Benefits Of Organic Dog Food

Pet owners want to provide a healthy diet for their pets. Some wonder if their really is a difference and is it really to the dogs advantage to eat organic dog food. What does the term really mean anyway?

Natural refers to the way the foodstuff is processed with no artificial preservatives or chemical additives. Organic is the way plants are grown, with no fertilizers or pesticides, or raised, with no antibiotics or growth hormones.

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.

A note about labels. Meat can only refer to cows, pigs, goats, and sheep, and only includes specified muscles and tissues. If labeled "beef dog food", the product must by 95% beef. If labeled "beef dinner" it must by 25% beef. A label of "dog food with ..." requires 3% meat. Flavor can be any trace amount of offal or byproducts.

Many non-organic foodstuffs contain mostly grain and other fillers. The grains are cooked to make them digestible but they're still empty calories that can lead to excess pounds.

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.

The upfront cost of organic nourishment is higher but these products contain little or no filler. Dogs don't need to eat as much to satisfy their nutritional and caloric needs. This will be evident when you're scooping the yard. Much less of the food comes out as waste. Pets eating a natural and organic diet will be healthy and 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.

Purchase organic dog food through your veterinarian, at most pet stores, or order it online to be delivered to your door. Buy standard meat-based products, vegetarian offerings, even raw food fare is available. Dogs on a healthy diet will have fewer allergies, skin problems, and digestive problems. A nutrient rich diet controls weight and boosts the immune system.

Roy is a pet health expert who loves to blog about the myriad ways that owners can give their pets better, longer, healthier lives.

Jamie is a canine health specialist who specializes in organic raw dog food.

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