The Organic Edge What Makes Organic Dog Food Superior
Best Organic Dog Foods
Tender and True Chicken and Liver Recipe is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Tender and True dry product line.
Tender and True Chicken and Liver derives the vast majority of its animal protein from both chicken meal and fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Tender and True is USDA certified organic which makes each recipe a rare find for discerning dog owners.
Read our review of the full Tender and True Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic tapioca starch, organic dried pea, organic chickpea Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog had eczema and allergies. Since switching to the pesticide free dog food, chicken and liver flavor, her eczema is gone. I highly recommend going organic. I really like that the chickens were humanely raised as well."
Gather Free Acres is one of 3 dry recipes included in our review of the Gather product line.
Gather Free Acres gets the lions share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and dehydrated chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 17% fat and 42% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
In addition to Gathers certified organic ingredients, each recipe also contains a balanced blend of healthy omega 3 and omega 6 fats. A top choice.
Read our review of the full Gather Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, organic dehydrated chicken, organic peas, lentils, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog Daisy has a sensitive stomach and has been having all sorts of problems due to her food that she didnt even like. I switched her to this food and she has made a 180 turn around for the better. Im very happy with this product."
Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe is one of 8 dehydrated recipes included in our review of the Honest Kitchen product line.
This Whole Grain Chicken formulation derives the bulk of its meat protein from dehydrated chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 15% fat and 50% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
In addition to its multiple organic ingredients, each recipe is processed in a human grade food processing facility.
And each component is non genetically modified (non-GMO) and free of any chemicals or preservatives. All meat ingredients are hormone and antibiotic free, too.
See all available recipes.
Read our review of the full Honest Kitchen Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Main Ingredients Dehydrated chicken, organic barley, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, organic oats Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusiv Protein Percentage 27% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My German Shepherd is a fussy eater, with his fair share of allergies. Ive tried all different brands and this one makes my Shermy happy. Its a great price, easy meal prep and super filling for him. This is the first brand of food I dont have to add anything or convince him to eat what I put down for him. I think I finally found a food we will be sticking with!"
Stella and Chewys Venison Blend is one of 13 raw recipes included in our review of the Stella and Chewys Freeze-Dried Dinner product line.Venison, lamb, lamb liver, venison liver, venison lung
This Venison Blend recipe derives the largest share of its animal protein from both venison and lamb. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 47% protein, 32% fat and 13% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
Stella and Chewys promises all its frozen and freeze-dried raw recipes include vitamins and minerals sourced from 100% certified organic fruits and vegetables.
A top-rated, freeze-dried dog food for those not requiring organic meat. Recommended with confidence.
See all 13 available recipes
Read our review of the full Stella and Chewys Freeze Dried Dinners Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here
Main Ingredients Venison, lamb, lamb liver, venison liver, venison lung Texture Raw Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 47% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My pretty pittie is allergic to everything, beef, chicken, lamb, tomato (which is in most dog food) grain, etc. It was also recommended that we go with raw food. We have tried many brands of venison, duck, bison and wild boar. This by far is her favorite food. It is easy to store because most of the other brands were frozen. We feed her 2 1/2 "pucks" broken up and mixed with grain free dry food 2x a day. We typically add water to the pucks but she also enjoys them dry right out of the bag."
Carna4 Chicken is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Carna4 product line.
This Carna4 formula derives most of its animal protein from both fresh chicken and chicken liver. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Features a number of plant-based, organic ingredients. A quality formulation worthy of consideration.
Read our review of the full Carna4 Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Fresh chicken, chicken liver, eggs, organic sprouted barley seed, wild salmon Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, rice) Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com"You will notice the difference in your dog within a few days of switching them to this dry kibble. All of our dogs (2 Seniors, 1 Adult and 3 Puppies) all love the food. They are happier, healthier looking and acting (shiny eyes, shiny coat, more energy, no tummy troubles ie. vomiting/diarreah no itching skin or scratching)."
Organic Chicken and Liver Recipe is one of 2 wet products included in our review of the Tender and True Canned product line.
This Tender and True organic formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Based on dry matter, this recipe contains 39% protein, 23% fat and 31% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
A smooth, finely-chopped pate consistency. Its 100% complete and balanced nutrition with added vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients.
Fully organic. Contains no grain, GMOs, corn, wheat, or soy. Also free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. A quality wet diet. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Tender and True Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, water sufficient for processing, organic pea Flour, organic chicken liver, organic chicken heart Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog is the pickiest dog i have ever had, never wanted to eat anything, always turning his nose up at everything I put him in front of him. Someone suggested Tender and True and it has been a complete turnaround, he cant wait to eat. Cleans the bowl as if her were starving. I highly recommend this product."
Is Organic Dog Food Better?
Is organic dog food better than regular dog food? We often see the term organic in large font on food packaging and assume its the healthier option. But many people arent entirely sure what the term means and if not understood then we cant really determine if organic dog food is better for your pet.
Naturally, you want to know the healthiest food to feed your dog. But all dogs are unique, and certain ingredients will be suited to different dogs. So, if youre wondering whether organic meat and vegetables are better for your dog and what the benefits of organic dog food are, then this article is here to help.
What does organic mean?
When you see the term organic on a food label, its USDA-certified which means the food was grown and processed according to federal guidelines. These guidelines consider many factors including soil quality, animal raising practice, pest and weed control, and use of additives.
This means organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible. 1
Organic farmers aim to produce high-quality food by using methods that benefit the whole food system. Its a farming method aimed to help people to the planet and plant health to animal welfare this is why many consider it a more sustainable alternative when it comes to food production.
What makes dog food organic?
Similarly, organic dog food is made from ingredients grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or ionizing radiation.
For organic meat, the animals must be raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviors. They are fed organic food, and must not have been fed antibiotics or growth hormones.
Certified organic foods will display a USDA organic seal and must be made of at least 95% organic ingredients. 2
What are the three types of organic dog food?
According to the USDA, there are three types of organic dog food, and this will impact how theyre labeled. They are:
100% Organic
100% organic food is what it sounds like made with 100% organic ingredients. When reading the label, you will see the term certified organic by and it potentially may have the USDA-certified organic seal. Most likely, the label will be placed proudly on the front of the dog food.
Organic
This organic dog food is made with at least 95% organic ingredients and is the most popular kind on the market. The majority of the ingredients must be organic and no more than 5% may be non-organic ingredients (and these must be found on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances).
Made with Organic Ingredients
This means the food is made with a minimum of 70% organic ingredients with strict restrictions on the remaining 30% (including no GMOs).
Its important to note that dog foods containing less than 70% organic ingredients may not display organic claims prominently on the front of the packaging but may include them on the side.
Whats the difference between organic dog food and natural dog food?
Organic dog food often gets confused with natural dog food. Natural dog foods are free of artificial additives, like preservatives or coloring and flavoring agents.
Organic foods are not only free of additives, but are also produced without the aid of pesticides, herbicides, or antibiotics.
Why is organic food good for dogs?
Like humans, dogs can be affected by pesticides and antibiotics, which have been linked to various health issues including diseases and digestive problems. Organic food, free from pesticides and antibiotic exposure, offers a potentially healthier alternative for you and your dog.
Is organic dog food better?
Organic dog food can be a healthy option for your pet but they dont need to go organic to be a healthy dog. While there may be some benefits in certain nutrients such as antioxidants or fatty acids that organic food contains, there isnt a huge difference in the health benefits between it and regular dog food.
Dog food thats formulated according to the AAFCO requirements to be complete and balanced already meets your dogs essential nutrient needs so it is not necessary to go organic to have a healthy dog.
However, organic food contains fewer pesticide residues and can be a more environmentally conscious option, so it depends on whats important to you and your dog and what you can afford.
Is organic food more expensive?
Organic dog food tends to be more expensive than other dog foods so many pet parents understandably dont make the switch. If you are wondering why organic dog food is expensive, here are some of the reasons:
- Organic farmers dont receive federal subsidies like some conventional farmers
- Organic farming is more costly than regular farming
- Organic farms are typically smaller so theyre not able to benefit from the economies of scale enjoyed by larger growers. 3
Ultimately, your dog doesnt need organic food to be healthy so its just the personal preference. You might find the ingredients are suited to your dog and you might not every dog is unique and the same applies to their diet.
If youre thinking of trying organic food, we have a list of our top-rated ones here to help you.
