Choosing the best treats or dog food for your puppy can be daunting. There are so many types of dog food sold in the market, making it difficult to identify what is right for your pet’s specific needs. However, if there is one thing we all can agree on, it’s that dogs thrive on organic food. Before you browse the internet for the best organic dog food, here are some important things you should know.
What Is Organic Dog Food
Dog food is not only considered organic because of the ingredients included by the manufacturer. Before dog food can be labeled as “organic,” it should be backed up with industry certification. According to the Association of American Food Control Official (AFFCO), for dog food to be considered organic, it must comply with the United States Department of Agriculture standards for handling and producing organic foods for both you and your feline friend.
For instance, if there are organic green beans in dog food they must be grown without chemicals, artificial fertilizers, pesticides, irradiation, genetic modification, or sewage sludge. Similarly, animal ingredients in organic dog food must be raised on organic feed and not treated with hormones and antibiotics.
Is Organic Dog Food Healthier?
Most people switch to organic food for health and dietary reasons. The same goes for organic dog food — it’s nutritious and will make your dog a lot healthier. Most organic dog foods do not contain preservatives, artificial flavoring, and coloring. They also are made from whole meat or meat by-products without antibiotics and growth hormones.
Most importantly, organic pet foods contain little to no fillers, which are typically ingredients in your pooches chow that have no nutritional value. Instead, most organic recipes are packed with antioxidants beneficial for your dog’s overall health. These advantages make dog food more palatable and easier to digest.
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Is Organic Dog Food Better for the Environment?
Yes! Organic products are absolutely good for the environment. In a study conducted by Polluted Pets, dogs are 40% more exposed to chemicals than humans. It is the result of preservative and chemical additives (fillers) they ingest with the food they eat. As such, responsible pet owners are feeding dogs food with wholesome ingredients — similar to the healthy food that people eat.
Meat production generates more waste than cultivating plants for food. It is also costly as it requires energy and more resources. By feeding your dog organic food, you are not only helping them become healthy, but you’re showing your concern for the environment.
How Can Organic Dog Food Help Your Dog?
Many dog owners who want to keep their dogs healthy by feeding them organic food change their minds because of its expensive price. While it is true that organic dog food is pricier than other pet food, it is the nutrition, healthy calories, and few fillers that make it expensive. These are the characteristics that make dog food healthy.
Here’s how organic dog food will help your dog’s overall health:
Immune System Booster
Organic dog food will boost your pet’s immune system. You often hear from doctors that you should get more minerals and vitamins in healthy foods and not through supplements or multivitamins. It is the same for your dogs. An organic diet is healthier and the best weapon against infections.
Reduce Allergy Problems
Dogs are prone to allergies, and this is due to the food they eat. The additives and fillers in dog food are often the cause of allergies. The fewer the additives and fillers in your dog’s diet, the less likely allergies will develop. Getting your dog to eat organic food may be rough the first few times. Owners should place their pet in the washroom just in case they vomit. Don't worry if they! This is normal, as your dog is adjusting to healthy food.
Improved Skin
If your dog has sensitive skin you have probably tried some remedies to provide them relief. But shampoos, soaps, creams, and other medications marketed to treat their conditions may not fully solve the problem. Even the most premium dog food brands recommended by the vet may not be of much help. Organic dog food may help fight skin infections long-term. They are often free from chemicals and other toxic ingredients that may be the cause of your dog’s skin becoming irritated. Organic dog food is also rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients good for your pet’s health.
Easy to digest
Fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives can be difficult on your pup’s digestive tract. Organic dog food, however, is good for your pet’s overall diet as it is closer to natural foods. This can cause fewer digestive problems, which are good if your pooch has a sensitive stomach.
Best Organic Ingredient for Dog Food
For most, a dog is part of the family. Like kids, you wouldn’t want your pet to eat anything that you knew may be harmful to them. Hence, you should invest in the best organic food available. Below we have identified the best organic ingredients for pets of all ages. When buying organic pet food in the market, you may want to fetch these ingredients.
Blueberries
Blueberries are good for dogs to eat plus they are rich in minerals and vitamins. It is a fruit that carries the highest amounts of antioxidants. Blueberries are low in calories, high fiber, and contain anthocyanins and phytochemicals. These nutrients work together to keep dogs of all ages healthy. This fruit is also an excellent immune system booster, which helps fight diseases and reduce skin allergies.
Kale
Ahh, the food of the future. Yes, Kale is completely organic and safe for your dog. Your pooch can have it as a tasty treat or a meal supplement. Leafy vegetables like Kale are high in potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients are good for your dog’s healthy heart, bones, and teeth.
Fish
Fish is one of the healthiest organic dog food ingredients on the market. It is packed with protein and fatty acids, which are best to treat inflammation. Many commercial dog food manufacturers include fish in the ingredients as an alternative source of protein. While home-cooked fish is important in a human’s diet, feeding them to your dog as a diet may not be advisable. Make sure that you consult your vet or a certified pet nutritionist to ensure that your dog’s nutrition is not compromised.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is popular among dogs as a treatment for diarrhea. This is because pumpkin is high in fiber and water content. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, adding 1-4 tablespoons of this vegetable in their meal can treat mild constipation. You can serve pumpkin to canines steamed, roasted, or pureed. If you have a small dog, serve them at least 1 teaspoon in their meal. Have a large dog? 2 tablespoons per day would be better. If your dog has diabetes, you may need to consult the vet before you include this vegetable in their diet.
Carrots
Carrots are very nutritious for your pet. Carrot brims with vitamin K, A, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. This veggie has nutrient-dense properties that both cooked and raw is a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. Every part of this vegetable can be eaten by your dog (even the often avoided leafy top).
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a tasty and healthy food for your dog, especially when consumed in moderation. This vegetable contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that can combat the risk of some diseases. It is also rich in fiber, potassium, vitamins A and B. You can serve them to your dog in a variety of ways. For an added bonus you can try giving your pet some sweet potato treats with CBD.
Final Thoughts
Looking for the best dog food for your beloved pet can be overwhelming with the variety of options available in the market. It is also very easy to get hooked on marketing schemes from manufactures that claim their product is “healthy,” “natural” and “holistic,” even if they are not.
Non-organic dog food not strictly regulated by the USDA and FDA should be considered with caution. For example, the FDA has no official definition for “holistic.” Moreover, the term “natural” may carry natural-based ingredients but they can go through a variety of processes, making this title not exactly the whole truth.
When choosing the best products, you should not rely on the business tactics of the manufacturer. Take time to inspect the ingredient list and find the AAFCO statement saying that the product has met the nutritional needs and standards for your pet.
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