The Organic Edge Discovering the Advantages of Organic Dog Food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

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

Organic Dog Food: Why You Should Feed It to Your Pet

You may have already made the switch to organic food for yourself and your family. But what about your furry friend? Just like humans, dogs can benefit from eating organic food too. Heres why you should make the switch to organic dog food for your pet.

Organic dog food is a popular choice for many pet owners who are looking for a healthier, more natural diet for their canine companion. Organic food is free from synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and other unhealthy additives commonly used in conventional pet food. This type of diet has been found to be beneficial in promoting overall health and wellness in dogs, including improved digestion and increased energy levels.

Additionally, there may be psychological benefits as well; studies suggest that organic diets reduce stress-related behaviors in dogs, such as excessive barking and destructive tendencies due to the ingredients being more nutritious sources of vitamins and minerals.

Ultimately, organic dog food provides an array of advantages that reach far beyond its higher price tag. Understanding more about dog food ingredients can empower owners to make informed decisions. It will ensure their dogs are not only enjoying their meals but also receiving the proper nutrition needed for a vibrant, healthy life.

When it comes to choosing the right food for your furry friend, you may find yourself comparing organic and non-organic dog food. Though both have their pros and cons, typically, organic dog food has a few key advantages that give it an edge over its alternatives.

Organic dog food makes use of human-grade ingredients, is free of artificial colors, additives or preservatives, and does not contain antibiotics or growth hormones, all of which not only contribute to improved digestion but also increase natural energy levels and enhance overall wellness.

In addition, organic products are sourced from animals that are humanely treated offering reassurance that your pet is eating healthy in every sense. Ultimately, making an informed decision about the type of food you feed your pet can really pay off in terms of the quality of their life.

Organic pet food is gaining popularity, and for good reason! Organic pet food supports the animals well-being and health, providing them with more energy and less risk of developing illnesses like allergies. Additionally, organically grown fruits and vegetables provide higher levels of essential vitamins that are sometimes missing from non-organic foods.

Organic food also provides a great source of antioxidants and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, making sure your pet looks their best. Finally, organic pet food is produced without the use of pesticides, hormones, or genetically altered ingredients that may be potentially harmful to your pets long-term health. In sum, looking into organic options for your pets diet can have numerous benefits.

Switching your pets diet to organic food can be a challenging transition, but it is well worth the effort. To make the change easier, start with small alterations such as swapping out one of their regular meals with an organic alternative.

Gradually introduce more organic items into the diet and take note of any digestive changes your pet may experience. Along with a balanced diet, ensure that your pet has access to filtered water and plenty of exercise for optimal health benefits. You should also consult with your veterinarian throughout the process to make sure that your pets nutritional needs are being met. With careful planning and attention, transitioning to an organic diet for your pet can result in improved physical and mental wellbeing.

In conclusion, organic pet food can offer numerous benefits for your pets health. It is more nutritious than non-organic options and contains fewer chemicals and fillers, providing more natural ingredients for your furry friend. To ensure that you are making the right dietary switch for your pet, do research on different brands of dog treats onlineand talk to your vet, as they can provide expert advice and assist you in finding the best products.

Remember to transition slowly when switching to a new diet, and make sure to pay attention to how your pet reacts to the changes. Overall, feeding your dog or cat organic food is an excellent way of providing them with optimal nutrition while avoiding potentially harmful additives.

US Vet picks the 11 Best Organic and Natural Dog Foods in 2024

Organic and Natural dog foods can be a great way to reduce the number of chemicals exposed to your dog. However, some dog foods advertise themselves as natural but contain the same ingredients as their peers.

I used my 12 years of Veterinary experience to review over 100 dog food products to find the best organic and natural dog foods.

After evaluating over 30 natural and organic recipes, I found that Stella & Chewys Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food has the best overall combination of nutrients and quality sources.

But I understand that no two pups are alike, and your doggie might have a different life stage or have different needs, such as a sensitive stomach or obesity. Thats why I prepared a shortlist of the best natural and organic dog foods that address these common conditions.

Before you pick the best Organic dog food for Fido, its always important to consider whether its the right thing to do. Thats why I explained the benefits of feeding a natural based diet to your dog.

After you decide that a natural diet is right for your doggie, you can check out these 11 Organic and Natural Dog foods that I shortlisted for you.

If my shortlist doesnt cover your doggies needs for some reason, I prepared a quick checklist that would assist you in finding the best natural dog food for her. I wrote the checklist in plain & simple English so that you can follow it easily.

Finally, I answered popular questions patients have asked me regarding Organic and Natural dog food recipes.

Always remember that the recommendations in this review are not intended to replace a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant adjustments to your furbabys diet.

Lets get started.

Organic vs Natural Dog Food and some benefits

If youre considering organic dog food for your pooch, you should understand what qualifies for organic food, and the potential benefits of feeding one of these products.

According to the AAFCO, organic foods meet the production and handling requirements of the USDAs National Organic Program (NOP). They must be produced using methods approved by NOP.

Natural on the label, on the other hand, is a much broader descriptive term.

The AAFCO defines natural ingredients or products as, a feed or feed ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subject to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification, extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur in good manufacturing practices. Many more ingredients or products can claim to be natural than organic.

According to the USDA, organic products must use practices that:

Promote ecological balance
Foster resource cycling
Help to maintain and improve water and soil quality
Conserve biodiversity
Minimize the use of man-made materials

Organic products must be overseen by an authorized certifying agent, be produced without any prohibited or excluded methods, and be produced using only authorized substances. Plants must not come from genetically modified seeds, and there can not be a risk of GMO contamination. Meat animals shall be fed organic feed, must not be treated with antibiotics or hormones, and must be processed in a certified facility.

Pet food that is certified as organic must comply with USDA labeling regulations for organic foods.

To contain the statement 100% organic on the label, a product must contain 100% organic ingredients except for salt and water.
A product labeled organic will have at least 95% organic ingredients except for salt and water. The other 5% may be from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
Products with Made from organic___ on the label must contain at least 70% organic products except for salt and water. The other ingredients must meet certain constraints.
If a product contains less than 70% organic ingredients may list the specific ingredients as organic.

When products are certified as organic, they have to meet certain standards that may bring benefits for your pooch. Because these foods contain ingredients that are not synthetic and meet more stringent regulatory requirements than standard dog food they have some advantages:

They contain no antibiotics or growth hormones
They arent treated with synthetic chemicals or fertilizers
They tend to have fewer empty fillers
The products tend to be closer to a dogs natural diet and are more digestible
With no synthetic additives, your dog is less likely to develop food allergies or a sensitive stomach
Contain no GMOs (if thats a concern for you)

In addition to these advantages, pooch parents who feed organic dog food report that their dogs:

Have more energy
Tend to maintain a healthy weight
Have a healthy coat and skin
Have healthy stools

Provide all the Nutrients with Organic or Natural Dog Food

Not very long ago, there were only a few organic dog food options available. But now, you can choose from various recipes, formulations for different life stages, and many brands. So how do you know which food is the right choice for your dog?

For your convenience, weve created a rule of thumb checklist to make it easier for you to choose the right organic dog food formulation that fits best for your doggie:

Certified Organic If the food you are selecting claims to be organic and contains at least 95% organic ingredients, it should include a statement that the product was certified organic. The name of the certifying agent must be on the label to comply with the NOP.
Appropriate for Your Dogs Life Stage Dogs have different nutritional needs at different points in their lives. Puppies need a more energy and protein-dense diet to support growth and development. Seniors usually require a lower calorie diet to avoid weight gain and may benefit from supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Individual Dietary Needs If your pooch has special dietary needs check the ingredient list to make sure the product includes the appropriate nutrients and characteristics. For example:
- Lower in fat and calories for weight reduction
- Free of grains, gluten, and common allergens for dogs with food allergies
- Omega fatty acids for dogs with allergies
- Probiotics to soothe a sensitive stomach
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Protein is the First Ingredient Whenever you choose dog food, you should select a product that starts with animal protein like beef, chicken, or salmon. As descendants of wolves, canines need quality proteins to support lean muscle mass.
Complete and Balanced Your pooch requires certain levels of nutrients including protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Choose a product that provides a well-balanced diet. Look for a statement on the label that the food meets AAFCOs recommendations for complete and balanced nutrition.
Includes Omega Fatty Acids In addition to the essential fatty acids, your dogs food should contain natural sources of omega fatty acids. These macronutrients help to support brain, skin, and coat health. They also contribute to immunity and help to manage inflammation in the body.
Rich in Fiber When selecting organic dog food, look for a formula thats rich in fiber. Products that include ingredients like whole fruits and vegetables help to support the gut and supply a healthy energy source.
Produced in a Country With Rigorous Safety Standards You want your dog to eat food thats safe and wholesome. Check the label to make sure the product was manufactured in a country that follows strict safety protocols and good manufacturing practices such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and many Western European nations.
Does Not Contain Any Unidentified Meat Meals or Byproducts When you see a generic meat ingredient on the label, avoid that product. Theres no way for you to know the protein source. And if your pooch has a sensitivity to a specific animal protein, you could unwittingly be feeding him something that can upset his gut. Animal byproducts also should be avoided because they can contain parts of the animal that have no nutritional value for your dog.

Our 2024 Review For 11 Best Organic Dog Food

We reviewed over 30 products by following the process presented above and classified the best organic dog foods.

We considered each picks life stage and common dietary needs. We also ensured it has the best nutrient sources

Stella & Chewys Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

USDA Organic Certification: None
First 5 ingredients: Chicken With Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Organic Cranberries
Key feature: Natural Raw Ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: 48% crude protein; 28% crude fat; 5% crude fiber; 5% moisture
Caloric Content: 50 kcal/patty
Type of Product: freeze-dried food
Life Stage: All life stages
Best for: Best Overall
AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional level established by AAFCO Dog food nutrient profile for all life stages including growth of large breed dogs

With chicken as the first ingredient, this product is rich in protein for healthy muscles. The organ meat provides essential fatty acids to support immunity and promote healthy skin and coat.

Organic-certified fruits and vegetables contribute antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. The formula mimics a natural diet for dogs and is free of gluten, grains, fillers, and artificial ingredients.

This product includes probiotic microorganisms to foster healthy digestion. There are no hormones or antibiotics in the formula. The freeze-dried patties are easy to serve. Feed them as is or add water to make a tasty meal.

Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

USDA Organic Certification: None
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Ground Brown Rice, Salmon Meal
Key feature: Natural Ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: 29% crude protein; 13% crude fat; 5% crude fiber; 10% moisture
Caloric Content: 367 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Natural, dry dog food for Large Breeds
Life Stage: Puppy
Best for: Puppies
AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional level established by AAFCO Dog food nutrient profile for the growth of large breed dogs

Made for large breed puppies, this food contains natural whole-food ingredients. Although not certified as organic, the formula is free of GMO foods and does not have any artificial preservatives, meat by-products, or fillers.

The top two ingredients are animal proteins that provide essential amino acids to support muscle growth. Omega fatty acids including DHA provide energy and help to support brain development and a healthy coat and skin.

Whole grains, garden vegetables, and fruits contribute antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients for whole-body health. Featuring a complete and balanced formula, this food includes the appropriate ratio of calcium and phosphorus to help ensure strong bones. The formula also includes prebiotic fiber and probiotics for gut health.

This formula is also available as a canned product.

Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces Dry Dog Food

USDA Organic Certification: None
First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken, Tapioca, Chickpeas, Peas
Key feature: Natural Ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: 36% crude protein; 16% crude fat; 4% crude fiber; 9% moisture
Caloric Content: 478 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Dry and freeze-dried raw food
Life Stage: Senior
Best for: Seniors
AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance

Using natural ingredients, this product from Instinct is formulated for older dogs. The first two ingredients are protein sources that help to support muscle retention and repair. Healthy sources of omega fatty acids and essential fatty acids boost immunity and foster healthy skin and coat.

This food includes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that add fiber and energy to your pups diet. They also contribute antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. Supplementation ensures complete and balanced nutrition for your pooch.

With natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, this product has nutrients for joint health. Prebiotic fiber and probiotics help to soothe the gut and promote healthy digestion. There are no by-products or artificial ingredients in the formula.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

USDA Organic Certification: None
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Organic Barley, Dehydrated Potatoes, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Oats
Key feature: human-grade ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: 24.5% crude protein; 14% crude fat; 4% crude fiber; 8% moisture
Caloric Content: 485 kcal/cup
Type of Product: dehydrated food
Life Stage: all life stages
Best for: active dogs
AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages including the growth of large breed dogs

This food starts with chicken as the top ingredient to provide essential amino acids for healthy muscles. With natural sources of fat, the formula contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.

Organic whole grains provide digestible fiber and energy to power an active lifestyle. With garden vegetables and fruit, the formula is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. Supplementation with essential minerals and vitamins provides complete and balanced nutrition for your furbaby.

There are no animal by-products, GMOs, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, soy, or fillers in this food. Its made in the USA with only human-grade ingredients.

Primal Beef Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

USDA Organic Certification: None
First 5 ingredients: Beef Hearts, Beef Livers, Ground Beef Bones, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash
Key feature: Natural, Raw Ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: 34% crude protein; 36% crude fat; 8% crude fiber; 3% moisture
Caloric Content: 144 kcal/oz
Type of Product: freeze-dried raw food
Life Stage: All life stages
Best for: Adults
AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages including the growth of large breed dogs

Beef hearts tops the ingredient list in this product to provide essential protein for strong muscles. With fish oil and coconut oil in the formula, the food is rich in omega fatty acids and other essential nutrients.

Organic fruits and vegetables add valuable micronutrients, phytonutrients, and antioxidants to support whole-body health. Supplementation with organic-certified minerals and unrefined vitamins ensures complete and balanced nutrition for your furbaby.

There are no antibiotics, hormones, or artificial ingredients in this product. When youre ready to serve this food, add water to the nuggets for a tasty meal.

Party Animal California Chicken & Oats Recipe Dry Dog Food

USDA Organic Certification: Certified organic by Oregon Tilth
First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Organic Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Peas
Key feature: 70% organic ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: 23% crude protein; 14% crude fat; 6% crude fiber; 10% moisture
Caloric Content: 397 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Dry food
Life Stage: All life stages
Best for: Sensitive stomach
AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages except for the growth of large breed dogs

Starting with organic chicken and chicken meal as the top 2 ingredients, this food contains essential amino acids to help your pup maintain lean muscle mass. Organic grains provide digestible fiber and energy to power your pals daily activity.

Chicken fat and flaxseed contribute healthy fatty acids including omegas to support the coat and skin. Fruits and garden vegetables provide sources of antioxidants for cellular health and essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.

The formula includes some prebiotic fiber to boost digestion and probiotic organisms to soothe the gut. With no artificial ingredients, corn, or wheat, this food provides clean and balanced nutrition.

Vital Essentials Duck Entree Mini Nibs Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

USDA Organic Certification: None
First 5 ingredients: Ground Duck with Bone, Duck Liver, Duck Gizzard, Duck Skin, Herring Oil
Key feature: Raw, natural Ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: 40% crude protein; 23% crude fat; 2.2% crude fiber; 7% moisture
Caloric Content: 250 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Dry and freeze-dried raw food
Life Stage: All life stages
Best for: Allergies
AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages

Starting with ground duck, this limited ingredient diet is packed with amino acids to support your pals lean muscle mass. The formula includes healthy sources of fat including omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat.

With no rendered animal by-products, synthetic ingredients, grains, gluten, or fillers, this product helps protect your pooch from potential allergens. Duck offers a novel protein for sensitive pups. Theres a balanced blend of essential nutrients for your pals whole-body health.

The freeze-drying process helps to protect vital nutrients for your furbaby. This product is shelf-stable. You can feed this as a topper or a complete meal.

Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

USDA Organic Certification: Certified organic by OneCert
First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Potatoes, Organic Peas
Key feature: Organic Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 26% crude protein; 15% crude fat; 3.5% crude fiber; 11% moisture
Caloric Content: 386 kcal/cup
Type of Product: Dry food
Life Stage: Adult
Best for: Grain-free
AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance

Organic chicken and chicken meal are the top two ingredients to offer a protein-rich diet for strong muscles. Natural sources of fat provide essential and omega fatty acids to foster immunity, and a healthy coat and skin.

With organic fruits and vegetables in the formula, this food is packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals ensures complete and balanced nutrition.

There are no artificial ingredients, GMOs, grains, or synthetic preservatives in the product. Its free from hormones and antibiotics. This food comes in a variety of package sizes.

Only Natural Pet RawNibs Beef & Tripe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog & Cat Food

USDA Organic Certification: None
First 5 ingredients: Beef, Beef Tripe, Beef Lung, Ground Beef Bone, Beef Liver
Key feature: natural, raw ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: 55% crude protein; 14% crude fat; 2.5% crude fiber; 7% moisture
Caloric Content: 120 kcal/oz
Type of Product: Freeze-dried food
Life Stage: Adult
Best for: Weight Loss
AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance

Beef tops the ingredient list of this food to provide a rich source of essential amino acids. Healthy animal fats and herring oil add omega fatty acids and other essential nutrients to promote the immune system and a healthy coat and skin.

The holistic formula includes fresh fruits and vegetables that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for whole-body health. Organic goats milk and raw apple cider boost digestion and metabolism to help attain a healthy weight.

With no grains or artificial ingredients, this food makes a tasty topper or a nutritious meal for your pooch. The package is resealable to lock in freshness.

Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

USDA Organic Certification: Certified organic by Oregon Tilth
First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Water Sufficient For Processing, Organic Pea Flour, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Chicken Heart
Key feature: 95% organic ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: 8.5% crude protein; 4% crude fat; 2.25% crude fiber; 78% moisture
Caloric Content: 350 kcal/can
Type of Product: canned food
Life Stage: all stages
Best for: Canned food
AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages except for the growth of large breed dogs

Chicken is the first ingredient in this wet dog food. Organic meat and organs provide essential amino acids for strong muscles. Healthy sources of omega and essential fatty acids help to promote healthy skin and coat.

Made in the USA, this product is free of GMOs, antibiotics, hormones, and artificial ingredients. As a grain-free formula, it also contains no gluten or grains that could trigger allergic reactions.

The food is supplemented with vitamins and minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition for your furbaby. Its also available in a dry kibble form.

Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Chicken Flavor Cookies Dog Treats

USDA Organic Certification: Certified organic by Oregon Tilth
First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Peas, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Oats, Organic Barley
Key feature: 95% organic ingredients
Guaranteed Analysis: 15% crude protein; 14% crude fat; 5% crude fiber; 10% moisture
Caloric Content: 8 kcal/treat
Type of Product: dog treats
Life Stage: all stages
Best for: Treats
AAFCO Statement: Not applicable

Starting with chicken as the first ingredient, these supplemental dog treats are packed with protein. The moderate fat content and low calories per cookie allow you to give your furbaby a special goodie as a reward or a training incentive.

With 95% organic ingredients, these 1 inch-long cookies offer your furbaby delectable goodness. You can break them into smaller bits for training. There are no antibiotics, hormones, synthetic preservatives, or artificial flavors in these treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is organic dog food better than regular dog food?

The answer to this can depend. Studies suggest there are minimal nutritional differences between organic and non-organic foods. If youre concerned about GMOs, synthetic ingredients and pesticides, and things like hormones and antibiotics, then organic dog food is the better choice for you.

How much is organic dog food?

Organic dog food tends to be more expensive than non-organic products because of the higher production costs. In general, you can expect to pay between 25% and 40% more for organic dog food versus traditional brands.

What are the 3 types of organic dog food?

The three main types of organic dog food are:

100% organic
Organic containing at least 95% organic ingredients
Made with organic containing at least 70% organic ingredients; other ingredients are strictly regulated and cannot include GMOs

Does organic food have higher nutritional value?

According to a 2010 literature review published in Alternative Medicine Review, studies show that organic foods tend to be higher in the nutrients magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin C. They also tend to have higher levels of antioxidant phytochemicals and lower levels of nitrates and pesticide residues.

Is it really healthier for a dog to eat grain-free?

Unless your dog has a gluten sensitivity or is allergic to some grains, there are drawbacks to feeding a grain-free diet. For one, grain-free is not automatically low carb, and some grain-free foods can be higher in carbohydrates and put your pooch at risk for unwanted weight gain.

Are GMOs Safe?

GMOs or genetically modified foods are controversial. Some people wont touch them with a ten-foot pole, while others say theyre perfectly safe. What do we really know about GMOs, and should you feel safe feeding them to your pooch?

Despite the hype that plants and other foods that are altered genetically should be avoided, theres no evidence that theyre dangerous. In truth, genetics have been used for years to select preferred characteristics. Thats how weve gotten so many different dog breeds. Some biotech companies are working to improve food by selecting for natural pest resistance, increased productivity, or enhancing healthy nutrients like omega fatty acids to name a few.

However, if youre not convinced that GMOs are OK for your pooch, then organic foods are the way to go. GMO plants can not be sold as organic.

Do Organic Foods Use Fewer Pesticides?

You may think that organic foods are produced without any pesticides. However, thats not necessarily the case. The substances used to control pests on organic foods have to be certified for organic gardening and must not be synthetic. So, the amount of pesticide residue on the food has nothing to do with whether it was produced using organic practices or not.

The Final Woof

When it comes to organic and natural dog foods, you want to know that youre getting a quality product for your pooch. The best formulas start with real animal proteins.

You want to look for foods that are rich in fiber for healthy digestion. Fats should include omega fatty acids for the skin and coat.

After evaluating over 30 products on the market and comparing them to our criteria and key considerations for an Organic based diet, we recommend Stella & Chewys Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried as the Best overall pick.

This USA-made product includes whole fruits and vegetables for dietary fiber. It also has omega fatty acids and includes certified organic ingredients.

There are no GMOs, antibiotics, or hormones in the ingredients, and its free of artificial substances. With complete and balanced nutrition, these dinner patties check all the right boxes.