Certified Organic Cat Food

Only the Best Ingredients

After the poisoned pet food scare in which the chemical melamine was found in a large variety of conventionally produced pet food available for sale in the United States, more people started looking for alternatives like certified organic cat food.

Organic cat food, just like organic food for humans, is produced without man-made chemicals, herbicides or pesticides. The animals that are used in the food are also raised organically, meaning they are only fed organic grain and are often given some access to the outdoors.

Additionally, organic cat food does not contain animal byproducts. Conventionally produced dog and cat foods usually have what's called "crude protein"--all the extra parts that humans won't eat such as feathers, feet, intestines or heads. That means your cat is getting the best possible form of protein from organic chicken and turkey rather than the less nutritious parts that are usually used in pet foods.

Benefits of Certified Organic Cat Food

In addition to getting more valuable protein, there are other benefits to feeding your cat organic food. For example:

• Organic meat and vegetables support a healthy animal and a healthier planet.
• No pesticides, herbicides, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, hormones or antibiotics mean your pet is getting the healthiest and purest food available short of catching it himself.
• Organic cat food is often wheat and corn free, making it a great choice for pets with allergies.
• Organic food may have more antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids than conventionally produced cat food to help your cat maintain a healthy coat and a strong immune system.
• Some cat food also includes probiotics to support intestinal health.
• Feeding dry organic cat food helps keep your pet's teeth clean.

Finding Organic Cat Food

There are now many places that you can buy certified organic cat food. You might want to start at your veterinarian's office to see what he or she recommends when choosing an organic pet food. They may even sell an organic product in house.

Another good place to look is at the pet food stores, particularly if there is a locally owned pet food store in your area. Sometimes local shops are further ahead on trends than the big chains. Even if your local store isn't already selling organic pet food, asking them to start might encourage them to carry it.

Next, check your natural food store or co-op. Again, if you don't see any organic pet food or you're looking for a particular brand that isn't available, ask the manager if it would be possible for them to carry organic dog and cat food. If the answer is no, you may still be able to special order a case of a particular kind of food through your co-op if you are a member. You might even get a case discount.

If none of these options work out for you or you'd just like to find out more information about what is in different cat food products before you buy, check out these sites:

• Only Natural Pet has dry and wet food as well as raw foods for cats. There are also turkey necks you can use as chew toys.
• PetGuard is not a 100 percent organic product line, but it does have all natural products made without artificial colors and flavors.
• Newman's Own offers both wet and dry organic cat food. The profits from sale of the food go to animal-loving charities around the country.