With an increasingly wide range of pet foods available on the market, owners have more choice than ever when deciding what to feed their pet. Although conventional cooked kibble still forms a large part of many pet diets, there is increasing interest in alternative options such as raw and minimally processed diets, plant-based and insect-based diets. Furthermore, novel options such as laboratory-cultured meats have recently come onto the pet food market. Decisions regarding pet food choice are often complex and multifactorial, and concerns surrounding environmental sustainability and animal welfare are becoming increasingly important factors in food production and diet choice. However, there are gaps in the research surrounding many alternative diets for pets. Veterinary professionals should be aware of these alternative diet options and the changing needs and interests of pet owners regarding pet feeding. This article will discuss currently available alternative diets for dogs and cats in the UK, as well as those which have scope for development in the future.
Genever Morgan (Wed,) studied this question.