The Importance of Supporting Sustainable Treats: How Whole Animal Utilization Reduces Food Waste

Food waste is a massive problem worldwide, with millions of tons of edible food discarded every year. One area often overlooked is the meat industry, where many parts of an animal go unused or wasted. Choosing treats from companies that use the whole animal helps reduce this waste and supports a more sustainable food system. This blog explores why buying such treats matters and how it benefits the environment, animals, and consumers.

Different animal parts prepared for sustainable food use

Why Food Waste Matters in the Meat Industry

The meat industry contributes significantly to global food waste. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, and a large share comes from animal products. When only prime cuts are used for human consumption, other parts like organs, bones, and trimmings often end up discarded or underutilized.

This waste has several consequences:

• Environmental impact: Raising animals requires land, water, and feed. Wasting parts of the animal means these resources are used inefficiently, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

• Economic loss: Discarding edible parts wastes money for producers and consumers.

• Ethical concerns: Many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of wasting any part of an animal that was raised and slaughtered for food.

  
  

Using the whole animal helps address these issues by maximizing the value of each animal and minimizing waste.

How Whole Animal Utilization Works

Whole animal utilization means using every edible part of the animal for food or other products. This approach divides the animal into portions for different purposes:

• Prime cuts go to human restaurants and retail markets.

• Offal and less popular parts are processed into pet treats or specialty foods.

• Bones and scraps can be turned into broths, fertilizers, or other byproducts.

  
  

This system creates a circular flow where nothing goes to waste. For example, a company might supply steaks and roasts to restaurants while using the leftover organs and trimmings to make nutritious dog treats. This approach respects the animal and reduces the environmental footprint of meat production.

Benefits of Buying Treats from Whole Animal Companies

Supporting companies that use the whole animal offers several advantages:

1. Reduces Food Waste

By purchasing treats made from parts that would otherwise be discarded, consumers help lower the overall food waste in the meat supply chain. This contributes to a more sustainable food system.

2. Supports Ethical Practices

Using the whole animal honors the life of the animal by ensuring every part is valued. It discourages overproduction and wasteful practices common in some sectors of the meat industry.

3. Provides Nutritional Value

Many offal parts used in treats are rich in nutrients. For example, liver treats for pets contain vitamins A, B, and iron, which support health and vitality.

4. Encourages Local and Small-Scale Producers

Whole animal utilization is often practiced by smaller, local farms and companies focused on sustainability. Buying from these businesses supports local economies and responsible farming.

5. Offers Unique and High-Quality Products

Treats made from whole animal parts often have unique flavors and textures not found in mass-produced options. This can be especially appealing for pet owners looking for natural, wholesome treats.

Examples of Whole Animal Utilization in Practice

Several companies and restaurants have embraced whole animal use to reduce waste:

• Dog treat makers use beef tripe, chicken feet, or pork ears that are not typically consumed by humans but are nutritious and tasty for pets.

• Farm-to-table restaurants serve prime cuts while offering bone broth or organ-based dishes, ensuring all parts are used.

• Sustainable meat producers sell bones and scraps to pet food companies or use them to create compost and fertilizers.

  
  

These examples show how different parts of the supply chain can work together to minimize waste and create value.

How Consumers Can Make a Difference

Consumers have the power to support sustainable practices by choosing products thoughtfully:

• Look for pet treats labeled as made from whole animal parts or sourced from companies committed to zero waste.

• Ask restaurants or butchers about their use of the whole animal.

• Support local farms and producers who prioritize sustainability.

• Educate yourself about the benefits of whole animal utilization and share this knowledge with others.

  
  

By making informed choices, consumers can drive demand for sustainable products and encourage more companies to adopt waste-reducing practices.

Challenges and Considerations

While whole animal utilization offers many benefits, some challenges exist:

• Consumer perception: Some people may be hesitant to buy treats made from less familiar animal parts.

• Supply chain complexity: Coordinating the use of all animal parts requires careful planning and infrastructure.

• Regulatory hurdles: Food safety regulations can complicate the processing and sale of certain animal parts.

  
  

Despite these challenges, growing awareness and demand for sustainability are helping overcome barriers.