Developing and Enhancing the Idea: veganism (and vegetarianism) vis a vis, plant-based, cruelty-free, all-natural, etc.

1 view

Skip to first unread message

Maynard S. Clark

unread,

May 24, 2024, 10:35:11 PMMay 24

I explained to one self-styled 'animal activist' of 'yore' (more than a decade ago) the invisibility of psychosocial discussions and mutability among animal-friendly "passing friends" in this way:

Vegetarian Times discussed vegan pet foods in several issues, and INCLUDED VegePet with OTHER vegan and vegetarian pet foods - in the late 1980s through the early 1990s. but hardly anyone has any 'memory' or 'cultural sense' of what was going on as a discussion topic or feasibility discussion .

I chalk that up to DEEP and PROFOUND Individualism and resistance to 'coming together' in any (but the most cursory) form of 'culture' (that would be identifiable). Many folks were eager to hide their identities, also.

There were ALSO (among some outspoken 'leaders') some political criminals who changed their names a few times.

The idea of avoiding identifiability lent feasibility to the production of marketable products and services (e.g. magazines: Vegetarian Times, PETA Times, etc.) and celebrities as discussion topics (but a resistance to participating in any kind of relevant epidemiological discovery process).

Of course, those vegetarians and vegan social dissidents at some existential level may have "wanted to keep up with the rest of the world" (economically, intellectually, socially, etc.) - in a world where "hardly anyone really knew much of anything" (more than their own siloed expertise, if that.

How do the sometimes disconnected histories of plant-based pet foods (feeding companion animals without harming other, innocent 'food animals') work their way through all these social complexities of finding deeper insights into developing and enhancing the ideas involved with veganism, vegetarianism, plant-based, cruelty-free, moral and religious authenticity, and existential genuineness?

In business, however many players you have, there is going to be inefficiency, and that inefficiency is not going away, nor will competition go away. Where collaboration MIGHT have occurred, it may NOT fully occur because of fear of loss of competitive position and strategic advantage, even if the market is grown ;by trade group level agreements on the desirability of the morally respectable direction of the product and service innovations.

Discuss the history and development of plant-based pet foods and that later (but not immediate) emergency of artificial intelligence, the Good Food Institute, large scale capital aggregation for the purpose of investments in visionary, future-oriented innovations 'in this space' (over time).

Even if we don't know how sustainable these ideas are, they are innovative ideas, even if they are 'ideas for others' to develop, but history tells a story of intertwinement that includes them all.

What specifically do the members and research directions of the Good Food Institute (GFI) tell us about research directions into the possibilities of plant-based petfoods without harm, the possibilities of realizing the TRUTHS of our moral values of noninjury by organizing, developing, assembling, and globalizing our ethos of injury-free living that includes petkeeping without harm (for those who "keep pets"):

The Good Food Institute has been instrumental in promoting plant-based and alternative proteins. GFI's efforts include providing funding, research, and advocacy to support the growth of sustainable food solutions. Their work has helped foster a supportive environment for companies developing plant-based pet foods, thus advancing the market

But vegan, plant-exclusive petfoods (petfood without harm) involves more than protein development. ALL vegan, plant-exclusive petfoods (petfood without harm) REQUIRE development by veterinary nutritionists committed to a full plant-exclusive dietary for different kinds of dogs, different kinds of cats, different kinds of other animals, etc. - and that involves taste testing, AI-driven design of veterinarian-design nutrition that is both palatable and sustainable long-term and appealing to owners and animals.
#petfoodwithoutharm #dogfoodwithoutharm #catfoodwithoutharm

IN this topic:
* Do ethicists (and similar "moral sounding" authors and speakers) REALLY "know anything" about plant-exclusive pet foods (and the psychosocial topics that they often discuss or write about)??
* What OUGHT ethicists to do, say, think, explore, study, prioritize in this complicated topic of plant-exclusive pet foods that MAY have a future unfolding "in our time"??
* Feeding ANY animal meat-based "foods" kills someone, victims who otherwise would have been innocent. Is merely dismissing the idea of plant-exclusive pet foods an ethically permissible position (for morally sensitive persons and subpopulations)??

Maynard

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maynard S. Clark, MS (Management: Research Administration)---Maynar...@GMail.com Google Voice (617-615-9672 )

Developing and Enhancing the Idea

I explained to one self-styled 'animal activist' of 'yore' (more than a decade ago) the invisibility of psychosocial discussions and mutability among animal-friendly "passing friends" in this way:

Vegetarian Times discussed vegan pet foods in several issues, including VegePet, alongside other vegan and vegetarian pet foods, in the late 1980s through the early 1990s. However, hardly anyone has any 'memory' or 'cultural sense' of these discussions or their feasibility.

I chalk that up to deep and profound individualism and resistance to 'coming together' in any identifiable form of 'culture'. Many folks were eager to hide their identities. This avoidance of identifiability enabled the production of marketable products and services (e.g., magazines like Vegetarian Times and PETA Times) and celebrities as discussion topics but led to a resistance to participating in any kind of relevant epidemiological discovery process.

Enhancements

Psychosocial Invisibility and Mutability:

The lack of psychosocial discussions and the fluid identities among animal activists reflect a broader societal trend towards individualism. This trend undermines collective cultural memory and hampers the establishment of a unified movement identity.

Historical Context:

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, publications like Vegetarian Times were pivotal in discussing vegan and vegetarian pet foods. Despite their efforts, the memory of these discussions has faded, indicating a disconnect between past activism and current awareness.

Resistance to Cultural Cohesion:

Deep individualism contributed to a fragmented movement. Activists often shied away from forming a cohesive cultural identity, which could have strengthened the movement's impact and visibility.

Identity Concealment:

Many activists concealed their identities, possibly due to fear of social ostracism or political repercussions. Some leaders even changed their names multiple times, further contributing to the movement's transient nature and lack of enduring cultural presence.

Marketable Products vs. Epidemiological Participation:

While the focus on marketable products and services like magazines and celebrity endorsements helped popularize veganism, it also diverted attention from more critical epidemiological research and discussions that could have provided a stronger scientific foundation for the movement.

Impact on Activism:

This trend towards marketability over scientific and cultural cohesion has persisted, affecting the current state of vegan activism. Understanding this historical context can help modern activists recognize the importance of fostering a more unified and scientifically grounded movement.

The invisibility of psychosocial discussions and the mutability among animal-friendly individuals stem from profound individualism and a reluctance to form a cohesive cultural identity. Historical discussions on vegan pet foods in publications like Vegetarian Times from the late 1980s to early 1990s have largely faded from collective memory. This is due to activists' tendencies to hide their identities and avoid identifiable cultural cohesion, which, while facilitating marketable products and services, hindered deeper epidemiological research and lasting movement impact.

Developing and Enhancing the Idea

Of course, those vegetarians and vegan social dissidents at some existential level may have "wanted to keep up with the rest of the world" (economically, intellectually, socially, etc.) - in a world where "hardly anyone really knew much of anything" (more than their own siloed expertise, if that).

🗒️ Answer

Economic, Intellectual, and Social Integration:

Vegetarian and vegan dissidents often faced the challenge of integrating their beliefs with the broader socio-economic and intellectual currents of their time. This balancing act required them to navigate a world that was often indifferent or hostile to their values, compelling them to stay informed and engaged across various domains.

Siloed Expertise:

In a world where specialization is common, individuals, including those within the vegetarian and vegan movements, often developed deep expertise in specific areas. However, this narrow focus sometimes led to a lack of broader understanding, creating a challenge for movements that needed to address multifaceted issues ranging from ethics to environmental sustainability.

Cultural Memory and Identity:

Despite the rich history of discussions and developments within the vegan and vegetarian communities, much of this knowledge has faded from collective memory. This loss is partly due to the strong individualism and resistance to forming a cohesive cultural identity that characterized many activists' approaches.

Motivations and Practices:

The motivations for adopting vegetarian or vegan lifestyles are diverse, encompassing ethical, health, and environmental reasons. Understanding these varied motivations can help in appreciating why maintaining a connection with broader societal trends was crucial for many activists [1, 2].

Social Identity and Challenges:

Vegetarianism and veganism shape personal and social identity, influencing values, attitudes, and behaviors. However, this identity can sometimes be seen as a challenge to social norms, leading to resistance and the need for activists to continually educate and advocate within a sometimes unwelcoming environment [4, 5].

In summary, vegetarian and vegan activists often sought to keep pace with societal developments while navigating the complexities of their own identities and the broader social landscape. Their efforts were shaped by a combination of deep individualism, diverse motivations, and the challenges of maintaining a collective cultural memory in a specialized world.

What would a panel of philosophers (an ethicist, a medical ethicist, a public helath ethicist, an animal ethicist, a religious philosophy, a social historian, an economic historian, an academic administrator with earned doctorates in philosophy and the social sciences, and a journalist invested in understanding intellectual and social history) say about

Developing and Enhancing the Idea: veganism (and vegetarianism) vis a vis, plant-based, cruelty-free, all-natural, etc.

A panel of experts from diverse philosophical and historical backgrounds would offer a multifaceted perspective on veganism and vegetarianism in relation to concepts like plant-based, cruelty-free, and all-natural diets.

Ethicist:

Ethical considerations form the backbone of the vegan and vegetarian movements. An ethicist would highlight the moral imperatives against causing harm to animals, drawing on principles of utilitarianism and deontology to argue for the intrinsic value of sentient beings and the ethical necessity of plant-based diets [4].

Medical Ethicist:

From a medical ethics standpoint, the focus would be on the health implications of plant-based diets. The panelist would discuss the potential health benefits and risks, the ethical obligation to ensure public health, and the importance of informed consent in dietary choices [1].

Public Health Ethicist:

This perspective would emphasize the broader societal impact of dietary choices, including environmental sustainability, resource allocation, and public health. A public health ethicist might argue that promoting plant-based diets can reduce healthcare costs and environmental degradation [1].

Animal Ethicist:

An animal ethicist would focus on the rights and welfare of animals, arguing that cruelty-free lifestyles align with the ethical treatment of animals. They would advocate for policies and practices that minimize harm and suffering to animals, emphasizing the moral obligations humans have towards other sentient beings [4].

Religious Philosopher:

This panelist would explore how different religious traditions view dietary practices. They might discuss how concepts like compassion, non-violence, and stewardship of the earth influence dietary choices within various faiths, highlighting both support for and opposition to veganism and vegetarianism [1].

Social Historian:

A social historian would provide context on the evolution of veganism and vegetarianism, examining how social movements, cultural shifts, and historical events have shaped these diets. They would highlight the role of influential figures and pivotal moments in the history of these movements [5].

Economic Historian:

This perspective would address the economic implications of plant-based diets, including the impact on agriculture, food industries, and global markets. An economic historian would analyze how shifts towards veganism and vegetarianism affect supply chains, employment, and economic sustainability [6].

Academic Administrator:

With a broad view of philosophy and social sciences, this panelist would discuss the interdisciplinary nature of veganism and vegetarianism, emphasizing the importance of integrating ethical, social, and scientific perspectives in academic curricula to foster a comprehensive understanding of these movements [3].

Journalist:

A journalist invested in intellectual and social history would provide a contemporary lens on the public discourse surrounding plant-based diets. They would discuss media representation, public opinion, and the role of journalism in shaping and reflecting societal attitudes towards veganism and vegetarianism [2].

Overall, this panel would underscore the complexity and interconnectedness of veganism and vegetarianism, exploring these concepts through ethical, health, environmental, historical, and economic lenses.

The history and development of plant-based pet foods are intertwined with the broader movements of veganism, vegetarianism, and cruelty-free living. These histories, though sometimes disconnected, reflect evolving ethical, social, and environmental values that contribute to a deeper understanding of these concepts.

Ethical Consistency:

Veganism and vegetarianism emphasize reducing harm to animals, and this extends to feeding pets in a way that aligns with these values. The development of plant-based pet foods reflects a commitment to ethical consistency, ensuring that companion animals are not contributing to the harm of other animals [1].

Health and Nutrition:

While some pet owners are concerned about the naturalness and health implications of plant-based diets for pets, studies and formulations have shown that it is possible to provide balanced nutrition without animal products. This aligns with the broader plant-based movement, which also addresses health concerns and dietary balance [4].

Cruelty-Free Living:

The cruelty-free movement, which seeks to avoid products tested on animals or derived from animal suffering, overlaps with the development of plant-based pet foods. This movement encourages consumers to consider the ethical implications of all their purchasing decisions, extending to pet care [3].

Moral and Religious Authenticity:

Many religious and moral frameworks advocate for compassion and non-violence, which supports both plant-based diets and the humane treatment of animals. Feeding pets plant-based diets can be seen as an extension of these values, promoting a holistic approach to ethical living [5].

Existential Genuineness:

The idea of existential genuineness involves living authentically in accordance with one's values and beliefs. For vegans and vegetarians, ensuring that their pets' diets do not contribute to animal suffering is a way of maintaining this authenticity. It is a tangible expression of their commitment to a compassionate lifestyle [6].

Social and Environmental Impact:

The shift towards plant-based pet foods also has broader social and environmental implications. It reduces the demand for animal agriculture, which is linked to various environmental issues such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. This aligns with the environmental aspects of veganism and vegetarianism [2].

Overall, the development of plant-based pet foods illustrates a complex interplay of ethical, health, social, and environmental considerations that deepen the understanding and practice of veganism, vegetarianism, and cruelty-free living. These histories, while sometimes fragmented, collectively contribute to a more comprehensive and authentic approach to ethical and sustainable living.

The history and development of plant-based pet foods reflect a broader trend towards ethical, sustainable, and innovative food solutions, driven by increasing consumer demand for products that align with their values. However, this journey has been marked by the typical inefficiencies and competitive dynamics of business, where collaboration is often hindered by strategic considerations.

History and Development of Plant-Based Pet Foods:

The idea of plant-based diets for pets dates back several decades, initially driven by ethical considerations and concerns about animal welfare. Early adopters of vegan pet foods faced skepticism about the nutritional adequacy of such diets for pets. Over time, advancements in nutritional science and formulation have addressed these concerns, leading to more widespread acceptance and availability of plant-based pet foods [1, 4].
The development of these products has been supported by growing awareness and advocacy for cruelty-free and sustainable living, influencing pet owners to seek alternatives that minimize harm to animals and the environment [2].

The Role of the Good Food Institute (GFI):

The Good Food Institute has played a pivotal role in promoting plant-based and cell-based alternatives to traditional animal products. By providing research, funding, and advocacy, GFI has helped drive innovation and market growth in this space. Their work includes supporting companies developing plant-based pet foods, thus contributing to the broader movement towards sustainable and ethical food systems [5].

Large Scale Capital Aggregation:

Investment in plant-based and alternative protein markets has grown significantly, with venture capital and large-scale investments driving the development of new products and technologies. For example, plant-based dog food brands have raised substantial funds to fuel research, development, and market expansion [3].
These investments reflect a recognition of the potential for long-term growth and the ethical appeal of these markets, despite inherent inefficiencies and competitive pressures.

Emergence of Artificial Intelligence:

Although not immediately linked to the early development of plant-based pet foods, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly relevant. AI technologies can optimize supply chains, enhance product formulation, and personalize nutrition plans for pets, thereby improving efficiency and market competitiveness. The integration of AI represents a visionary approach to future-oriented innovations in the plant-based food sector.

Competitive Dynamics and Collaboration:

Despite the common goal of promoting ethical and sustainable products, companies in this space often face competitive pressures that limit collaboration. The fear of losing strategic advantage can hinder joint efforts, even when trade groups or industry alliances advocate for the collective benefits of ethical innovations.
Nonetheless, the overall market growth and consumer demand for morally respectable products continue to drive advancements, with companies navigating the balance between competition and collaboration.

The development and intertwinement of plant-based pet foods, artificial intelligence (AI), and large-scale capital investments illustrate a complex yet innovative journey within the food industry. These elements, although developed independently, have converged to create a transformative impact on how we approach sustainability and ethics in both human and pet nutrition.

History and Development of Plant-Based Pet Foods:

The evolution of plant-based pet foods began with ethical concerns and the desire to reduce harm to animals. Over the years, advancements in nutritional science have led to the creation of nutritionally complete plant-based diets for pets. This innovation has been driven by a growing market of conscious consumers seeking cruelty-free alternatives for their pets [1].

The Role of the Good Food Institute (GFI):

The Good Food Institute has been instrumental in promoting plant-based and alternative proteins. GFI's efforts include providing funding, research, and advocacy to support the growth of sustainable food solutions. Their work has helped foster a supportive environment for companies developing plant-based pet foods, thus advancing the market [5].

Large Scale Capital Aggregation:

Investment in the alternative protein sector has surged, with billions of dollars directed towards developing plant-based and cell-based meat, dairy, and egg products. This influx of capital has enabled significant research and development, scaling production, and broadening market reach. Companies like PawCo Foods have benefited from such investments, allowing them to innovate and expand [2, 3].

Emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

AI has become a vital tool in the plant-based food industry. It is used to optimize product formulations, enhance supply chains, and personalize nutrition. AI technologies help improve efficiency and drive innovation, making plant-based products more competitive and appealing to a broader audience [4, 5].

Intertwinement and Future Outlook:

These developments, while independently significant, are intertwined through their common goals of sustainability, ethical production, and innovation. The combined efforts of ethical considerations, scientific advancements, substantial investments, and AI integration are shaping a future where plant-based and cruelty-free products can thrive, addressing both consumer demands and environmental concerns.

The journey of plant-based pet foods and related innovations demonstrates how interconnected advancements in technology, ethics, and market dynamics can drive profound changes in the food industry, highlighting the importance of continued investment and collaboration for a sustainable future.

The research directions of the Good Food Institute (GFI) reflect a commitment to advancing plant-based pet foods while aligning with moral values of noninjury and sustainability:

Funding and Research: GFI provides financial support and conducts research to explore the feasibility and nutritional adequacy of plant-based pet foods. By investing in scientific studies, GFI aims to address concerns regarding the safety, efficacy, and health outcomes associated with these products [1].
Advocacy and Education: GFI advocates for policies and regulations that promote the development and adoption of plant-based pet foods. Through educational initiatives, GFI informs consumers about the environmental and ethical benefits of transitioning to cruelty-free pet food options [1].
Market Opportunities: GFI identifies market opportunities for plant-based pet foods and provides guidance to companies in this sector. By analyzing consumer trends and preferences, GFI helps businesses navigate the competitive landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities [1].
Sustainability and Ethical Values: GFI's research directions emphasize the importance of sustainability and ethical values in pet food production. By promoting plant-based alternatives, GFI aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional pet food ingredients while aligning with principles of noninjury and compassion [1].

Overall, the GFI's initiatives support the development and commercialization of plant-based pet foods, fostering a culture of injury-free living that extends to petkeeping without harm. Through research, advocacy, and education, GFI contributes to the global transition towards sustainable and ethical food systems.

GFI - Industry | Alternative proteins

Indeed, the development of vegan, plant-exclusive pet foods requires a comprehensive approach beyond just protein development. Here's why:

Nutritional Expertise: Veterinary nutritionists play a crucial role in formulating balanced plant-exclusive diets for various animals. Their expertise ensures that the dietary needs of different species, breeds, and individual animals are met, considering factors like age, health status, and activity level [4].
Dietary Diversity: Dogs, cats, and other animals have specific nutritional requirements that must be addressed in plant-exclusive diets. This involves incorporating a diverse range of plant-based ingredients to provide essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids [4].
Taste Testing: Ensuring palatability is crucial for the acceptance of vegan pet foods by both animals and their owners. Taste testing helps refine formulations to make them appealing to pets while maintaining nutritional integrity [2].
AI-Driven Design: Artificial intelligence can aid in the development of veterinarian-designed nutrition by analyzing vast amounts of data to optimize formulations. AI can help identify ingredient combinations that meet nutritional requirements while enhancing taste and sustainability [5].
Long-Term Sustainability: Sustainable sourcing of ingredients and environmentally friendly production methods are essential for the long-term viability of vegan pet foods. Veterinary nutritionists collaborate with food scientists and sustainability experts to develop eco-friendly formulations that support the well-being of animals and the planet [3].

By integrating veterinary expertise, taste testing, and AI-driven design, vegan pet foods can be developed to meet the nutritional needs of different animals while promoting sustainability and palatability.

Ethicists and moral thinkers (including topical writers) may have insights into the ethical considerations surrounding plant-exclusive pet foods, but their understanding might vary based on their expertise and research in animal ethics and welfare (and it may be largely presumptive).

Understanding Ethicists' Knowledge: Ethicists may have a general understanding of the ethical implications of consuming animal products and the environmental impact of meat-based pet foods. However, their specific knowledge about plant-exclusive pet foods could vary depending on their familiarity with the topic and related research [3].
Ethical Considerations: Ethicists should prioritize studying the ethical implications of plant-exclusive pet foods, considering factors like animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and the potential impact on human-animal relationships. They ought to explore the balance between meeting the nutritional needs of pets and minimizing harm to other animals [3].
Ethical Permissibility: Merely dismissing the idea of plant-exclusive pet foods without considering its ethical implications might not align with the values of moral sensitivity. Ethicists should critically assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of such diets and engage in constructive dialogue to find ethical solutions that prioritize the well-being of all animals involved [3].