Providing your puppy with the necessary nutrition is of utmost importance to ensure he develops into a well-functioning and healthy adult. Yet, it can be quite challenging to find suitable food options that are free from chemicals and additives, which you would never consider feeding to your dog.
Many owners prefer organic puppy food because of this reason. In the reviews that follow, we will assess some of the top all-natural foods available in the market, enabling you to provide your dog with nourishment that will help him begin his life in the best way possible.
Most of these organic puppy foods are delicious, which is advantageous because he won’t recognize that they are actually beneficial for him.
What Does “Organic” Mean Exactly?
The USDA has set specific requirements for different types of food in order for them to be labeled as organic. These requirements cover aspects like the way the food is grown, harvested, and processed.
Farmers who have been granted the organic label are required to undergo regular compliance inspections, and manufacturers of organic products have their labels meticulously examined for accuracy while their procedures are being inspected.
It should be noted that farmers who sell less than $5,000 in organic produce annually are exempt from organic certification, so not every farmer needs to go through the certification process.
The rules for the main food groups encompass:
- Produce : Plants must be grown in soil that’s certified to have had no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides applied to it for three years prior to harvest.
- Meat : Harvested animals must be kept in conditions that allow natural behaviors, such as pastures for grazing. Animals must be fed 100 percent organic feed (including their forage) and never given antibiotics or hormones.
- Processed : Processed foods cannot contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. The ingredients must be organic, though there are some exceptions, including enzymes and pectin.
All organic food strictly adheres to the rule of not using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) during their cultivation or handling. Additionally, organic products extend beyond food, as organic clothes and eco-friendly dog toys are also becoming available in stores.
What Is an Organic Dog Food?
Before spending extra money on organic dog food, it is important to understand that it is not a uniform category. There are various types of food that may be labeled as organic, so it is beneficial to educate oneself on the different options available.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has not established any official organic regulations for dog food. However, in order to use the USDA-certified seal or the term organic, commercial producers are required to adhere to the USDA’s rules.
Just like human food, the primary classifications of organic dog food are:
- 100% Organic: This is used for items like produce or meat that aren’t made up of other ingredients. These items are harvested from 100% organic sources.
- Certified Organic : To be certified organic, a food item must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. These foods have an official USDA seal on the packaging.
- Made with Organic Ingredients : To use this label, a food must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. They can contain non-organic materials, as well.
Even if they are not a certified organic food, all manufacturers are required to list the USDA-accredited certifier on the packaging of the food in order to use the label “organic”.
The 7 Best Organic Puppy Foods
1. Newman’s Own Organics Chicken Dinner – Best Overall
If you want to avoid giving your puppy chemicals, antibiotics, and other additives that could potentially harm its new digestive system, a wise choice would be to start with Newman’s Own Organics. Besides being organic, this option also does not contain wheat and corn, which are known to cause digestive issues in many dogs.
The product contains authentic protein, with organic chicken and broth being the initial components. Many dogs find the taste pleasant, and when combined with water, it can be transformed into a dense gravy. This feature is helpful for enhancing dry kibble if desired.
Due to the significant amount of moisture in each can, there is a limitation on the actual substance contained, although this does not pose a problem for the food’s quality. Consequently, you might have to provide your dog with a larger quantity of this product compared to other choices.
However, that should not be seen as a reason for disqualification as Newman’s Own Organics undeniably deserves to be placed at the top of our rankings.
2. Nature’s Recipe Dry Organic Puppy Food – Best Value
In general, organic food is often made using superior ingredients, which is why it is not surprising that it is typically more costly. Despite not reaching the same level as Newman’s Own, Nature’s Recipe Dry still succeeds in being both of good quality and reasonably priced.
The dog food is devoid of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial components, and the carbohydrates it contains originate from nutritive sources like barley and oatmeal. By including these ingredients, the dog food not only enhances the appearance of your pup’s skin and coat, but also ensures they always look their best.
Despite being affordable, Nature’s Recipe Dry is packed with value, making it the top choice when it comes to organic puppy food that offers great value for money. One of the reasons behind its affordability is the use of lamb meal instead of real lamb, which slightly lowers its quality. However, the manufacturer makes up for this by including protein from vegetable sources, although it cannot fully replace the real deal.
By adding real protein, this food has the potential to become the best choice. However, it would also result in a higher price. Therefore, it ultimately depends on whether you are willing to compromise on a bit of quality in exchange for increased value.
3. The Honest Kitchen Dog Food – Premium Choice
It is important to remember that you should not feed your dog human food, but this does not mean that their food should not be of good quality. The Honest Kitchen ensures that they use ingredients that are fit for human consumption, so you can be assured that there is no low-quality meat, chemicals, or other potentially harmful substances present in their products.
The animals used in the production of the meat are treated humanely, reducing any burden on your conscience. Additionally, the vegetables contained in the food are of exceptional quality and include ingredients such as flaxseed, kelp, and carrots.
There are potatoes included as well, which can cause flatulence in certain dogs. Additionally, this dog food requires more preparation time compared to the other options provided.
Due to its higher cost compared to most other alternatives, the price of this product may discourage numerous dog owners. However, the positive aspect is that a small quantity of it can last for a considerable period of time as it can be rehydrated with water.
The Honest Kitchen ultimately produces the highest-quality dog food available on the market. However, the difference in quality compared to the two options mentioned above is not substantial enough to warrant the price difference.
4. Castor & Pollux Organic Puppy Dry Food
If you are worried about the authenticity of certain foods claiming to be organic, Castor & Pollux Puppy Recipe is produced in a kitchen that has been certified as organic, guaranteeing that it does not contain any suspicious substances.
The protein content is a collection of different components. It begins with organic chicken, followed directly by chicken meal. This helps lower the cost slightly, although the overall price of this food remains relatively high.
Extra DHA is added by manufacturers to enhance the development of a healthy brain and immune system. Furthermore, flaxseed, blueberries, and coconut oil contain natural DHA.
In addition, the food includes chicken components such as liver and fat, which contain omega-6 fatty acids. However, this can also pose a risk as it may make it harder for your dog to digest the food.
Overall, the Castor & Pollux Puppy Recipe occupies a somewhat ambiguous position, being pricier than similar products yet not quite reaching the same quality as the top-tier alternatives. Consequently, it is difficult to warrant placing it higher than 4th on this ranking.
5. Evanger’s Grain Free Organic Dog Food
Evanger’s Grain Free shares some similarities with Castor & Pollux above, yet it fails to sufficiently merit its steep price.
The food contains only organic chicken, well water, and organic guar gum, limiting the number of ingredients. This implies that there is very little that could potentially bother your dog’s digestive system, except for the chicken. However, it also means that you will have to find a method to add fruits and vegetables to his diet, which can be inconvenient and costly after already spending money on the food.
Due to its pleasant aroma, your dog will likely eat the food willingly (and you won’t have to endure any bad smells while placing it in the bowl). Additionally, it is not excessively watery, meaning it should satisfy your dog’s hunger quite well.
You may find it unexpected to discover many bones in the food, which is beneficial for his growth but may also adversely affect his system, potentially leading to diarrhea and digestive problems.
Evanger’s Grain Free can be a tasty and healthy treat for your dog, provided that you have the financial means. However, we cannot place it at a higher rank due to its steep price and limited nutritional value.
6. Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food
A grain-free, freeze-dried dog food packed with nutrient-rich organ meat, vitamins, and minerals.
Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food provides your dog with bite-sized, delicious nuggets made from high-quality proteins and organic produce. Simply add water or broth to rehydrate and observe your pup’s delight. This food is appropriate for serving as your dog’s complete diet, or you may use it as a tasty dog food topper if desired.
Includes the following characteristics:
- Contains real meat, organs, and bone
- Grain-free with no corn, soy, or wheat
- All life stages formula that’s suitable for all breeds
- Made in the USA
You have the option to choose from various proteins, including chicken, beef, lamb, pork, duck, rabbit, venison, and a turkey/sardine blend, which are available in packages of 5.5 and 14 ounces.
7. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
All-natural, protein-rich food made with organ meats that can be rehydrated with water or served as-is.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties can make your dog’s palate sing. You can serve them as they are or add water to rehydrate them, and witness your furry friend relishing an organic feast made with top-notch ingredients.
Characteristics:
- Uses farm-raised proteins (except for the wild-caught fish) that use humane husbandry practices, including cage-free chickens and grass-fed cattle.
- Multiple single-source protein formulas available — a must for some dogs with food allergies or sensitivities
- Can be fed as a complete meal for all life stages
- Made in the USA
The protein recipes, such as venison, chicken, duck, and lamb, are available in packages of 5.5 ounces, 14 ounces, and 25 ounces.
8. Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver Recipe
A premium dog food made with USDA-certified organic ingredients and G.A.P.-certified, cage-free chickens.
Ensure your furry friend receives a nutritious meal with Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver Recipe Dog Food. This delicious kibble is crafted using premium ingredients and is suitable for a wide range of dog breeds due to its bite-sized kibblets.
Characteristics: Taking into account one point at a time, rephrase the following text while keeping the same meaning. Do not include new information and do not omit any information. Features:
- Made using USDA-certified organic ingredients and cage-free chickens
- Grain-free formula with no corn, soy, or wheat
- Suitable for all life stages (though not recommended as large breed puppy food )
- Made in the USA
You have the option of choosing between chicken and turkey formulas. Additionally, the dog food can be purchased in three different bag sizes: 4 pounds, 11 pounds, and 20 pounds.
Is Organic Dog Food Better for Your Pet?
The value of organic foods for dogs is still under debate by the jury, and so far, there has been limited research conducted on dogs and organic foods.
When it comes to individuals, there have been only a limited number of recent studies investigating the impact of consuming organic food on our well-being, and a significant portion of this research has produced conflicting findings.
In 2012, a Stanford study discovered limited evidence that organic foods offer extra health advantages to humans; nevertheless, in 2017, a study published in Environmental Health revealed that organic dairy products and meat contain marginally higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to non-organic variants.
However, despite limited knowledge, certain aspects of organic food are clear. For instance, organic produce tends to have lower levels of pesticide residue compared to non-organic produce. It is important to note that organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, but it still permits the use of natural alternatives.
We know that organic farming practices are ultimately better for the environment, but we still lack knowledge about whether they also offer health benefits for dogs.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Dog an Organic Food?
Feeding organic dog food has noticeable benefits for your pooch, including the ability to drill into them.
- They reduce your pet’s exposure to pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and synthetic fertilizers . Even among organic foods that rely on naturally occurring pesticides or herbicides, your pooch will ingest less of them than he would when eating a conventional (non-organic) food.
- They support environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices . Many of the chemicals used in conventional farming practices cause environmental harm.
- They supports more ethical farming practices, such as pasture-fed cattle . Just like our dogs, the animals used to produce food should be afforded the best quality of life possible.
Although the benefits of organic dog foods are significant, it is crucial to consider some noteworthy drawbacks.
- They’re more expensive . Organic farming practices are costly, which is reflected in organic brands being some of the most expensive dog foods priced at the register.
- You’ll have fewer options . Since organic dog foods are relatively new to the market, there aren’t many brands available. Some have limited protein options, as well.
- There is limited evidence of their nutritional benefits . Of the few studies surrounding organic foods, none have established a concrete correlation between organic food and a significant change in a food’s nutritional value.
