Learn what to look for when buying an ethical and sustainable pet food, and how New Zealand is paving the way to better options for our dogs and cats.

Dogs and cats are biologically designed to eat a varied meat-rich diet, and as responsible guardians, we want to give them ethical and sustainable pet food.

Ethics refers how the animals used in pet foods are treated and raised (e.g. free-range, grass-fed), while sustainability refers to practices that guarantee the future of the company and the animals it uses (e.g. ethical farming, MSC-certified fish, guardianship of the land).

What to look for

Any ethical and sustainable company will be proud to share their story. As such, you should be able to get answers to these two critical questions:

1. Where are the company’s ingredients sourced, and how are their animals raised/fish sourced?
2. Where are their foods made? Does the company use their own facilities or do they contract out?

Ethical and sustainable New Zealand sourcing

New Zealand has gained a lot of attention over the years thanks to their unwavering dedication to ethical and sustainable farming practices. Rooted in New Zealand culture, the country’s farmers and fisherman believe wholeheartedly in their role as kaitiaki — being guardians of the land and sea.

The animals are raised with plenty of room to roam, 365 days a year, on rolling pastures of grass, clover, and native grasses. They are never finished in feedlots.

New Zealand’s Freedom Principles – ultimate farming standards

Farmed without growth promotants or hormones, ZIWI’s free-range, grass-fed meats and local poultry are ethically raised under New Zealand’s Freedom Principles, while their seafood comes from the world’s top-ranked fisheries.

ZIWI lives by the five Freedom Principles of animal welfare, and only partner with suppliers who also follow these cruelty-free practices:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from discomfort
3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease
4. Freedom to express natural behavior
5. Freedom from fear and distress

These five principles reflect ZIWI’s devotion to ultimate farming standards, and they’re fundamental to farming and fisheries practices in New Zealand. The company never compromises on these strict, world-leading standards to ensure that New Zealand’s resources are protected for future generations.

No compromise needed

Dog and cat guardians can enjoy peace of mind with ZIWI, knowing they’re feeding their animals a quality food their animals will love, that are made ethically and sustainably.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Animal Wellness

Animal Wellness is North America\’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.