(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members produce the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, supports efforts to strengthen American energy security and expand domestic renewable fuel production. However, PFI is raising concerns that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s finalized Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes for 2026 and 2027 could accelerate the diversion of critical feedstocks—such as animal fats—away from pet food and into biomass-based diesel.
Animal fats are essential to producing high-quality, complete and balanced pet food. They provide energy, support skin and coat health, and ensure the food tastes like what pets naturally want to eat. Because of strict safety and nutrition standards, they can’t simply be replaced without impacting quality and consistency.
“American farmers play a vital role in powering our nation’s energy systems, producing high-quality ingredients used to make pet food, and supporting our broader economy,” said Elise Fennig, president and CEO at PFI. “We support policies that encourage the growth of renewable feedstocks while ensuring that U.S. pet food manufacturers have the ingredients they need to provide safe, complete and balanced cat and dog food.”
PFI encourages continued collaboration across government and industry to support farmers, advance renewable energy goals, and help ensure that critical ingredients remain accessible and affordable for pet food manufacturers and the millions of families who rely on them to feed their pets.
“As biofuel demand continues to expand, many of these same ingredients remain essential to pet food production,” Fennig said. “While we support the growth of renewable fuels, the final rule does not include specific provisions to ensure continued access to these inputs for animal food and feed uses. That increased competition for key ingredients is likely to put pressure on the availability and cost of key pet food ingredients and, ultimately, pet food prices. A balanced approach is needed as demand grows across sectors, and policies that prioritize domestic feedstocks should be paired with efforts to support availability, so supply remains reliable for all uses.”
About Pet Food Institute
Established in 1958, PFI is the trade association representing U.S. cat and dog food manufacturers providing complete and balanced nutrition for the dogs and cats in 94 million U.S. households. Our members account for most of the dog and cat food made in the United States, with more than $65 billion in domestic annual dog and cat food and treats sales and annual exports of more than $2.4 billion. PFI’s members collectively contribute to rural communities’ vibrancy by employing over 35,000 people in 34 states, purchasing over $13.2 billion in agricultural inputs from U.S. farmers and ranchers. Visit petfoodinstitute.org to learn more.
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