Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog An Organic Dog Food Diet

When choosing a diet for your dog, the source of the ingredients, type and ratio of ingredients, and the processing all affect the final product. Labeling requirements ensure that "organic" really does mean something. Sales of organic dog food have been on the increase for several years as dog owners seek to provide their animal companions with the best nutrition possible.

"Natural" refers to a process that doesn't include chemical processing or the addition of artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Organic products are made from animals raised without growth hormones or antibiotics, and plants grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Canines are natural carnivores. Meat should be the first ingredient. Meat byproducts and animal protein are not synonyms for meat. Byproducts are made up of any unused part of an animal and can include the head, feet, ligaments, lungs, spleen, and leftover fat, as well as meat from diseased, dead, dying, or disabled animals. There's no way to measure the nutritional value of byproducts and each batch will be different.

Regulations require a label of "meat" to refer to cows, goats, sheep, or pigs, and meat can only be from specified muscles and tissue, not leftover byproducts. A product labeled "chicken dog food" must contain 95% chicken. A label of "chicken dinner" requires 25% chicken, and "dog food with chicken" requires 3% chicken content. The label "chicken flavor" means any trace amount of offal imparting a flavor.

Most dog fare lists grain as a primary ingredient. Grains have to be cooked at a high temperature to render them digestible. Few nutrients remain. They're empty calories leading to weight gain.

Artificial preservatives give a shelf life of 12 months to a bag of food. With natural preservatives, shelf life is a more than adequate 6 months. There have been few studies regarding the long term health effects of artificial preservatives. Propylene glycol was banned in cat cuisine because it causes anemia in cats but it's still allowed in dog products.

Organic canned food is a good source of high grade protein, but serve canned foodstuff on it's own plate. Don't mix canned diets, water, milk, or any other liquid with dry dog rations. If there's any bacterial contamination from packaging or improper storage, the liquid will let the bacteria multiply. Dry dog rations should be kept in a tin or other tightly sealed and non-porous container.

Cost is often listed as a downside. Since non-organic products contain a lot of filler, the amount fed and the amount pooped out is greater. Expect to save on the serving size. And for the long term, expect your pet to be healthier and more energetic.

It's always advisable to check with a veterinarian before switching diets, especially if your pet has health issues or allergies. To switch your dog to a new diet, mix 1/4 of the new with 3/4 of the old diet. Each day increase the new. Purchase small amounts of a couple different brands in case your dog doesn't like the new taste.

Organic dog food is available in traditional meat-based formulas, vegetarian formulas, and raw meat diets. Purchase at a veterinarian's office and most pet stores. Many online companies ship the food right to your front door. Dogs benefit from a nutritious diet with increased health and energy, less digestive problems, natural weight control, and a healthier skin and coat.

Jamie is a family pet health practitioner who specializes in natural pet foods.