Two studies led by Griffith University Adjunct Professor Andrew Knight and published in Animals found that a significant number of pet owners are open to considering more sustainable diets for their animals. The first study surveyed 2,639 dog guardians and found that while the majority currently feed their pets conventional or raw meat-based diets, 43% would consider alternatives such as vegan, vegetarian, or cultivated meat formulations. Cultivated meat was the most popular option, with 24% considering it acceptable, followed by vegetarian and vegan diets at 17% and 13%, respectively.

The second study, which collected responses from 1,380 cat guardians, also found a similar trend towards considering alternative diets. 51% of cat owners found sustainable diet options acceptable, with cultivated meat being the most popular choice at 33%. The studies suggest that there is potential for pet food systems to be transformed by incorporating plant-based ingredients or cultivated meat, which could have positive impacts on the environment and farmed animals.