Natural vs. Organic Dog Food What is the Difference?

Dogs provide companionship and love and bring smiles to almost everyone’s faces and there is no exception to the rule at amazingpetstuff . No wonder we want to do what’s right for them by feeding them the best possible dog food. Recently, natural and organic dog foods have been trendy. That’s not without reason: many veterinarians and professionals recommend doing just that. But is there a difference between foods marked “natural” and “organic”? And is one of them better for your dog than the other?

There are regulations for using both of those terms in the United States, so they do mean different things. Here’s a closer look:

Natural Dog Food

Dog foods marked “natural” must meet a specific standard as stated by the American Association of Feed Control Officials. According to the AAFCO, natural food is ” derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources.” Food derived from these sources can either be processed or unprocessed and still meet the definition of natural. However, a natural food cannot contain any synthetic chemicals, with a few exceptions. These exceptions are essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Organic Dog Food

Dog foods marked “organic” must also meet specific standards. A big difference is that with organic dog foods, the process is considered as well as the ingredients. According to the AAFCO, organic dog food produced through methods promote ecological balance, and synthetic fertilizers and genetic engineering are not allowed. Also, any animal ingredients in the food itself, such as chicken or beef, must have been raised on organic feed.

Overall, the term “organic” is much more strictly regulated than the term “natural” is.

Which Is Better For Your Dog?

Ultimately, this comes down to what you want out of your dog food. For people just looking to feed their pets high-quality ingredients, food that is certified natural will often fit the bill. Someone more concerned about doing their part to help the planet with their purchases may prefer to buy certified organic food. People who prefer to buy food that is less processed may also opt to buy organic food.

In the end, the choice is up to the individual dog owner and what they want. For many people, the essential part of dog food is the ingredient list. Look for food that uses a lot of high-quality meat and vegetables, is grain-free, has little to no fillers, and meets a dog’s complete nutritional needs.

Every dog owner wants the best for their dog, and the food is no exception. Doing the research, checking the ingredients, and talking to a veterinarian or breeder are all fantastic ways to get a better idea of what is right for your dog. A higher quality food means a healthier pet and fewer vet visits down the road — and a very happy pup!