Why Pet Sustainability Matters in Hong Kong

Our pets bring so much joy, comfort, and companionship into our lives. But caring for them also has an environmental impact, from the food they eat to the litter, toys, packaging, and waste they produce.

These everyday choices affect things like carbon emissions, plastic pollution, and landfill waste. Because most of this happens behind the scenes, many of us don’t realise how small changes can make a big difference for Hong Kong.

The good news? With the right information, it’s easy to care for your pet and the planet at the same time.

The Hidden Footprint of Pet Care

Pet-related environmental impacts mainly come from food, litter, toys, bedding, and packaging.

Food

Most pet food is made using meat from livestock farming, which uses a lot of land, water, and energy. Even “by-products” still compete with other industries like fertilisers and bioenergy, so they’re not really free waste.

Wet food has a bigger footprint because it contains more meat and water, needs more energy to produce, and uses heavier packaging. Overfeeding also wastes resources without improving your pet’s health.

Simple tip: Choose balanced portions and consider lower-impact food options when possible.

Litter

Traditional clay cat litter is mined using fossil fuels and doesn’t break down naturally. Millions of litres are thrown away each year, adding pressure to landfills. Flushing litter can also harm marine life.

Simple tip: Try plant-based or recycled paper litters where available.

Toys, Bedding & Accessories

Many pet products are made from synthetic materials that wear out quickly, shed microplastics when washed, and may contain “forever chemicals.” Frequent replacement creates more waste.

Simple tip: Look for durable, washable, and natural-fibre products that last longer.

“Premium” Doesn’t Always Mean Sustainable

In Hong Kong, “premium” pet products are often marketed as healthier and more natural. But premium usually means more meat, more processing, more packaging, and longer transport distances.

In fact, over 90% of dog food sold in Hong Kong is classified as premium, which often comes with a bigger environmental footprint.

The good news is that pets don’t need extremely meat-heavy food to stay healthy. Insect protein, plant-based ingredients, algae, and upcycled food can all provide complete nutrition with much lower environmental impact.

Sustainable pet food isn’t about cutting quality — it’s about smart nutrition.

The Hong Kong Situation

Hong Kong’s pet market relies heavily on imported products. Most pet food, litter, and accessories are shipped from overseas in plastic-heavy packaging, which increases carbon emissions and waste.

Compared to Europe, where insect-based pet food has been popular for over 10 years, Hong Kong still has fewer alternative protein options.

🌱 Local Brands Are Stepping Up

Some Hong Kong businesses are already making greener choices:

• Furry Green uses upcycled food waste for fresh pet meals

• Hidden Gems focuses on zero-waste packaging and local sourcing

• Petsona produces dehydrated pet food locally

These are great steps forward, even though more transparency and sustainability data would help pet owners make clearer choices.

🐾 Awareness Makes a Difference

A local survey found that many Hong Kong pet owners want to choose sustainable products, but cost, greenwashing, and unclear information make it harder to know what’s truly better for the environment.

A Greener Future for Hong Kong’s Pets

Hong Kong pet owners care deeply about their animals, and many also care about the future of our city. With clear guidance, local examples, and practical tips, sustainable pet care can become simple, affordable, and trustworthy.

Small changes, like choosing lower-impact food, reducing packaging waste, and supporting responsible local brands, can help protect both your pet’s health and Hong Kong’s environment.

At a glance

• The Hidden Footprint of Pet Care

• “Premium” Doesn’t Always Mean Sustainable

• The Hong Kong Situation

• A Greener Future for Hong Kong’s Pets

Key Points

• Pet care has a hidden environmental impact

  Food, litter, toys, and packaging all contribute to carbon emissions, plastic waste, and landfill pressure in Hong Kong.

• Food choices matter the most

  Meat-heavy and wet pet food use more resources, while balanced portions and lower-impact options can reduce waste without harming pet health.

• Greener options are growing locally

  Hong Kong brands are starting to offer upcycled, low-waste, and alternative protein pet products — making sustainable choices easier.

• Small changes make a big difference

  With better information, pet owners can protect both their pets and the city’s environment through everyday choices.