Essays & Analysis Archive
This is an archive of Stray Dog Institute’s blog posts published between 2021-2023. Authored by Stray Dog Institute and, at times, guest authors, these essays articulate Stray Dog Institute’s perspectives on key issues shaping food system transformation and farmed animal advocacy.
Since 2024, our research has focused on larger, movement-serving projects such as the State of the Movement. We continue to share this earlier work because it offers context, insights, and analysis that remain relevant to ongoing conversations about food systems transformation, animal advocacy, philanthropy, and more. Please note that the information in these essays is not regularly updated.
The Hollow Promise of Seaweed Feed Additives for Methane Reduction
While seaweed can reduce methane production by farmed cattle, it cannot offer a feasible climate alternative to reducing animal farming.
Farm Policy for Food, Not Feed
In this guest post, Farm Action examines a great contradiction at the heart of US food and agriculture policy.
Salmon Aquaculture is Inefficient and Inequitable
Growing demand for farmed salmon in wealthy nations of the Global North is placing a strain on wild fish populations and local food systems of the Global South.
Digital Livestock Farming Offers Mixed Outcomes for Farmed Animals
Digital tools can gather and interpret data that may enhance farmed animal well-being and productivity. Are such tools beneficial or harmful to the interests of farmed animals?
Reimagining the Role of Farmed Animals in Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture offers a transformative future vision for the US food system. Can regenerative approaches succeed without centering domesticated farmed animals?
Black Soldier Flies Are Not an Ideal Solution for Global Food Waste
Farming black soldier flies as a global food waste cure diverts attention from systemic food system transformation.
So-called ‘Biogas’ from Intensive Animal Farming Threatens a Clean Energy Future
Factory farm biogas further entrenches industrial animal agriculture and fossil fuel dependence.
Litigation Strategies Produce Systemic Change for Farmed Animals
Legal advocacy highlights inadequate regulation of food and farming, supports farmed animal advocacy, and protects the future of plant-based food.
The Scale and Consequences of Industrial Animal Agriculture
Raising animals for food at industrial scales has a range of negative impacts on animals, environments, and human wellbeing.
Livestock in the Global Food System
Farmed animals, commonly referred to as livestock, play a complex role in the transition to a kind and sustainable food system.
Threats to Farmed Animal Welfare in The US Food System
Farmed animals in the US face many threats to their welfare. Is a different food system possible?
The Basis for Recognizing Animal Rights in the US Food System
Legal protection of animal rights would radically alter the US food system while providing benefits to human health and environmental sustainability.
The History of US Animal Welfare
Current US animal welfare regulations fall short of protecting animals in the food system. What is their history, and how should they evolve?