The Benefits of Organic Dog Foods

---

     Organic products have been gaining popularity in the human food market and it only makes sense that they would be moving into the pet food industry as well. In order to be considered a true organic the food must be grown without the use of herbicides or pesticides or other chemical additives, plus it must be processed without the use of any inorganic or chemical means.

While human food that is labeled as organic must meet rigid standards for raising or growth, unfortunately the pet food industry is not likewise monitored at this time in the United States. Eventually it will be under the governance of the FDA, the Food and Drug Administration, but at this time it is not yet into law. What this has allowed is the use of the term "organic" on pet food labels in a very loosely defined way.

Most organic dog and pet food producers are not truly organic, rather they are natural. Natural means that there are no additives, preservatives or colors used in the food that are labeled organic or natural. However, the foods themselves, particularly the meats and grains, do not have to be organically grown or raised for the food to be called either organic or natural. Look specifically for the organic seal of approval on foods that are truly organic.

Another term that may be used for this type of natural or organic types of foods is holistic. Holistic foods tend to have very highly digestible meat proteins, limited grains, fats, vitamins and minerals in the proper balance. Holistic foods may be from organic or non certified organic types of meats, sometimes this is indicated on the label and sometimes it is not. There are several different high quality foods marketed as holistic, natural or organic that are available in most major pet stores and department or grocery stores, but they are more costly than non-organic competitive brands.

Generally feeding your dog the purest type of protein, fat and small amounts of carbohydrates is the healthiest option. Choosing your own organically raised or grown meats and grains is one way to ensure that your dog is eating only organic foods, but you can also look for the few certified types of organic dog foods on the market. There are dry premium kibble options, but only a very few, or you may want to consider a pre-packed raw food diet. These can arrive in pre-formed frozen patties of just the right portion size for your dog, making your life as a raw diet owner much easier.

The biggest benefit of feeding a dog or any pet organic foods of any type is that you prevent any addition of chemicals and additives to the pet's system. If there are no pesticides, insecticides, antibiotics, herbicides, fungicides or chemicals in the food the dog is eating, it simply won't get into his or her body. In addition research has shown that eating more natural foods without chemicals can prevent issues with fertility, longevity and overall health in dogs, domestic animals as well as humans. Combining these factors together makes a strong argument for the benefit of organic foods for your canine companions.