Is Applaws ethical

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated January 15, 2025

Contributions sourced from

Ethical Cat Food

Sustainability and environmental claims made by cat food brands

The majority of the companies scored poorly for their discussions and action on the environment, with only Vegeco (Benevo) and Ami scoring a best.

Most sustainability claims on the websites of brands focused on the recyclability of packaging, which is a very minimal part of these products environmental impact. For example, Pooch & Mutts website said that it was going to make all of its packaging recyclable by 2025, meaning you can feel good knowing you're feeding your pooch a healthy diet that they love, from a brand that looks after the environment too.

We found discussions of LED lighting, planting trees, renewable energy and recycling, but very little about the animal farming behind companies actual products.

Corporate giant, Nestl, was one of the worst offenders in this category, with a 2023 report highlighting that Nestls emissions from its dairy and livestock supply chains are, by its own admission, forecast to grow under a business-as-usual scenario by 16.4 million tonnes to 50.6 million tonnes". Skirting around the elephant in the room and discussing renewable energy and packaging doesnt really cut it in light of this.

Packaging and sustainability

Plastic waste from single-use plastic and non-recyclable materials heavily pollutes communities and the environment. The majority being discarded and incinerated, fuelling inequalities across the globe, with high-consuming countries dumping their waste in low-income countries.

Avoid brands that use plastic single-use pouches or other non-recyclable materials. Also even if the package says it is recyclable, check where you will be able to recycle some packaging materials are only recycled at places like supermarkets or with your local council.

What did companies say about their packaging?

Not all of the companies mentioned their packaging. We included information we could find below:

As of 2021, Yarrahs bags are fully recyclable, albeit made from plastic. It still uses individual food pouches which arent yet fully recyclable.

Inspired Pet Nutrition (Harringtons, AATU, and Meowing Heads) says that all of its packaging is 98% recyclable and it's working towards 100%.

Pooch & Mutt (who make cat food, despite the name) has pledged that all of its packaging will be recyclable by 2025. Its wet food comes in 100% recyclable TetraPaks.

Scrumbles said it planned to reduce the amount of packaging for its products by 33% in 2022 (it didnt give an update on whether it met this) and that its treat range packaging is 100% recyclable. In 2023, it aims to have 100% recyclable cat food tins, though current progress with this is unknown.

Mars (James Wellbeloved, Lovebug, Perfect Fit, Royal Canin, Sheba, Whiskas) has the aim of using 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.

In 2022, Purina (of Nestl) launched its first designed to be recyclable pouch ranges in the UK, and it promised to introduce reusable or recyclable packaging by 2025. It wasnt clear how much would be recyclable, or reusable, nor what reusable even means.

Ethical Dog Food

Vegan dog food

Only 55% of people with a dog in the UK felt well informed about a dog's diet, according to the 2022 PDSA PAW report. This isnt surprising, as there is so much conflicting marketing and information out there.

Nutrients needed by dogs

In terms of nutrients, the UKs Pet Food Manufacturers Association endorses nutritionally complete vegan diets for dogs, and says that nutrients that were previously only available from animal-based ingredients can now be made synthetically or be sourced from novel ingredients.

There are a variety of ways to fulfil nutritional requirements from different sources, and the nutritional guidelines for dog food nutrition from FEDIAF (the European Pet Food Industry) are seen as a gold standard.

For some, nutrition is what matters most. One of the nutritionally complete vegan brands we rated says on its website,

To those emphasising that a plant based diet is not natural for cats and dogs, please be reminded that in the wild cats do not hunt for tuna, just like dogs do not hunt for cows. Our aim is to offer our four-legged friends a diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Evidence on health impacts of vegan dog food

A 2023 systematic evidence review titled, The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats, evaluated all of the research to date.

The researchers concluded, that there has been limited scientific study on the impact of vegan diets on cat and dog health However, there is little evidence of adverse effects arising in dogs and cats on vegan diets Given the lack of large population-based studies, a cautious approach is recommended.

Ultimately, assessing whether pet food is nutritious and healthy is more important than whether it contains meat or not. Needs may also change across a lifetime and as food sensitivities develop.

Companies at the top of our tables include those who produce vegan products as well as those who do not produce vegan products, so there should be something for everyone in this guide.

FEDIAF compliant dog food brands

According to FEDIAFs code of good practice for labelling, if dog food is labelled as complete then the product should meet all of the nutrients needed when given in the instructed amounts, and the diet does not need to be supplemented. Of the brands in our guide:

Nutritionally complete FEDIAF compliant products: Ami, Applaws, Benevo, Butternut Box, Encore, Hownd, Scrumbles, Yarrah, Yora.

Offers a complete product, but is not explicit on whether it is FEDIAF compliant: Bakers, Barking Heads, Beco, Cesar, Chappie, Iams, Lilys Kitchen, Pooch & Mutt, V-Dog.

Product information says it is complete, but it is not labelled as complete pet food: James Wellbeloved, Royal Canin, Winalot.

Does not say: AATU, Eukanuba, Hills Science (100% balanced and healthy was not seen to count), Purina Pro Plan, Wafcol.

Applaws Natural Pet FoodReviews

Carrageenan

The cats have been on the tins and pouches for a few years and love a couple of varieties like the tuna and crab and chicken and cheese. However, I recently found that the "gelling agent" they use is carrageenan, which is associated with gastro related issues and inflammation. I thought this was really good for them, but after trying them on another brand I've seen an increase in energy and more excitement at dinner time. The gelling agent isn't in the broth varieties so I might still treat them to the crab and tuna on special occasions as they do really love that, but I won't touch the others now. Honestly disappointed in how it's hidden behind "gelling agent".

Date of experience: August 05, 2023