Organic Pet Food & Products - What Is "Organic"?

There has been a growing interest in organic products over the years, both in human and pet food and products. Pet owners are more concerned about their pets’ health and wellbeing, and are starting to question what goes into their pets’ food and even their shampoo. Questions like “Is this safe for my dog?” and “My dog has skin/digestive/etc. issues, how can this help?” are more common now, leading us to find and test various products on our dogs, in a quest to give our dogs the best we can.

This of course, brings us back to organic pet food and products. What exactly are organic products? How can they benefit our pets?

Simply put, organic products and ingredients are genetically unmodified and produced without the use of potentially harmful chemicals such as artificial colouring, artificial preservatives, pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, growth hormones and antibiotics.
What Is "Organic"?

Non-Organic vs. Organic

Non-organic plant ingredients are usually grown with chemicals such as synthetic fertilisers and pesticides (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides), and are likely to be GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms), while non-organic livestock are commonly injected with antibiotics and growth hormones, and can be fed animal by-products. Although there has not yet been any conclusive proof that these practices are harmful, they have been repeatedly linked to issues such as food allergies, gastrointestinal problems, and serious diseases like cancer.

Organic ingredients on the other hand are produced naturally without such chemicals and are hence, likelier to be safer than non-organic ingredients. They also tend to be fresher as without artificial preservatives, their shelf-life can not be prolonged. Organic livestock is also healthier; not only do they have more space to roam around and hence, more exercise, they are also less likely to cause diseases such as mad cow disease as they can not be fed animal by-products. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that organic meat is, due to their natural diet, higher in certain nutrients such as Omega 3.

Pet owners who have switched their pets to organic food and products have seen their pets’ health improve as a result. The most common changes reported are that their skin and coat look healthier, and that they have less digestive problems. It may be pricier, but they insist that this lifestyle change benefits both their pet and themselves in the long run. With their pets having less health problems such as constant ear infections, lethargy, skin irritations and soft stool, they have less things to worry about and less visits to the vet.
SHOP ORGANIC NOW
Non-Organic vs. Organic

The USDA Organic Seal

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) only certifies products that contain at least 95% organic ingredients. In addition, USDA Organic certified companies have to follow strict, specific standards, as well as receive annual onsite inspections. Their standards cover factors such as soil and water quality, pest control, livestock practices and food additive rules. The goal of this to preserve natural resources and support animal welfare.

Only USDA Organic certified products are allowed to bear this seal. Another interesting thing to note is that all certified USDA organic pet products must meet the same USDA requirements as human food.
SHOP NOW
The USDA Organic Seal



Muddy Paws - Their human grade USDA Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is sold as a health supplement/skin moisturiser, and is used in their Madre de Cacao Natural Pet Soap.

Organicfuls - They make their tasty USDA Organic dog treats in USA with absolutely no grains, wheat, dairy, soy and corn with unique, healthy ingredients like buckwheat flour, pollock roe and flaxseed! Available in 5 tempting flavours.

Opie & Dixie - A lovely range of organic, vegan grooming aids for both cats and dogs. They’re made with nothing but safe, organic-certified natural ingredients; no synthetic chemicals like parabens and sulfates whatsoever!