Today’s Solutions: May 11, 2026

The carbon footprint of pet food is enormous. In fact, one study calculated that feeding cats and dogs in the US creates the equivalent of 64 millions tons of carbon dioxide a year. That’s why a startup by the name of Wild Earth is coming up with sustainable, cruelty-free options for pet food at a time where some other brands use animal byproducts and harmful ingredients to make their product. The startup’s first products are dog treats made with fermented koji, a type of fungus that is also used to make foods like soy sauce and miso soup. The product is a “complete protein,” meaning that, like meat, it provides all of the amino acids that dogs need nutritionally. Wild Earth calculates that producing the treats uses 90 percent fewer resources than meat-based products. We all want to have healthy pets and a healthy planet, so it’s time we start considering more sustainable alternatives when it comes to pet food.

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