Has your doggo ever eaten kangaroo? What about you?

 

Traditionally, kangaroo has not been a popular choice in protein across the globe. Not only has it been rejected by mainstream meat-eaters (and their dogs!), it’s even been criminalised in states like California, where the sale of kangaroo meat or products can incur a heavy fine.

 

For Aussies, chowing down on roo meat is a little more typical. Kangaroo meat frequents the shelves of most Australian supermarkets, and if you haven’t personally tried it, you almost certainly know someone who has. But there is still some debate between Australians on how acceptable, or ethical, it is to feast on our country’s national emblem.

 

WHY FEED KANGAROO?

WAG believes there is much more to be said on the debate or feeding your doggo kangaroo meat. As advocates of ethical consumption, sustainability and making the right choices for our doggo’s health, we want to shine a light on the reasons why roo meat is right for your dog.

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Kangaroo is a sustainable option

Sustainability is at the forefront of WAG's mission, and our eyes are constantly on the horizon for choices that are more eco-friendly. We’re in the business of meat - and our doggos are in the business of eating meat - and it’s undeniable that aspects of the meat industry are not as sustainable as they could be.

 

Traditional animal agriculture, with animals such as chicken, cows and pigs, have received significant criticism over their not so eco-friendly practices. Animal agriculture has left one of the most substantial water footprints on the planet. Raising, feeding and processing meat can result in huge amounts of greenhouse gases and air emissions. Beef is the primary reason for deforestation in the Amazon, with some figures speculating up to 70% of the ancient jungle cut down for pasture.

 

In comparison, there is really no such thing as the kangaroo industry. All roos are completely wild - they roam the vast Australian landscape at their own discretion, and don’t require deforestation to house and breed them.

 

And while some groups have expressed concern at endangering the kangaroo population through consumption, the evidence says otherwise. Kangaroos exist in absolutely staggering numbers - approximately 50 million throughout the Aussie outback, about double the human population. With no traditional predators remaining, kangaroos have flourished, breeding without restriction and surviving on the scarcest resources.

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Australia does not farm its kangaroos

The kangaroo industry is sustainable and humane – it’s been said to be the most sustainable meat trade in the world. In Australia, the industry works in close partnership with government and independent experts to monitor its population.

 

Quotas are set for commercial harvesting and these are set with reference to the aerial population survey – and it’s never more than 20% of the total population.

 

These quotas are supported by conservation and environmental protection communities throughout Australia due to clear goals of sustainability and ecosystem preservation. It is this cooperative commitment to an environmentally responsible use of a native resource.

 

Did you know...

• Around 3% of Australia’s 50 million kangaroos are used for meat production each year. Only 4 out of 48 species can be commercially harvested.

• Kangaroo populations rise and fall with seasonal conditions; during extended droughts their numbers fall and invariably rise again when droughts break.

• Studies have shown there have been no long-term impact resulting from more than 60 years of commercial harvesting. All because of the use of strict and regulated quotas – based on scientific survey methods supported by the Australian government.

• Population surveys are conducted regularly to keep an eye on kangaroo numbers. A maximum quota of 15–20% of the kangaroo population can be harvested in any year.

So you can rest assured that the treats you’re feeding your dog hasn’t come from bad welfare practices!