A big part of your responsibility as a pet owner is knowing the best type of food to give them. In recent years, many have been aware of the dangers that dog food with synthetic ingredients poses. Some may cause digestive problems and other brands may contain BHA and aflatoxins in their products. Your best option would be to shop around for treats and meals manufactured using organic materials.
However, not many natural dog food products are good for your dog with some containing ingredients that may cause allergic reactions. Added to that is the fact that some products are not fully organic, containing traces of preservatives that are just as harmful when consumed frequently. When you shop for organic dog food, don’t assume that what’s labelled as “all-natural” is all good. Consider these tips and find a nutritious and safe organic brand and product to fulfill your dog’s cravings.
1. Understand Organic Dog Food
Being well-informed is crucial to making the right choices, and organic products go beyond plant-based options. You will want to feed your dog with meals that are free from preservatives and with ingredients that were not treated with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. What’s more, these are products that do not contain genetically modified plant ingredients and are manufactured using traditional practices and with minimal amounts of additives.
For meat-based organic dog food, you will want to go for products made from animals raised in cruelty-free environments. Whether containing beef or chicken, these products should be free from chemical enhancements. That means the animals were fed organic food and were not given supplements to increase mass and enhance the flavor of the meat. With this information, you can more closely examine the cans and packages at the pet store and make better decisions for your dog’s development.
2. Consider your Dog’s Condition
It’s not enough to learn about what organic dog food contains. You should also be mindful of your dog’s nutritional needs as not all organic plant and animal-based products can supply their nutritional needs, let alone prevent digestive issues and other side effects. Always consider if your dog is allergic to certain ingredients. The most common of these allergens is soy. It’s best not to give your dog a product with soybean meal as the main ingredient if they’re known to be allergic.
Aside from allergens, you should also watch out for food that doesn’t sit well with your dog’s dietary needs. Larger dogs such as Great Danes are highly susceptible to acute gastroenteritis. If you’re a parent to one, you may want to consider choosing a product that’s low on fat and high on fiber to help ease digestion. Your dog’s unique dietary situation should be your top consideration when your dog is shifting to an all-organic diet. It matters to ask your vet about this decision and let them recommend brands and products that are safe.
3. Dig Deeper
When shopping around for dog food with organic ingredients, research is critical to finding a brand that sits well with your vet. Go beyond the clever advertising and dig deeper into a product’s composition before adding it to your cart. If you’re buying from a physical store, always read the labels and take note of any warnings regarding the presence of allergens and additives. All organic options are often available at a farmer’s market. Make sure to follow the “95% rule”, in that at least 95% of the product consists of the main ingredient.
If you’re shopping for dog food online, it helps if you could look for reviews and testimonials that can help you make the right choice. Not everything being sold online can be safe for your dog so to avoid wasting time and money and make sure your dog’s nutritional and safety needs are met, look at what other fur parents say about the product.
It also matters to check if the brand has an official online store with reviews from happy customers and a wide range of options. If you’re looking for natural dog treats made from 100% premium meat, make sure its website comes with a feature that lets you shop for products based on your dog’s size and weight.
4. Talk to Other Owners
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The best way you can narrow down your choices to a few brands or products that fit your dog’s needs is by asking for recommendations from other dog lovers. This helps if you and your dog are new to an all-organic lifestyle. Consider reaching out to owners who have been feeding theirs with an all-natural diet. Ask about the availability of organic products in your area and tips on how to spot fakes.
You can also join online communities where you can take part in discussions on all-organic diets for dogs. That way, you can get different perspectives and recommendations on what brands offer the best all-natural product line. Opt to find local clubs or organizations focusing on organic lifestyles. These usually partner with trusted brands and producers you may want to try out.
Final Thoughts
Your pet deserves more than canned processed meat to thrive. Going organic provides them not just a more authentic and flavorful experience during mealtime but also helps them stay fit and active.