We are very fortunate to live in a modern time where organic dog food is readily available on the market. These days organic dog foods are all the rage. There’s no doubt that incorporating organic dog food into your pet’s diet is a healthy, smart choice. Organic is good for humans and good for dogs as well. In your grocery store you can find almost everything you eat labeled organic: berries, tomato sauces, dairy products, beauty products, even organic meats, poultry, fish, breads and of course, organic dog food.
No more excuses for feeding your dog regular commercial dog food.
Incorporating organic dog food into you dog’s diet just makes sense. There are many health, environmental and social benefits to organic farming that I often wonder “where did it all go wrong?” First let’s look at it from a human perspective. Have you ever actually paused a moment and asked yourself “what’s the real difference between organic strawberries and conventional strawberries?” Try the taste test next time you’re buying groceries. If you already eat organic foods you know exactly what I’m talking about. Those organic strawberries don’t compare in taste, nutrition, and overall quality to the other ones. Plus their environmental impact on the land and farms is also greatly reduced. Most importantly, they have much more “life energy” and they taste yummier too!
The same goes for organic dog food. Don’t think just because your dog gobbles up all his regular food that he actually loves it or that it’s good for him. If he’s eating regular store-bought dog food, there’s a good chance it doesn’t contain anything close to complete nutrition or any organic ingredients either. Quite the opposite. It’s probably loaded with combinations of toxins, waste, pesticides, drug residue, hormones, animal by-products and many more horrific ingredients. I have lots to say on commercial dog food – let’s keep that for my upcoming super dog food post.
Ok here’s what went Terribly Wrong…
There was a time not too long ago when organic farming, including organic dog food was all that existed. Farmers used traditional natural methods to control unwanted pests, fertilize their lands and feed their animals, according to their distinct biological structure. What I mean is that cows grazed on fields, chickens freely roamed the farm and pigs basked in the sun in their mud ponds, just as nature intended. Each farm animal consumed what was most appropriate for its wellbeing. They all had their own specific natural diets according to Mother Nature’s structure. Dogs were already eating all natural organic dog food because that’s all there was. Back then their feast consisted of leftover table food scraps and raw meats. You couldn’t just stop by the market and pick up a bag of dog food. That was unheard of. Packaged dog food did not even exist…yet!
Then the 20th century rolled along with all sorts of modern manufacturing, packaging and synthetic chemicals that revolutionized the entire farming and food industry. That’s where we stand today. Giant food corps control, grow and manufacture our food and most of their waste is then turned into dog food for additional profit – so wrong! But enough with the history lessons!
Notice the ratio difference between your grocers organic produce versus non organic foods. It’s a pretty small number – 5 to 15 percent at most, depending on your location of course. If you’re lucky and you happen to live close to a farmer’s market then chances are you will find much more available organic foods.
I will give you all the goods on Organic dog food including certification programs and benefits and I’m pretty sure you’ll be instantly convinced of its overall natural goodness. You’ll see how slowly changing your dog’s diet with healthy natural organic dog foods will ensure many, many happy years with your beloved pet.
Organic dog food is in the same ball park as Holistic dog food. There’s nothing really scientific about the term ‘organic’. All it means is that the organically labeled product was grown free of synthetic chemicals such as genetically modified organisms (GMO’s), pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, food additives and insecticides. Organic food is also minimally processed.
Each country has different organic regulations, certifications and restrictions. So make sure you’re well informed with your local organic programs. The USA has a National Organic Program (NOP) that takes care of the production, handling and labeling of organic food. The United Stated Department of Agricultures (USDA) regulates organic certifications.
There are 3 general levels of organics for humans and organic dog food;
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- 100% organic: product has been made with 100% organic materials and methods.
- Organic: product has at least 95% organic materials.
- Made with organic ingredients: product contains a minimum of 70% organic ingredients.
As I am writing this post, the Organic Dog Food labeling exactly follows the National Organic Program’s (NOP) certified organic foods for human consumption. So whatever is labeled USDA certified organic for you is organic for your dog too.
The National Organic Program (NOP) launched an Organic Pet Food Task Force (PFTF) in 2006.
Their primary goals are as follow:
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1) Propose changes in the organic regulations to support labeling of organic pet food, and
2) Evaluate where any conflicts may exist between organic labeling claims and the existing state requirements for pet food labeling, and propose remedies in collaboration with state officials.
At the present time, the PFTF has completed a draft proposal for organic regulation changes for public and NOSB consideration. The PFTF will continue to work further on evaluating any conflicts with state requirements, as embodied in the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) model Pet and Specialty Pet Food regulations. Organic pet food manufacturers will have to comply with both the NOP regulations and existing state pet food regulations, so the goal will be to reconcile any conflicts and propose guidance for the AAFCO officials in interpreting organic claims.
“Mom, enough with the ABCs and PPTs, they’re giving me the ZZZZs! Lets get back to the tasty organic dog fooooooood!” } Halle
What I have discovered is if you’re looking for reliable Organic Dog Food your best bet would be to choose a product that is USDA Certified Organic or certified by your country’s organic program. The reason is quite simple, the USDA Certified Organic Label is regulated by the law and verified by a third party. If the product doesn’t have the USDA Certified Organic seal then it’s not necessarily honest ‘Organic Dog Food’. Dog food manufacturers are very keen at jumping on the organic hype. It’s up to you, the consumer, to do your research and get as much info as you can before making a purchase. Also don’t assume if a product is expensive that it must be healthy and nutritious. Not quite! Dig, dig, dig and read, read, read! Trust me. Your beloved dog and your wallet will thank you.
“Thank You very much!” } Halle
 
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Here are 3 Brands that we recommend if you’re looking for some of the best organic dog food available on the market:
For more great organic dog food selections check out the Dog Food Project.
Organic foods are filled with all the good stuff – nutrients and life. They look, smell and taste like they are supposed to with all the odd shapes and imperfections. And you see the difference in both humans and dogs. What they are not is contaminated by mankind’s pollution and waste.
So what are the benefits of going with organic dog food? Here are just a few:
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- Healthy skin and coat
- Cleaner teeth and gums
- Healthy overall immune system
- Reduction in veterinary trips
- Sharper and clearer mind
- Happy digestive system
- Reduction in ailments and disease
- Boosted energy
- Very Happy Dog!
Like I said in my last article Switching to Holistic Dog Food, there is no such thing as the best diet for your dog. Yes there are some that are better than others but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the right one for your dog. However, adding some organic dog food to your dog bowl IS definitely a healthy conscious choice. If you follow nature’s way then you just can’t go wrong. Sure you might pay a little more for your dog’s food but the results are priceless!
If my article has inspired you to try out some organic dog food the next time you need a new bag then I am grateful. If, on the other hand, my article has also inspired YOU to eat some more organic carrots and berries here and there, then I’m thrilled!
Let me know what works best for you and your dog. What’s your preferred organic dog food brand? Why did you decide to switch to organic dog food? If you have switched what kind of changes have you seen in your dog? Good nutrition leads to happy healthy dogs – that’s the least we can do for our loving companions. Share and inspire!
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Stumbled upon your post, I think you may have under emphasized other than the link of the Organic Pet Food Task Force. Our staff is currently working with their research and believe they will be able to enforce some very effective standards in the near future. Several of the large commercial dog food manufactures are involved but their influence is being kept in check by the aggressive stance of the Organic Pet Food Task Force. Hoping you follow the progress of this subject our staff at VitaHound is always looking for sources researching this type of industry news.