Animal Welfare Rating
The Animal Welfare Rating evaluates the quality of life and treatment of animals in food production systems. This indicator addresses ethical considerations in food choices.
Rating System
The Animal Welfare rating uses a simplified A/B/E system (no C or D ratings) based on certification status:
| Rating | Heads | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A | 🐄🐄🐄🐄🐄 | No animal-based products, or only certified products |
| B | 🐄🐄🐄🐄 | Contains certified AND non-certified animal-based products |
| E | 🐄 | Contains animal-based products with no animal welfare certification |
Unlike climate and water ratings, animal welfare uses only three levels (A, B, E) because certification is binary — a product either has welfare certification or it doesn't.
Qualifying Production Methods
For an A rating, animal products must be specified with one of these production methods:
- Organic — Certified organic production
- Free-range — Outdoor access with space to roam
- Grazing — Pasture-based systems
- Suckler-cow — Calves raised with mothers
- SAT — Schwein artgerechte Tierhaltung (species-appropriate pig husbandry)
- RAT — Rind artgerechte Tierhaltung (species-appropriate cattle husbandry)
1% Threshold Rule
Only animal products making up more than 1% of the total product weight are evaluated. Minor trace ingredients do not affect the rating.
Evaluation Factors
For certification evaluation, Eaternity consults the Albert Schweitzer Foundation and conducts detailed assessments. Each certification is individually reviewed.
A label being "organic" does not automatically qualify for an animal welfare bonus. Each certification is specifically reviewed for its animal welfare measures.
Factors Assessed by Animal Type
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| GMO feed | Use of genetically modified feed |
| Available space | Space allowance per animal |
| Group housing | Social grouping conditions |
| Outdoor access | Ability to go outside |
| Grazing | Access to pasture |
| Stressful slaughter situations | Handling at end of life |
| Stressful transport situations | Journey conditions and duration |
| Animal reproduction | Breeding practices |
| Breeding goals and methods | Selection criteria and techniques |
| Group size | Social dynamics |
| Minimum age | Age at slaughter |
Fish Exclusion
Fish are excluded from the animal welfare rating due to the absence of an objective standard. Existing fish labels primarily emphasize general sustainability and biodiversity, rather than the welfare of individual fish—unlike the more specific standards established for animal husbandry.
Certified Labels
Labels are categorized based on whether they meet animal welfare criteria.
German Labels
Haltungsform (Housing Form) System
| Label | Welfare Bonus | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Haltungsform 1: Stallhaltung | ❌ No | Basic indoor housing |
| Haltungsform 2: StallhaltungPlus | ❌ No | Enhanced indoor housing |
| Haltungsform 3: Außenklima | ✅ Yes | Outdoor climate access |
| Haltungsform 4: Premium | ✅ Yes | Premium outdoor systems |
QMilch Standards
| Label | Description |
|---|---|
| QMilch: QM Standard | Basic quality management |
| QMilch +: Zusatzmodul QM+ | Enhanced quality module |
| QMilch ++: Zusatzmodul QM++ | Premium quality module |
DLG Tierwohl (Animal Welfare) Ratings
All DLG Tierwohl certification levels qualify for welfare bonus:
- DLG Tierwohl ⭐
- DLG Tierwohl ⭐⭐
- DLG Tierwohl ⭐⭐⭐
- DLG Tierwohl ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tierschutzbund Labels
| Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Für mehr Tierschutz: ⭐ Einstiegsstufe | Entry level certification |
| Für mehr Tierschutz: ⭐⭐ Premiumstufe | Premium level certification |
Retailer Programs (Germany)
REWE Programs:
- Landbauern Schwein, Hähnchen, Pute
- Bayerischer Ochse Tierwohl Qualität
- Bayerisches Bauernhähnchen
- Bayerisches Bauernrind
- Meyer Freiheit schmeckt man
EDEKA Programs:
- Gutfleisch Stroh Rind/Schwein
- Bauernschätze 100% Regional
- Bauern Gut Landleben
Lidl Programs:
- Faire Haltung
- Bio Organic Weiderind
Swiss Labels
Federal Swiss Programs
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| BTS-Program | Federal animal welfare bonus program |
| RAUS-Program | Federal outdoor access program |
Swiss Certifications
| Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Bio Suisse Knospe | Swiss organic standard |
| KAGfreiland | Free-range animal welfare |
| Coop Naturaplan | Coop organic program |
| Coop Naturafarm | Coop welfare program |
| Migros Bio | Migros organic label |
| Migros Weide-Beef | Pasture-raised beef |
| IP-SUISSE | Integrated production |
| Silvestri Bio-Weiderind | Organic pasture beef |
| Silvestri Freilandschwein | Free-range pork |
| Manor Bio Natur Plus | Manor organic program |
| Lidl Bio Organic | Lidl Swiss organic |
| Lidl Terra Natura | Lidl welfare program |
| Aldi retour aux sources | Aldi premium program |
| Aldi BIO natura | Aldi organic program |
| AGRI NATURA | Agricultural nature label |
Organic Labels
All major organic labels qualify for animal welfare bonus:
| Label | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bio Suisse Knospe | Switzerland | Full requirements |
| EU Bio Siegel | EU | Basic organic requirements |
| Bio Siegel (DE) | Germany | nach EG-Öko-Verordnung |
| Naturland | Germany | Beyond organic requirements |
| Bioland | Germany | Association requirements |
| Demeter | International | Biodynamic standard |
| Biopark | Germany | Ecological farming |
| Gäa e.V. | Germany | Ecological farming |
| bio kreis | Germany | Regional organic |
| Agriculture Biologique (AB) | France | French organic |
| NASAA Certified Organic | Australia | National standard |
| EKO | Netherlands | Dutch organic |
Fair Trade Labels
Fair trade labels focus primarily on social standards for producers, not animal welfare. The following labels do not automatically receive an animal welfare bonus:
- ❌ FAIRTRADE®-SIEGEL
- ❌ FAIRTRADE®-SIEGEL mit Pfeil
- ❌ FAIRTRADE ROHSTOFF-SIEGEL
- ❌ GEPA FAIR+
- ❌ FAIR FOR LIFE
- ❌ FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED
- ❌ Fairtrade Max Havelaar
Labels that combine fair trade with organic (and thus welfare):
- ✅ NATURLAND FAIR
- ✅ HAND IN HAND (Rapunzel)
- ✅ WFTO-SIEGEL
Sustainability Labels (No Welfare Bonus)
These labels focus on environmental sustainability but do not include animal welfare criteria:
| Label | Focus |
|---|---|
| ❌ Suisse Garantie | Swiss origin guarantee |
| ❌ MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) | Fish sustainability |
| ❌ ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) | Aquaculture sustainability |
| ❌ RAINFOREST ALLIANCE CERTIFIED | Deforestation prevention |
| ❌ UTZ-SIEGEL | Supply chain sustainability |
| ❌ RSPO Certified | Palm oil sustainability |
Additional Label Categories
Regional and Quality Programs
Various regional programs across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland qualify for welfare bonus when they include specific animal welfare criteria:
- Initiative Tierwohl participant programs
- Strohschwein (straw pig) programs
- Weiderind (pasture cattle) programs
- Freilandhaltung (free-range) programs
Religious and Special Diet Labels
| Label | Welfare Included |
|---|---|
| Halal | No automatic welfare |
| Kosher | No automatic welfare |
| The Vegan Trademark | N/A (no animal products) |
| V-Label (Vegan/Vegetarian) | N/A or partial |
External Resources
- Label Examples: eaternity.org/foodprint/environmental-footprints#animal
- Swiss Label Details: Google Spreadsheet with detailed ratings
- Label Information: labelinfo.ch
Why It Matters
Ethical Considerations
- Animals are sentient beings capable of suffering
- Consumer demand for higher welfare products is growing
- Industry is moving toward improved standards
Connection to Other Impacts
Higher welfare often correlates with:
- Better environmental practices
- Lower antibiotic use
- Healthier products
See Also
- Ratings Overview — All rating categories
- Climate Score — Environmental impact
- Methodology — Calculation methods