Organic Dog Food: 5 Options Your Pup Will Drool Over

If you are someone who prioritizes incorporating organic food into your own diet, you may also consider providing it to your dog.

Exactly what is organic dog food? Are the standards for “organic” in human food also applicable to dog food?

Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian at Senior Tail Waggers, has stated that certified organic dog food must adhere to the USDA’s National Organic Program’s guidelines for human food, requiring a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients.

According to Dr. Ochoa, dog food that carries the USDA organic seal of approval is made using ingredients that have not been grown with toxic pesticides, antibiotics, or synthetic growth hormones. Furthermore, it does not include artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or GMOs.

Is organic dog food better for dogs?

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), organic food, although reducing exposure to pesticides and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, is not necessarily considered by the USDA to be safer, healthier, or more nutritious than conventionally-produced food. Additionally, some research suggests a lack of evidence supporting the notion that organic food is healthier than regular food.

The organic seal serves the purpose of ensuring that individuals who desire to consume organic foods, or provide them to their pets, obtain the correct products. However, determining the relative healthiness of these foods in comparison to non-organic options is difficult to ascertain.

Benefits of organic dog food

Feeding your pup organic dog food definitely has some good aspects, although the health benefits of organic ingredients remain uncertain.

According to Dr. Ochoa, organic dog foods are expected to be manufactured using a superior protein and a greater quantity of natural ingredients and processing.

The absence of synthetic pesticides in organic foods reduces your dog’s exposure to chemicals, and the meat used does not contain growth hormones.

Due to the lower presence of preservatives, organic pet food tends to be fresher than other varieties.

Organic Dog Food: 5 Options Your Pup Will Drool Over

Best organic dog food for adult dogs: Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food

This dog food contains organic free-range chicken as the primary ingredient, ensuring that your pup receives high-quality nourishment. Additionally, it is important to note that no growth hormones or antibiotics are included, guaranteeing your dog’s well-being. Moreover, all of the included fruits and vegetables are cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemicals.

Best organic dog food for puppies: Castor & Pollux Organix Healthy Grains Organic Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

This puppy food contains DHA, which helps in the development of your puppy’s brain. The primary ingredient in this food is organic free-range chicken, and there are no artificial ingredients, added hormones, or chemicals included.

Best organic wet dog food: Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Canned Dog Food

This wet dog food is made with organic free-range chicken and is free from artificial preservatives, hormones, or antibiotics. It is cooked in a kitchen that is certified by the USDA.

Best freeze-dried raw organic dog food: Stella & Chewy’s Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

If you are interested in giving your dog organic and raw food, give this one a try. These patties are created with only one type of protein and are composed of 95 percent organic cage-free chicken. They also contain 100 percent organic fruits and vegetables.

Best organic dog treats: Wild One Organic Baked Treats

These treats have been certified organic by USDA and are made from plants without any artificial colors, preservatives, or fillers. Additionally, they are available in various flavors such as PB & J, veggie burger, and pumpkin.

Despite the lack of definitive advantages of feeding your dog organic foods instead of conventionally processed foods, they do offer the benefit of containing fewer synthetic ingredients and typically being fresher, which is certainly advantageous for your furry friend.

How To Choose The Best Organic Dog Food Brands

Despite the higher cost, there are several reasons to think about buying organic dog food brands instead of non-organic ones. Numerous studies suggest that organic food generally contains more nutrients compared to non-organic food. Moreover, organic food is cultivated without pesticides, and considering the already existing chemical exposure to our bodies and our pets’ bodies, it is unnecessary to have more chemicals in our food.

Why Fresh Dog Food?

At Naked Dog Bistro, our primary emphasis is on producing our own fresh organic dog food, although we do offer a limited selection of organic dog food brands for sale. The preference for fresh food is driven by multiple factors, with a significant one being the ability to choose the finest fresh, organic ingredients. Furthermore, both our own fresh dog food and the majority of other fresh dog food brands are of exceptional quality and suitable for human consumption.

Fresh dog food is favored for another reason, which is that it generally lacks preservatives, gluten, or grain. Although some dogs tolerate gluten and grain well, it may be advisable to opt for grain-free dog food if your dog experiences digestive problems or allergies. Preservatives are usually utilized to prolong the shelf life of food, which is convenient but unnecessary for dogs. Therefore, opting for fresh dog food helps eliminate preservatives from your dog’s diet.

In addition, fresh dog food is adored by dogs. If you have a selective eater who rejects kibble or canned food, fresh dog food is a wonderful and nutritious alternative to contemplate. We offer numerous delightful options, but if you are not in our vicinity, there are alternative brands like The Farmer’s Dog or Just Food For Dogs that can be delivered nationwide. Some of these companies can even tailor a specific dog food to cater to your four-legged companion’s unique dietary requirements or limitations.

Is Raw A Good Option?

Fresh dog food is often mistaken for raw dog food, but the former is actually cooked. However, it is worth noting that fresh dog food stands apart from canned food or kibble due to its use of human-grade ingredients and absence of preservatives.

As a general rule, we do not advise feeding dogs raw food, despite its current popularity. Although raw food may be enjoyed by many dogs, it poses a risk of cross-contamination within your household, which can be hazardous if there are children or individuals with weakened immune systems present. Furthermore, if your dog is suffering from pancreatitis, we suggest opting for cooked food over raw food as it is more beneficial. We offer a selection of our fresh dog food options that are suitable for dogs with pancreatitis.

Choosing Organic Dog Food Brands

If you choose kibble, canned, or fresh dog food, these tips will assist you in finding the most suitable option for your furry companion.

1. Read The Label

When it comes to humans, it can be challenging to read nutritional labels due to the diverse range of foods we consume, but it is still advisable to do so. Conversely, dogs have a consistent diet of the same food and treats daily, thus dog owners can and should devote some time to examining food labels.

If you come across unfamiliar chemicals or words or come across terms like “chicken meal” or additives like corn, it’s likely that this is lower quality food, even if it falls under the category of organic dog food brands. Despite being organic, such dog food may still have questionable ingredients, so ensure that your dog’s food is as pure and natural as it can be.

2. Talk To Your Veterinarian

If you are considering choosing a new type of dog food, your veterinarian can be a valuable source of information. While vets typically have a few brands available in their offices, including prescription dog foods, they are usually willing to suggest other organic dog food options. You can consult your veterinarian to determine whether your dog should be fed fresh dog food, canned food, kibble, or a combination of these. If you are interested in preparing homemade fresh dog food, your vet can also provide ingredient recommendations, such as nutritious proteins and beneficial carbohydrate sources.

3. Don’t Compare Your Dog To Other Dogs

There are numerous organic dog food brands available, all offering excellent nutritional support. However, what might be suitable for one dog might not be suitable for another. Certain dogs require grain-free food, while others require food without potatoes, beef, or chicken. Dogs at risk of pancreatitis need low-fat food. Furthermore, puppies and senior dogs have distinct nutritional requirements compared to regular adult dogs. If your dog is prone to allergies or stomach issues, we advise consulting your vet about ingredients and dog food brands as your initial step.

4. Start Small

It is important to gradually change a dog’s diet instead of doing it suddenly. If you are considering switching to a different food brand, begin by introducing a small amount of the new food and gradually increase it over a couple of days. Simultaneously, decrease the amount of the old food. This approach allows your dog’s stomach to adapt to the change and helps observe if the new food is well tolerated.

If you decide to change your dog’s diet, it is advisable to avoid making any other nutritional changes during the first few weeks after switching foods. Trying out new types of treats or doggie bone broth at this time is not recommended. Changing multiple elements of your dog’s diet at once can cause stomach upset, making it difficult to determine whether it is due to the new food or the new treats.