Benefits Of Organic Dog Food

Conscientious dog owners want to feed their companion animals a healthy diet. But is there really a difference between processed and organic dog food? Are the benefits worth the cost?

Plant products in organic meals must be grown with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Animal products must be from animals raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. Natural is not defined by official regulations but generally refers to feed processed without artificial preservatives, flavors, or chemical additives.

Dogs are carnivores that do best on a meat-based diet. Meat should be the primary ingredient, not meat byproducts or animal protein. Byproducts include head, feet, lungs, spleens. Ligaments, fat trimmings, any piece of the animal not used for human consumption. The nutritional value of byproducts varies from batch to batch. It's legal to include dead, dying, diseased, and disabled livestock.

There are some legal restrictions for ingredient labels. Meat must be specific muscles and tissue of cows, pigs, sheep, or goats. "Beef dog food", must by 95% beef. "Beef dinner" need only be 25% beef, and "with beef" only requires 3% beef. Flavor can be any offal, byproduct, or trace amount.

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.

Few studies have been done to assess the long term effects of artificial preservatives. One preservative, propylene glycol, was banned from cat products when it was linked to anemia in felines. It's still used in dog kibble. The only advantage of artificial preservatives is a shelf life of 12 months, versus 6 months for feed kept fresh with natural preservatives.

When purchasing dog food check the expiration date, and don't use any product with a rancid odor. Keep dry kibble in an air-tight container. Serve wet and dry products separately. Mixing dry kibble with liquids or canned preparations allows bacterial growth.

Some dog owners are concerned about the cost of an organic diet because they don't realize how much filler is in other food products. Grains and other fillers are mostly empty calories that pass through the intestines without absorption. Nutritious meals will be absorbed. Dogs will eat less, have smaller stools, more energy, healthier bodies and coats.

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 professional who specializes in holistic dog foods. Click here to learn more.