Is organic dog food really organic
5 Best Organic Dog Foods (2024)
How to Choose the Best Organic Food for Dogs
When it come to the best organic dog foods, it is important to know that not all diets are created equally. The word organic itself has become somewhat of a buzzword as companies realize pet owners interests in feeding their dogs food that they believe to be the best for them.
Organic and natural dog foods typically are the best for dogs to consume since great care is taken to source ingredients that have been raised in the ideal conditions and that are free from pesticides and other harmful agents. However, there is a difference between what is defined as an organic food and a natural food, and it is important for families to understand this to make the best selection for their dog.
Under the regulations established by the Association of American Feed Control Offices (AAFCO), natural is defined as a feed or feed ingredient derived solely from plant, animal, or mined sourcesnot having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic.
What this typically means in terms of dog foods which are often filled with items that would seemingly defy this description is that a natural food must be free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors to be designated as natural. It is also important to note that currently there are no specific rules that companies must adhere to to market their diets as natural dog foods.
Organic foods are bound by a far more stringent set of guidelines. For a dog food to receive the designation of certified organic, all plants included in the food must have been cultivated without the use of any pesticides, artificial fertilizers, genetic modification, irradiation, or sewer sludge.
Any proteins included in organic diets are also required to be taken from animals which were fed organic materials, provided with the opportunity to roam outdoors, and to have never been subjected to treatment by antibiotics or hormones.
Receiving certification as an organic dog food is a lengthy process with many hoops to be jumped through to accomplish. Regulations surrounding the privilege of labeling a dog food as organic are very strict. As a result, sourcing ingredients of this quality as well as achieving certification is an extremely lengthy and expensive task, meaning the dog food itself is more costly for the consumer as a whole.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Organic Dog Foods
Organic dog foods are made from the best available ingredients thus meaning their quality is exceptional. Ingredients are most often included in their whole form, and as a result, the food is nutritionally dense. This means that though a food may come with a higher price tag less of it will need to be fed on a daily basis to achieve the same results as a lesser quality food. So though the initial financial output may be high, savings are realized through fewer health issues and a food that lasts longer.
The amount of the best organic food for dogs each dog will need will depend on a number of factors. Among the biggest considerations are age, weight, activity level, breed, and the type of food itself. As a general guideline, it is a good idea to follow the suggested serving sizes printed on the bag of food. These can be adjusted until the correct portion size is determined.
As with all foods, a dogs weight and appetite can help families to assess whether meal sizes should be increased or decreased.
Dietary Requirements for Organic Dog Foods
Even within organic dog foods, some differences do exist. It is important for owners to take the time to understand what is in any food they are considering purchasing for their dog.
One of the key distinctions in organic dog foods today is labeling. Some organic foods will be marketed as containing organic ingredients while others declare themselves to be all-organic. When a food is labeled USDA Organic, this means that the food was certified to contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients as defined by the USDA. Foods that are simply made with some organic ingredients have a lower requirement imposed on them with only 70 percent of their ingredients required to be certified as organic.
It is also important to select a food that specifically labels its proteins. If an organic food simply lists things such as meats or animal fats, these diets are best avoided.
Within the United States, the FDA is responsible for ensuring a food is suitable for animal consumption. This authority is also regulated by the Department of Agriculture in each individual state. It is important to note that though inspections of food manufacturing plants do occur regularly, notices to comply are not always adhered to, and regulations are not always enforced. This means that not all dog foods that proclaim themselves to be organic truly are.
Always look for the title certified organic on any food that proclaims to be an organic diet. Many companies try to avoid this by stating they include certain ingredients that have received the designation of being a USDA organic product. These may contain one item that has been certified as USDA organic while the food as whole is not certified.
As with all dog foods, it is important that the first ingredient in any organic dog food be a meat with whole meats preferable. Carbohydrates may be from whole grains or fruits and vegetables with their main goal being providing excellent amounts of dietary fiber and antioxidants. Lastly, healthy fats provide dogs with the energy they need and are also a vital help in maintaining good skin and coat quality and promoting healthy joints.
Any food suited for the need of an adult dog should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. Use this criteria as a basic rule of thumb when considering which diet is the best organic dog food.
Things to Look for in the Best Organic Food for Dogs
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in an organic dog food:
- Whole meat or meat meal proteins heading up the ingredients list
- Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
- Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
- Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
- Has been certified organic and bears this designation on its label
Best Organic Dog Food: What Is It? And Why Should You Buy It?
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Not only are there dozens of popular pet food manufacturers out there with hundreds, even thousands, of different recipes there are also many different types of pet food.
For dog owners who want to provide their canine companions with the best of the best, organic dog food is an option to consider.
What you need to keep in mind, however, is that pet food is more loosely regulated than people food so you cant always trust the marketing claims manufacturers print on their packaging.
Keep reading to learn more about organic dog food and to receive our top picks for best organic dog food brands.
10 Best Organic Dog Food Brands
If you want to give your dog the best of the best, organic dog food may be the way to go. You still need to pay attention to the ingredients list if your dog has any food allergies or sensitivities, but you can rest assured that any organic pet food product will be made with ingredients that meet the USDA requirements for organic foods.
To help you get started in your search for the right organic food for your dog, here are our top 10 picks:
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our #1 Pick  |
| Check Price Here! |
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe
| Check Price on SiteCheck Price on Chewy | |
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Gather Endless Valley Vegan Dog Food
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Newman's Own Adult Formula
| Check Price on Chewy | |
Party Animal California Chicken & Oats Recipe
| Check Price on Chewy | |
Primal Lamb Formula Nuggets
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Stella & Chewy's Duck Duck Goose Dinner Patties
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
PetGuard Organic Chicken & Vegetable Entree
| Check Price on Amazon |
Quick Look on the Best Organic Dog Foods
- Nom Nom Fresh Food
- The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe
- Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe
- Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe
- Gather Endless Valley Vegan Dog Food
- Newman's Own Adult Formula
- Party Animal California Chicken & Oats Recipe
- Primal Lamb Formula Nuggets
- Stella & Chewy's Duck Duck Goose Dinner Patties
- PetGuard Organic Chicken & Vegetable Entree
1. Nom Nom Fresh Food Delivery
First 5 Ingredients for Turkey Fare: Turkey, Brown rice, Eggs, Carrots, Spinach
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Nom Nom is a delivery system that makes special fresh meals for your pets. Each meal is cooked on low heat, to preserve nutrients, in a state-of-the-art kitchen to pass human standards.
Nom Nom is a meal delivery service for your beloved pets. The company provides care-grade or restaurant-quality meals for your pets, which means that each dish they serve is made with quality, fresh, wholesome ingredients that is fit for your dog's caloric needs.
The company is committed to deliver the best nutrition possible for your four-legged companion. They offer made-to-order recipes that is formulated by a board certified veterinary nutritionist in the US, Dr. Justin Shmalberg. All meals have no fillers, by products or any artificial preservatives plus don't forget their door to door delivery service.
The meals themselves, however, contain no soy, corn or wheat and go through minimal processing, ensuring great quality and nutrients remain in every meal. And they taste great too!
All recipes are complete, balanced and meet AAFCO & USFDA standards. These certificates are actually not needed if you want to sell pet food in the US- but it is nice to know that the company is willing to go the extra mile just to ensure that their meals are nutritious and safe.
Now, Nom Nom is coming out with a new offering in the form of the Fresh Variety Pack. Its a complete assortment of all of the companys pet cuisines 200g each of the Beef Mash, Chicken Cuisine, Turkey Fare, and Pork Potluck so that it would be easier for you to find out which recipe your pup prefers without having to subscribe to a meal plan first.
Their food needs to be stored in the freezer to ensure freshness and before the first meal can be eaten by your dog, the particular food has been in the refrigerator for 12 hours. Every meal after that should be defrosted for around 24 hours and the packaging is not resealable, which is a bit of a nuisance.
Pros
- 50% Off first order
- Delivered right at your door
- Created by Vet Nutritionists
- Meals are pre-portioned for convenience
- Made from organic, recognizable ingredients
2. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Dehydrated Dog Food
First 5 Ingredients: Dehydrated Turkey, Organic Oats, Dehydrated Potatoes, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Carrots
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Give your pup a taste of Thanksgiving all year round. This dehydrated dog food is made with cage-free turkey, organic whole oats and simple garden produce.
This brand is not strictly organic but they do use a number of organic ingredients in their formulas. What really sets The Honest Kitchen apart from the competition is the fact that they use human-grade ingredients in all of their recipes.
The term human-grade means that the ingredients are deemed fit for human consumption by the USDA. In order to use the term human-grade on their packaging, however, a pet food manufacturer must not only use human-grade ingredients but also manufacture their products in a human food facility The Honest Kitchen meets both of those requirements.
This brand offers a selection of freeze-dried foods for dogs, both original and grain-free recipes. Because these products are dried and not cooked, the raw ingredients retain more of their original nutritional value.
The Honest Kitchen states that their recipes help to support improved energy levels, regular digestion, healthy skin and coat, reduced risk for allergies, and healthy bodyweight maintenance.
Pros
- No rendered meals
- Delicious whole grain meal
- Zero feed-grade and GMO ingredients
- Filled with organic veggies and fruits
- Easy to prepare: just add hot water
Cons
- Funky smell
- 15% price increase
3. Whole Earth Farms Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe
First 5 Ingredients: Pork Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Pork Fat
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Features a flavorful blend of high-quality pork, beef and lamb. It supports healthy digestion, help reduce shedding, promote a shiny coat and encourage strong nails and skin.
Whole Earth Farms Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe is a dry dog food specially formulated for adult dogs who are sensitive to poultry. This poultry-free dry food is also grain free, making it less likely to trigger allergies in sensitive pooches. It is designed to be gentle on the stomach as well
With pork meal as the first ingredient, you can be assured that your dog is getting a highly digestible, concentrated protein source. This recipe is 26% protein. Real pork, beef, and lamb are included as additional sources of protein and flavor. Organic alfalfa meal also contributes protein to this grain-free recipe.
This recipes main sources of carbohydrates are dried potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas. It also has dried blueberries which are a good source of antioxidants that help boost the immune system.
It contains no corn, soy, or any type of grain. As this poultry-free recipe was developed with sensitive dogs in mind, it has none of the common triggers for allergies and upset stomach. It is also free from artificial enhancers such as colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Pros
- Supports overall immunity
- Rich in Omegas and antioxidants
- Made from high quality protein
- Enriched with minerals and vitamins
- Contains real veggies, fibers and fruits
Cons
- Kibble size became smaller
- Inconsistent formulation
4. Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe
First 5 Ingredients:Salmon, Lamb Meal, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Peas, Organic Chickpeas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
The only complete line of pet food made with responsibly sourced ingredients, this wholesome and delicious meal starts with wild-caught salmon that is responsibly caught by a certified sustainable fishery.
The Castor and Pollux company was founded more than twenty years ago by a husband and wife pair who sought to take advantage of the increasing availability of natural and organic ingredients by using them to create a line of healthy, natural pet foods.
Pristine is the only complete range of pet food that is made entirely from ingredients that have been responsibly sourced by suppliers. This recipe, like all recipes from the Pristine line, features wholesome and delicious food that pups wont get enough of.
Wild-caught salmon that has been caught by a sustainable-certified fishery starts off the list. While salmon may not contain as much protein as beef or chicken, it more than makes up for it with plenty of omega fatty acids, specifically Omega 3 and 6.
One other thing that is always a part of any dog food recipe is fat. In this particular formulation, Pristine decided to go with pork fat. Dont be concerned. Fat is not bad. Dogs need it for stamina, to keep them warmer in case of cold weather, and for their metabolic needs.
Besides, pork fat (and anything pork) is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other protein sources.
Pros
- With freeze dried raw bites
- Wild-caught salmon is main ingredient
- 100% free from corn, wheat or soy
- Zero artificial preservatives, coloring or flavors
- Salmon certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council
Cons
- Recipe change
- Limited availability
5. Gather Endless Valley Vegan Dry Dog Food
First 5 Ingredients: Organic Peas, Organic Barley, Organic Oats, Lentils, Organic Sunflower Oil
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Highly nutritious pea protein contains all the essential amino acids and complementary ingredients your dog needs to thrive. Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to provide complete and balanced nutrition.
Petcurean is a Canada-based pet food manufacturer that was founded with the goal of producing premium-quality, nutrient-rich pet foods to help pets and their parents enjoy long, happy lives together. This company is independently owned and operated which means that they have a great deal of control over the quality of their ingredients as well as their manufacturing processes.
Petcurean offers five different brands of dog food including Gather, their new line of pet foods made with certified and organic ingredients. In creating the Gather brand, Petcurean sought to develop a new kind of pet food one made with certified and organic ingredients that was blended and balanced to provide pets with premium-quality, natural nutrition.
In addition to using certified and organic ingredients, Gather also follows a commitment to sustainability. Simply put, their products are made with whole food from the earth and ocean with nothing added that isnt needed.
Pros
- Ingredients are plant-based only
- Crafted by the experts
- No genetically engineered ingredient
- Contains anti-oxidant rich fruits and veggies
- Rich in natural fibers for better digestion
6. Newman's Own Organics Adult Formula
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Organic Barley, Organic Oats, Organic Peas, Chicken Meal
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Blended with a unique blend of proteins, whole grains, vitamins and minerals that maximize palatability, digestibility and nutrient assimilation. Free of added hormones, antibiotics and chemical additives.
The Newmans Own company was founded in 1982 as a food and beverage company run by the Newmans Own Foundation. Though this company is primarily known for their human food products, they also offer a limited selection of pet food products.
According to the website, Newmans Own pet foods are made with a unique blend of proteins, whole grains, vitamins, and minerals. For dog food, Newmans Own offers two dry dog food formulas and fourteen canned food formulas.
The two dry dog food recipes are made with several organic ingredients, though not enough to carry the certified organic seal. Of their canned food options, seven recipes currently carry the USDA certified organic seal. The remaining products are also made with some organic ingredients.
Pros
- Donates profits to kids
- Made from feed-grade ingredients
- Met AAFCO standards
- Contains probiotics to aid gut health
- Crunchy texture to support dental health
7. Party Animal California Chicken & Oats Recipe
First 5 Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Organic Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Peas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This delicious, wholesome recipe features USDA-certified organic chicken as the topmost ingredient for a healthy source of protein to help maintain your pups lean muscle mass.
Party Animal offers wet & dry foods containing all-natural ingredients and meat as the first. The company does a great job of using organic ingredients and additional vitamins to really pack a nutritious punch into their canned foods.
This delicious, wholesome recipe features USDA-certified organic chicken as the very first ingredient for a healthy source of protein to help maintain your pups lean muscle mass.
Organic fruits and vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds provide great sources of natural antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and folic acid to keep your best friend dancing through the day. Committed to delivering clean, premium-quality nutrition, Party Animal foods never contain any corn, wheat or artificial stuff.
They make no jokes when talking about their ingredients though because Party Animal has a top of the line list of ingredients, especially for their moist foods. We find that dry kibble tends to get the best of the best because its easier to disguise bad ingredients in canned foods.
Overall, this dry food got Chewy's most coveted 5/5 stars, so check them out!
Pros
- 70% organic ingredients
- Proudly made in the US
- Rich in Omega fatty acids
- Filled with antioxidants, fiber, folic acid and vitamins
- Main ingredient is USDA-certified organic chicken
8. Primal Lamb Formula Nuggets
First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Hearts, Lamb Livers, Ground Lamb Bones, Organic Kale, Organic Carrots
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This unique meal offers the benefits of raw food feeding without all the hassle of preparing it. It is mouthwatering and nutrient-dense, what more could you ask for?
Primal Lamb Formula Nuggets is a highly nutritious raw dog food that has been freeze-dried for your convenience. It has all of the nutrients of a raw diet, without the short shelf life or risk of unwanted bacteria. This lamb recipe can be served on its own, or as a kibble-topper.
It has fresh lamb hearts and livers as the main protein source. These ingredients make up most of this recipes 39% protein content. They come from ethically raised lamb that is free from steroids, added hormones, and antibiotics.
This highly palatable lamb recipe is quite versatile. As it is nutritionally complete and balanced even without synthetic supplements, can be served on its own as a meal.
Simply break into smaller pieces, shred and rehydrate with water. To save money, some stretch out the portions by serving it as a kibble-topper. This is perfectly fine as your dog can still have the multiple health benefits of raw food.
Pros
- Delicious, freeze-dried form
- With naturally derived minerals and vitamins
- Rich in calcium and made from real lamb
- Zero soy, corn, wheat, legumes or lentils
- Full of antioxidants, fiber, folic acid and vitamins
9. Stella & Chewy's Duck Duck Goose Dinner Patties
First 5 Ingredients: Duck With Ground Bone, Turkey, Turkey Liver, Goose, Turkey Gizzard
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
The company mimics on what diet our pets' ancestors would have eaten in the wild, this protein-rich, all natural formula is made from 100% organic ingredients. With duck and turkey as the main protein sources, it is very ideal for sensitive pups.
Next, we want to take a look at the dinner patties from Stella & Chewy's to see if there is much difference other than its shape. The patties are larger and closely resemble something you would give your dog as a treat. Some reviewers of the product say they use them as raw treats every now and again.
These also contain all natural grass-fed protein with 100% organic fruits and vegetables. You can serve the freeze-dried patties frozen or rehydrate them using water.
Everything about this food screams health and nutrition. With chicken and organs taking center stage, you immediately get a good feeling about this formula just by reading the ingredients.
Pros
- Freeze-dried raw recipe
- Gluten and grain free
- Cage-free duck is main ingredient
- No added antibiotics or hormones
- Improves immunity and overall health
Cons
- Skin irritations occur in some
- Episodes of loose stool also noted
10. PetGuard Organic Chicken & Vegetable Entree
First 5 Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Water Sufficient For Processing, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Oats, Organic Carrots
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This wholesome recipe is crafted with USDA certified organic ingredients for a meal you can feel good about feeding your dog. 100% free of carrageenan, artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, added sweeteners and sugars and by-products.
PetGuard has been making pet foods with natural ingredients for over 40 years. Before natural recipes were widely available for pets, they were creating healthy, balanced diets with clean proteins and healthy grains, vegetables and fats without preservatives or artificial colors, sweeteners or by- products.
PetGuard knows that great canine nutrition starts with the most wholesome ingredients. They use only antibiotic-free chicken, beef and turkey and sustainable seafood for protein. Specially chosen grains, veggies, fruits and healthy oils provide loads of easily digestible energy and the nutrients your pup needs to feel his best.
Lastly, it is with vitamins and chelated minerals and healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, every bite is formulated to help support your dogs heart, kidneys, liver, skin, coat and overall health.
Pros
- USDA certified organic
- Without corn and animal by-products
- Grain-inclusive recipe
- Zero fillers or preservatives
- All natural formula
Cons
- Contains mostly rice only
- Picky eaters hate it
What Does Organic Really Mean?
When you pick up a package of food at your local grocery store, youll find several things on the label. In addition to the product name and the manufacturer, the label should also include nutrition facts and a list of ingredients. Something else you might look for are dietary claims such as natural or organic.
While definitions for some dietary claims are fuzzy, the USDA has set forth specific requirements that a human food product must meet in order to carry the organic label as well as the certified organic seal.
These federal requirements include things like pest and weed control practices, soil quality, animal raising practices, and the use of additives.
In order for a product to carry the USDA certified organic seal, all plant ingredients must be grown in soil that hasnt been treated with prohibited substances for at least 3 years prior to harvest prohibited substances include pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
For meat products to be labeled organic, they must be raised on 100% organic feed and raised in conditions that accommodate for natural behaviors they must also be free from hormones and antibiotics.
Multi-ingredient foods must meet these same standards for individual ingredients and should also be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Organic foods are allowed to contain some non-organic staples like baking soda or enzymes while still carrying the organic seal.
Depending how closely a food product adheres to the requirements listed above, the package will carry one of the following labels:
- 100% Organic Made with 100% organic ingredients.
- Organic Made with at least 95% organic ingredients.
- Made with Organic Ingredients Made with at least 70% organic ingredients (and adhering to additional restrictions on the remaining 30%).
In addition to using one of the claims listed above, food manufacturers are allowed to use the USDA certified organic seal on their packaging if they meets federal regulations for organic ingredients and have an organic-certified manufacturing operation that is inspected annually.
What is Organic Dog Food?
When it comes to dog food, there are many similarities from one brand to another. What really sets one recipe apart from another, however, is the quality of the ingredients.
Many pet food manufacturers load up their products with low-quality fillers like corn, wheat, and soy ingredients because they are cheap the ultimate goal is to sell their product for as much as they can while keeping their own costs low.
As a dog owner, this means that you need to be cognizant of the shortcuts pet food manufacturers sometimes take so you can weed out the good products from the bad.
One of the quickest ways to narrow down your options if youre looking for a high-quality dog food is to choose a product made with all natural ingredients. You still need to keep an eye out for fillers, plant proteins, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, but a natural dog food is a good place to start.
If you want to step things up even more, reach for an organic dog food. Organic dog food is just like any other dog food except that the ingredients are subjected to more rigorous standards.
Though the USDA has yet to define the word organic as it applies to pet food, pet foods made with ingredients that meet the human standard for organic are allowed to carry the seal.
Remember, just because a product label carries words like natural or holistic doesnt mean that you can make any assumptions you still need to do your due diligence and review the product information to determine its quality. If you want to take a shortcut, choose one of the top-rated organic dog food brands weve reviewed above.
Is organic dog food good for dogs?
So, the bottom line is that there is little evidence of nutritional benefits of organic foods for humans. This likely applies even more for pets as pet food is designed to be a complete and balanced, providing all essential nutrients at levels that meet or exceed recommended amounts.
Is organic dog food better?
Organic dog food is better at helping your dog maintain a healthy weight because it has a higher nutritional value and less fillers than most commercial dog foods. This also makes it more satisfying to your pup.
Should dogs eat grain free?
Despite the benefits for some dogs, there are downsides to feeding a grain-free dog food. Many people assume grain free means low carb, but that's not the case. In fact, some dog foods without grains are higher in alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes and peas. This could result in unintentional weight gain.
Is Rice in dog food bad for dogs?
Because commercially produced dog food contains carbohydrates, be careful not to overload your dog with additional high-carb foods like rice. As long as he's maintaining a healthy weight, adding some rice to your dog's meals is perfectly fine.
