Organic Natural Pet Food

Benefits of Organic Pet Food

Just as you feel better eating whole grains and locally produced fruits and vegetables, your animal companions may gain a variety of health benefits from an organic diet.

For example, many canines respond well to the B.A.R.F. diet, which stands for biologically appropriate raw food and is composed of human-grade meats, whole grains, and select raw vegetables. Cats, on the other hand, cannot process grains and vegetables, so it’s imperative that the kitty’s protein be of high-quality, and not meat by-products. Some of the best natural food choices for cats to eat are, well, found in nature, such as live mice and insects.

But if snaring a few rodents or making your dog a salad isn’t always convenient, choosing an organic dry or moist food is a handy alternative.

The primary benefit associated with organic natural pet food is that most of it is made without additives, chemicals or preservatives, and non-essential bulk fillers, such as corn.

Improvements you might notice in your pet on an organic diet include:

• Allergic conditions are reduced
• Skin irritations are diminished or non-existent
• Less digestive problems and more regular, solid eliminations
• Increased energy
• Stronger immune system

One notable caveat: while many researchers continue to explore these benefits, there still isn’t conclusive evidence that organic food cures all ills or is the absolute best choice for your animal. Before changing your pet’s diet, consult your veterinarian. And remember, make the switch to any new food gradually, in little bits at a time or mixed with the usual kibble.

Reading the Label

Here is a general guideline for reading organic pet food labels.

1. The product should not contain pesticides, growth hormones, unnecessary antibiotics, chemical preservatives, artificial ingredients, or genetically engineered ingredients. Most natural pet foods use vitamins C and E as preservatives, although the item has a shorter shelf life because of this.
2. Understand that not every “natural” product is “certified organic.” Manufacturers can only stamp a package with a certified organic seal if all USDA regulations for organic processing have been met.
3. There shouldn’t be any meat by-products listed, which are essentially animal scraps left over from meat processing and livestock carcass rendering. Nasty ones, too, such as hair, blood and bone. The ingredients should reference whole meat. Manufacturers often use a meat meal to add more concentrated nutrition. If a meal is used, it should list the protein source first, such as “chicken meal.”
4. Examine the types of grain used, and avoid corn, peanut shells, and other bulk fillers. Bulk fillers often seriously complicate digestion in mammals. Brown rice, on the other hand, is a more healthful alternative.

Organic Natural Pet Food Options

Some of the recommended organic natural pet food resources include:

• Pet Promise
• Newman’s Own Premium Pet Food
• Waggin’ Tails
• Natura
• Animal World Network

Keep in mind that you will more than likely double your regular pet food outlay for a premium organic brand. However, because the nutritional value is higher and the product is of finer quality, your pet may require less food to feel satisfied.

Additional Resources

• Review the FDA’s guidelines for pet food labeling in order to make better choices for your pets.

• Check out the Association of American Feed Control Officials website to learn more about how pet food is regulated.

• Interested in making your own pet food recipes? Try Abady’s raw diet for cats; review more information on the B.A.R.F. diet and other recipes for dogs; and bake some birdie bread. Simply Pets.com also has a helpful list of other recipe selections to suit all types of animal companions.

• Read one woman’s perspective on the trouble with non-organic pet food and add your own comments and tips.