes and are now sharing their progress toward completion:

Finally, we are proud that the Next Generation Pet Food Manufacturers Association, a group of more than 50 companies, is collaborating with us by encouraging its members to earn a meaningful animal-welfare certification for their products.

Farm animals deserve our respect and compassion. You and your companion animals can both help take a bite out of factory farming! Share this news with your friends and family on social media and share our list of higher-welfare pet foods and treats with your local pet supply store.

Interested in learning more? Join our Factory Farming Task Force for more resources and to get involved in the fight to end cruel factory farming.