What does organic mean for dogs? The pros and cons of organic dog food

Updated 27/09/2024

When we hear the term “organic” we often think of fresh, nutritious produce that comes with a whole host of health benefits. But what does organic mean for dogs? Join us as we explore whether organic dog food is a better option than regular chow, and what to look for when picking the perfect food for your pup.

What does organic mean?

While the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) hasn’t set specific rules for labeling pet foods as “organic”, they do have regulations for organic human foods. These standards are what pet food companies follow when they claim their products are organic. 

Organic plants (fruit and veg) must be grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and the use of genetically modified seeds is not allowed. Organic meat must come from an animal that’s able to roam freely outdoors and hasn’t been given any antibiotics or growth hormones.

The word “organic” is relatively easy to define when it comes to specific ingredients like a carrot or a piece of beef, but the same cannot be said for multi-ingredient foods like dog food. 

Multi-ingredient foods

• 100% organic: Every ingredient is organic, and there are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. The label will show the name of the organic certifying agent and often have the USDA-certified organic seal.
• 95% organic: Most organic foods you find will fit here. They must contain at least 95% organic ingredients, and you’ll see the organic certifier’s name and possibly the USDA seal on the label.
• 70% organic: These foods have 70% organic ingredients. While they can’t be labeled as organic per se, the certifier’s name will be on the label. However, you won’t see the USDA-certified organic seal.

Natural vs organic dog food: What’s the difference?

So what is organic dog food? For a food product to earn the USDA’s organic label, it must:

• Be free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavoring.
• Contain no genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• Be traceable from the farm all the way to the store shelf.

According to the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), “natural” ingredients come “solely from plant, animal or mined sources”. While natural dog food may also be free from artificial additives, the term tells us very little about how the ingredients have been grown or processed because it’s not regulated in the same way organic food is.

The pros and cons of organic dog food

Is organic dog food better? While there isn’t any concrete evidence to confirm either way, here are some pros and cons to help you decide:

Benefits of organic dog food

• Whole foods: Organic dog food is often made with whole foods, so it preserves more vitamins and minerals compared to heavily processed dog foods.
• Environmental impact: Some organic farming practices are better for the environment, although others may require more land and resources, which can have a bigger environmental footprint.
• Nutrient-rich: Organic foods may have slightly higher levels of antioxidants and phosphorus. Organic meats and milk also tend to have more omega-3 fatty acids.
• Health benefits: Organic dog food can boost your dog's overall health by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals like pesticides and antibiotics.
• Quality protein: Unlike many commercial foods that use meat by-products, organic dog foods typically use meat of a higher quality, suitable for human consumption, which can offer better nutritional benefits.

Downsides of organic dog food

• Misleading food labels: Many people see an organic label and automatically think it’s healthy, but this isn’t always the case.
• Pesticides: Organic foods can still be treated with pesticides, and while they’re different from conventional ones, they’re not always safer.
• Cost: Organic dog food is generally more expensive than conventional options.
• Shelf life: Without preservatives and additives, organic food can go off quickly.
• Challenges in the kitchen: Making your own organic dog food (which should only be done if following a recipe from a qualified veterinary nutritionist) can be time-consuming and sourcing specific ingredients can be tricky.

Should my dog be eating organic?

While there may be some benefits to feeding your furry friend an organic diet, the most important thing is to make sure their meals are complete and balanced, in other words, they provide your pup with all the nutrients they need. When reading the label on your furry friend’s food, make sure it ticks the following boxes:

• Appropriate for your dog’s life stage.
• Complete and balanced (not to be confused with ‘complementary’).
• Made from good quality animal-based ingredients – an animal protein like chicken or fish should be the first ingredient.
• Low in carbohydrates and high in protein.

Speak to your veterinarian to find the best food for your dog, especially if you’re considering switching to an organic diet. They will help guide you through the process little by little to ensure a smooth transition for your furry friend’s diet. And if you need a hand keeping your pup’s routine consistent while you’re away, consider finding an in-home dog sitter. Our loving, verified sitters make sure doggies stay happy and healthy at home, leaving pet parents to enjoy their time away with complete peace of mind. Find out more about how it works and join our pet-loving community today!

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators.

Sources:

USDA certified organic: Understanding the basics

Understanding pet food: Natural