Top Rated Organic Dog Food List in 2023 + Buying Guide
If you have little time on your hands to search for the right type of dog food, here you will find all the right information. After carefully examining numerous products, Dr. Fox has reached the conclusion that one of the possibly best organic food for adult dogs is the Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry because it comes in nine different delicious flavors, including original turkey and chicken, can be bought in different package sizes, and it only contains natural and premium ingredients. If the Wellness CORE is not available for immediate purchase, we can also suggest you try the AvoDerm Natural as a viable alternative in terms of price and quality.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
This high-quality dry food for dogs is available in various flavors, so you will find it easy to discover one that your dog absolutely loves. Because it is grain free and it doesn’t contain any fillers that bring no contribution to a balanced diet, this dry food is on par in quality with wet food. Pieces of chicken and turkey meat, as well as chunks of vegetables, can be found in this food.
Some customers report that their dogs became a little gassy after eating it for a while.
A great type of dry food for dogs that you can purchase for different breeds and dog sizes.
2nd Best
Pick the version that works best for your dog, the manufacturer practically says by offering dog parents the possibility to pick not only the desired flavor, but also the right formula for a puppy, an aging dog, or certain breeds. Made with nothing but natural ingredients, it is an organic dog food that will surely make your pooch happy and healthy. A shiny coat is one other benefit.
It is a bit expensive for the quantity offered, as some customers say in their reviews.
For a beautiful coat and a healthy digestive system, this food is highly recommended.
Also To Consider
This food is available in two flavors - Turkey Gourmet Gobbler and Beef Bonanza and is sold in packages weighing 10 pounds. It’s made with high-quality ingredients. One thing that makes it stand out from the crowd is that it doesn’t contain any artificial colors, preservatives, fillers, or any type of grain. Omega 3 has been added to the formula for a healthy coat.
It’s an all-meat diet, which might be an inconvenience for pet parents looking for kibble containing veggies.
Most dogs seem to love this food, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise since it’s made only using quality ingredients.
20 Best Organic Dog Foods (Reviews) in 2023
There are plenty of good dog foods available for sale but it is impossible for us to detail each product. This is why we decided to pick the top best products according to customers and showcase them below along with their main characteristics.
Best organic dog food for adult dogs
- 1.Wellness Core Dog Dry Grain-Free Food
- 2. AvoDerm Natural Organic Dog Food
- 3. TruDog Feed Me Freeze Dried Raw Superfood Real Meat Dog Food
- 4. Natural Ultramix Grain Free Duck Sweet Potatoes And Whole Peas
- 5. Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Organic Dog Food
- 6. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Organic Dog Food
- 7. Holistic Select Natural Dry Food Organic Dog Food
- 8. Nature’s Recipe Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe Dry Puppy Food
- 9. Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Rustic Woodlands Recipe
- 10. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently asked questions about organic dog foods
- Best organic dog food brands
1.Wellness Core Dog Dry Grain-Free Food
A balanced diet for your dog should be based on both wet and dry food. However, when it comes to dry food you should only pick products made with natural ingredients to ensure a healthy growth and the maximum nutrition for your pawed friend.
It is also the case of the Wellness Core dry food because it comes in plenty delicious flavors to choose from, including the original turkey and chicken, ocean whitefish, herring, and salmon, as well as wild game duck, turkey, boar, and rabbit. There are also options for nutritious and balanced diets for large breeds, small breeds or for dogs that require a reduced fat type of food.
This is a 100% grain free food complete with all the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a healthy development. The food is enriched with delicious premium proteins and includes real pieces of chicken and turkey combined with real vegetables, so it is similar to tasty wet food.
The product doesn’t contain wheat, corn, soy, processed meats, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. The company makes all its food in the United States to guarantee high-quality standards.
The product is available in two options, specifically designed to meet the dietary requirements of puppies from medium-sized and large dog breeds.
The food is made with natural ingredients and contains fresh meat as the number one ingredient.
The grain-free formula is naturally hypoallergenic and doesn’t contain wheat, gluten, eggs, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, meaning it is suitable for the earliest stages of your dog’s life.
The turkey and chicken kibbles are enriched with DHA derived from salmon oil that promotes eye and brain development while supporting the health of hips and joints.
Although this is marketed as food for puppies, you should still keep an eye on your dog’s health and see how it reacts to the ingredients. Some customers mentioned mild cases of diarrhea in puppies, especially during the first two weeks after transitioning from other brands to this one.
Organic grain free dog food
2. AvoDerm Natural Organic Dog Food
What we like about the AvoDerm Natural dry dog food is that it comes in plenty of delicious flavors to choose from, each type providing nutritious elements for a healthy and balanced diet for your dog. You can opt for the grain-free dog food, as well as for the chicken and rice, lamb and rice or specifically-designed products for puppies, senior dogs, large breeds or small breeds.
You also have more than enough options when it comes to the package size, so you can opt for small bags of 4 pounds or large bags of up to 30 pounds. If you’re offering your dog this type of food for the first time, it is best to start with small packages and see how she or he adjusts. If they like the taste you can then order larger quantities.
The chicken and potato formula provides a grain-free diet for a healthy digestion and a balanced nutrition for all dog breeds. Enriched with California avocados and avocado oils, the food provides the necessary omega fatty acids for a luscious and healthy skin and coat.
All foods are made with only premium ingredients and don’t include by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy or artificial flavors and preservatives.
This delicious dog food is formulated with chicken and vegetables to provide all necessary proteins, vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants for healthy growth and a strong immune system.
The complete and nutritionally-balanced formula is enough to keep your adult dog satiated for hours while boosting its energy levels and help it live a more active lifestyle.
The new, improved recipe contains fewer fats to support a healthy weight and prevent obesity and other obesity-related health problems such as joint pains, heart diseases, and diabetes.
The package provides clear feeding instructions according to your pet’s weight, age, and breed.
The package will only provide enough food for a few days, especially if you have a large breed dog. A bigger package version is required unless you want to pay a trip to the store or reorder the food every week.
3. TruDog Feed Me Freeze Dried Raw Superfood Real Meat Dog Food
This is a great alternative for all dog owners who have daily struggles regarding their dog’s dietary habits. This superfood comes in two delicious flavors – Beef Bonanza and Turkey Gourmet Gobbler and is sold in 10-pound packages.
The food is made with top-quality ingredients, 100% USA born and raised, cage-free turkey meat. The food lacks low-quality ingredients like grains, fillers and doesn’t contain preservatives or colorings.
This type of food can successfully replace your daily dog diet or can be served as a superfood in times when your dog needs more nutrients and vitamins. It can also be served as treats or goodies on a regular basis. The food includes different delicious and nutritious parts of turkey such as heart, liver, bones, as well as other ingredients like herring oil for a healthy source of Omega 3 fatty acids.
To release the benefits of this superfood all you have to do is add water and you’ll get a delicious meal that is moist and tasty at the same time. In a bag, there are approximately five cups of instant food and you should feed your dog according to its age, weight, and breed. You should check the producer’s Internet page for more tips on how much food each dog requires.
The formula is made from 100% USA-born, raised, and harvested cage-free turkey, meaning it represents an important source of clean proteins that promote your pet’s healthy growth and strong bones.
The food doesn’t contain any grains, fillers, preservatives or coloring so that it is a reliable alternative for dogs of all breeds, weights, and ages, even for those suffering from health issues that require a certain diet.
The kibbles are easy to digest, hypoallergenic, and will improve your puppy’s breath and oral hygiene.
What we also liked is that the product was approved by veterinarians and will reduce allergies while also promoting a softer, shinier coat.
Some customers mentioned their dogs experienced episodes of diarrhea after switching to this food, so we suggest you keep an eye on your pet’s bathroom needs and examine the stool consistency. If diarrhea occurs, you should stop feeding this food and talk to a vet.
4. Natural Ultramix Grain Free Duck Sweet Potatoes And Whole Peas
This grain-free dog food is available in two different delicious flavors – duck and chicken. The meat is the number one ingredient in each choice and is a powerful source of natural proteins that provide strength and improve your dog’s physical condition.
What we like about this type of food is that the kibbles are mixed with real pieces of veggies and fruits you can see with your own eyes in your dog’s food bowl. This is a statement of the food’s freshness and its superior quality.
The fresh fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and natural fibers that support your dog’s digestive system. In addition, the antioxidants and the fatty acids will provide a healthy and glowing skin and coat for your dog.
This company is committed to delivering only fresh and top-quality foods so these don’t contain any traces of corn, soy, wheat or preservatives. The food is made entirely in the United States without any imported ingredients. Only freshly-grown organic ingredients are harvested so your dog can ensure a balanced and nutritious diet day by day.
However, if your dog is not familiar with this type of food we suggest you start with the smaller package of 5.5 pounds to see if he or she likes the taste and the consistency of the food.
The product is available in two delicious flavors, chicken and duck, and uses a clean source of animal proteins as the number one ingredient.
The high-protein kibbles are mixed with real pieces of vegetables and fruits to provide all necessary vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants that ensure healthy growth and strong bones and muscles.
Enriched with natural fibers, the food supports digestion, promoting healthy stools and reducing the risk of constipation.
The food is cooked locally in the United States, without the use of corn, soy or wheat that are a source of carbs with a lower nutritional value. As a result, this product is a trustworthy option for all dogs that need to lose weight or maintain their current one.
The product contains salmon as a source of good fatty acids but could cause indigestion, diarrhea, constipation or vomiting to pups allergic to fish or salmon.
Also, the dehydrated pieces of fruits and veggies are rather big and hard to digest by smaller dog breeds or puppies.
Best organic puppy food
5. Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Organic Dog Food
We get that the first few months of your puppy’s life are crucial for establishing healthy dietary habits and this is why we think that your puppy deserves only the best food available. Since you need to support your puppy’s immune system and help him or her grow healthy and strong, you will also require a specific type of food created for them. The Wellness CORE version for puppies is a great choice as it provides 100% grain-free nutrition which is both complete and balanced.
The specifically designed formula for puppies is rich in protein and features only top ingredients such as premium chicken, turkey or salmon with all the necessary calories intake for a healthy development.
The food lacks any traces of wheat, corn or soy and doesn’t include meat by-products, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. All food is made in the United States and features only premium ingredients freshly harvested..
If your puppy is new to this kind of food we suggest you start with smaller packs, perhaps the 4-pound bag. This way you will know if he or she likes the taste. If they approve, you can purchase bigger quantities only if you store the food in cool and dry place to preserve its freshness and flavors.
The food is made with all-natural ingredients where fresh meat is on top of the list, consisting of 32-37% protein in the final kibble. Thus, your pet will have access to a clean and rich source of proteins that will support its immune system, strengthening the bones, muscles, and teeth.
The dry food formula is specifically designed for sensitive skin and is enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon oil for a shiny, thick, and luscious coat.
This food is suitable for pooches with tummy problems or sensitive stomachs since it is enriched with probiotics and prebiotics to support healthy digestion.
What we also liked about the Wellness CORE Original is that the food is naturally hypoallergenic since it doesn’t contain any eggs, artificial colors, gluten, wheat, flavors or preservatives.
Some customers were not pleased with the quality of the kibbles, stating they cause diarrhea episodes and vomiting. As with all other foods, make sure to gradually transition to this particular brand and pay close attention to your dog’s reaction to it.
Best all natural dog food
6. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Organic Dog Food
This delicious product is suitable for small dog breeds and puppies up to one-year-old. It is available in two delicious flavors, chicken and lamb, and the package sizing ranges from 5 pounds to 30 pounds, depending on your needs.
What we like about this product is that it delivers fresh and farm-raised chicken combined with delicious brown rice and sweet potatoes. These ingredients contain all necessary nutrients and vitamins for a healthy development of your puppy and for healthy and strong bones.
The Nutro dog food is enriched with omega 3 fatty acids that promote a healthy growth and thick and shiny hair. All food is made with non-GMO ingredients and is carefully harvested only to deliver top-quality ingredients.
The food is also enriched with calcium that will help to build strong bones and joints. It doesn’t include any chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat or soy proteins as well as artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
The company aims to deliver a tailored nutrition for small dog breeds and puppies but it is also up to you to carefully measure the necessary daily food portions to provide a healthy diet.
This delicious recipe is suitable for puppies up to one-year-old and small dog breeds.
The food is made with farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, so your dog is in for a real treat. The combination of ingredients provides all necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbs so that your dog grows healthy, strong, and full of energy.
The formula is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and calcium to support strong bones, teeth, and muscles, and ensure a thick and shiny coat.
The product is made with natural, non-GMO ingredients and doesn’t contain chicken by-product meals, soy, wheat, corn, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Thus, it is suitable for dogs of various ages, including those that suffer from certain health issues.
Some puppies may be allergic to peas so keep that in mind if you’re feeding it this type of food. Besides, it contains salt so make sure you don’t offer your pet snacks or treats that are also made with salt to avoid kidney problems in the long term.
Best Holistic dog food
7. Holistic Select Natural Dry Food Organic Dog Food
This product is specifically designed for the requirements of large and giant puppies and dog breeds. It is available in a wide array of delicious flavors, including chicken, lamb, and anchovy, sardine, and salmon. You can also purchase 4-pound bags, 15-pound bags or 30-pound bags.
The food is specifically formulated to deliver a unique digestive support system focusing on the intake of natural fibers, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics. This way, your puppy will grow healthy and strong.
The formula is custom-made for the requirements of large and giant puppy breeds and provides a complete and balanced diet in the form of kibbles. All kibbles include only top-quality ingredients like real lamb meat to support a healthy growth without empty calories.
There are no meat by-products, wheat, gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives in this food so you can rest assured your puppy only receives superior quality food.
All food is made in the United States to ensure a strict quality system. By purchasing this product you will also support the local economy and give credit to small manufacturers that aim to provide gluten-free, healthy, fresh, organic, and delicious meal supplements for dogs.
The product is available in two convenient packages of either 15 or 30 pounds, providing enough food to last for a couple of weeks.
The kibbles are specifically formulated for large and giant dog breeds, meaning they are larger and made with premium ingredients like real lamb and DHA to support healthy growth and strong bones.
The food contains natural ingredients, without meat by-products, wheat, gluten, artificial colors, fillers or flavors, meaning it is suitable for puppies with sensitive stomachs and those that are prone to certain health problems.
Enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamins A and E, and calcium, the formula provides complete nutrition to strengthen the immune system.
We recommend transitioning to this new brand over at least two weeks, to allow enough time for your puppy to adjust to the texture, color, and taste of the kibbles. If there are any sudden changes in your dog’s diet, the food may cause diarrhea, constipation or vomiting.
Best organic dry dog food
8. Nature’s Recipe Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe Dry Puppy Food
This product is available in two delicious flavors to choose from – a chicken meal and rice recipe or a lamb meal and rice recipe. Depending on your budget and your puppy’s needs, you can also choose between two bag sizes – 4.5 pounds or 15 pounds.
One delicious bag of food contains top quality lamb or chicken as the main ingredient. The lamb meat offers high-quality proteins that will support the muscle development and help your puppy grow strong and healthy.
The rice and oatmeal combination includes important sources of good carbohydrates that will provide your puppy with sustained levels of energy so he or she can run and play all day long.
The food is also enriched with omega fatty acids that will provide a healthy skin and a shiny coat for your puppy as well as improve vision and help it get strong bones and joints.
The Nature’s Recipe dry food for pups contains added vitamins and nutrients that will support your dog’s harmonious growth and provide the maximum level of energy they require for an active life. In addition, thanks to the natural formula, you won’t have to worry about low-quality ingredients such as soy, wheat or corn that only add empty calories without any nutritional values.
The product is available in two bag sizes, 4.5 pounds, and 15 pounds, meaning you can pick the most convenient one for you. If you’re feeding your puppy this food for the first time, we suggest starting with the 4.5-pound bag to see its reaction.
The all-natural formula doesn’t contain any corn, soy, poultry by-product meals, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, meaning it can be safely offered to dogs of all ages, including puppies and pets with digestive problems.
Enriched with natural fibers from oatmeal and barley, this food supports healthy digestion and lowers the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation.
The recipe contains lamb as the number one ingredient, providing a clean source of proteins to ensure healthy growth, strong bones, and muscles. Rice is a great source of carbs to provide the necessary energy for your puppy to stay active and play all day long.
The recipe contains grains in the form of brown rice which may not be suitable for all puppies.
9. Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Rustic Woodlands Recipe
The Rachael Ray Nutrish puppy dog formula features a delicious recipe based on chicken and brown rice, with chicken being the number one ingredient. All chickens are U.S. farmed and raised in healthy conditions and the meat is of superior quality, without any preservatives or added chemicals.
The food is enriched with DHA fatty acids to support a healthy brain development and an eagle-eye vision for your puppy.
The food also contains real fruits that are rich in natural antioxidants and vitamins which will support a healthy immune system and prevent your dog from catching diseases or bacteria.
Since this is probably the most natural dog food out there, you won’t have to deal with any poultry by-product meals, artificial flavors, colors, chemicals or preservatives. In other words, the food contains only top-quality ingredients including real fruits to provide a healthy and balanced diet throughout your pet’s puppyhood.
This nutritious food will help support strong muscle development and a healthy heart.
What we liked most about this product is that it provides a detailed food chart with the necessary amounts of food depending on your dog’s weight, breed, and age. In addition, it comes with helpful information about how to transition from old food to new food without any complaints from your pup.
These healthy snacks are made with real chicken and veggies to keep your puppies satiated and occupied for hours.
The delicious real bone soup taste sticks have a tender meaty center that won’t cause mess or harm your pup due to splinters.
The product comes with feeding instructions, according to your pet’s size. Therefore, you should feed one chew for a dog that weighs 10 pounds and up to 6 chews for large dog breeds that weigh 80 pounds. The recommended limit of chews will offer around 10% of the weekly number of calories required, so don’t exceed the limit if you want to keep your dog fit.
The package can be tightly closed after each use to preserve the snack’s freshness for longer.
Among the ingredients listed one can find wheat, rice syrup, starch, gluten, and ground peas, which may cause food poisoning or allergies in some dogs.
Keep in mind that the snacks are not recommended for puppies under one year old, smaller than 10 pounds, and toy breed dogs.
Best organic food for senior dogs
10. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
Senior dogs don’t require a similar amount of food and nutrients as growing puppies or adult dogs and it is extremely important to adjust their diet according to their current needs. The BLUE Basics food is specifically designed for the needs of senior dogs and features a delicious turkey and potato recipe your dog will absolutely love.
The item is available in two different package sizes – 4 pounds and 24 pounds, depending on your budget limitations and your dog’s specific needs.
What we like about this type of food is that it features real deboned turkey of a superior quality which is also a single-animal protein source. Unfortunately, turkey is not a very common ingredient in dog food although its meat is low-calorie and extremely nutritious.
The food contains easily digestible carb sources and pumpkin to provide an easy and healthy digestion. It also consists of the company’s exclusive and precise mix of vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants that will provide a healthy diet for your senior dog.
The Blue Basics alternative is made only with natural and tasty ingredients and doesn’t contain corn, wheat, soy, dairy products or eggs, chicken or beef. The turkey meat is perfect for your senior dog as it is light and easier to digest than chicken or beef.
The kibbles are specifically formulated for senior dogs and contain real turkey and potatoes for a balanced and complete diet.
Real turkey is the number one ingredient that provides a clean source of proteins to support the needs of senior dogs and strengthen their bones, teeth, and joints.
The limited-ingredient formula doesn’t contain any chicken, beef, wheat, corn, soy, eggs or dairy products that might cause digestive problems or allergies in more sensitive older dogs. The carefully-balanced ratio of protein and carbohydrates support your pet’s ideal weight, preventing obesity.
The food contains a unique blend of natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants carefully selected by vets and animal nutritionists to support the immune system.
According to some customers, the kibbles are quite big which makes them difficult to chew and digest.
In more sensitive dogs, the food might cause mild stomach burns, diarrhea, and digestive problems, so make sure to talk to a vet if you notice any of these signs.
11. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Organic Dog Food
The product is available in a few delicious flavors such as chicken and lamb and is specifically designed to meet the needs of senior large breed dogs.
The Wholesome Essentials is a type of dry food that contains all necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for your dog to live a healthy adult life. The chicken is the number one ingredient in this food and is extremely rich in nutrients. Full of flavor and simple, this meat will certainly become your dog’s favorite.
The food contains real top-quality poultry and other delicious and nutritious ingredients that come together in an extremely tasty meal. The ingredient combination is perfect for adult and senior dogs that mainly require a low-calorie diet rich in vitamins and calcium.
What we like about the Wholesome Essentials senior dog food is that is made only with natural and organic ingredients and doesn’t contain any added artificial flavors, preservatives or empty calories.
The company’ philosophy is to partner with trusted farmers and top suppliers in order to provide high-quality, organic, and fresh ingredients. Thus, the foods don’t contain any by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy proteins or genetically modified organisms.
The food is conveniently sold in packages of different weights, ranging from 5 pounds to 30 pounds, so you can easily pick the right option for you. If you’re transitioning to the new Nutro Wholesome food, we suggest starting with the smaller packages and see how your dog adjusts to the new taste, texture, and formula.
You can also choose between two delicious recipes, chicken or lamb, according to your pet’s preferences and dietary requirements.
The food is specifically cooked to meet the dietary requirements of senior dogs, maintaining cognitive health.
It is enriched with essential antioxidants to support your pet’s aging immune system and, thanks to the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, will promote a thicker, softer, and shinier coat.
Some customers mentioned the food caused mild anal gland problems in sensitive dogs. Make sure to monitor your dog’s stools and switch to a different food if you notice changes in color or consistency.
12. Blue Buffalo Blue Senior Organic Dog Food
This product features a delicious recipe based on chicken and brown rice and is specifically designed for the needs of adult and senior dogs. It is available in three different size packages, from 6 pounds to 30 pounds. If your dog tastes the food for the first time it is best to start with smaller packages and see how well he or she adjusts to the new diet.
The food contains protein-rich and delicious deboned chicken meat which is low in calories but high in nutrients and protein to ensure strong muscles. It also contains wholesome whole grains, fresh garden fruits and veggies for added vitamins and natural antioxidants. All these ingredients contribute to a healthy and balanced daily diet that will watch your dog’s weight while providing all necessary nutrients for a prolonged life.
The company is true to the organic culture and struggles to deliver only quality and fresh ingredients. This is why you won’t see any poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. In other words, only organic ingredients will come in contact with your dog to ensure a healthy diet.
The food is packed with the company’s exclusive LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of vitamins and minerals. As a result, the food is able to deliver a healthy muscle maintenance, dental health, a healthy immune system, enough energy to stay active, as well as strong bones, muscles, and teeth.
This food is specifically created for small breed senior dogs.
The delicious recipe with chicken and brown rice provides balanced nutrition for your pet, ensuring the essential proteins and carbs required for strong bones, muscles, and joints.
It is formulated with natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. This food doesn’t contain chicken or poultry by-product meals, wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives, meaning it is even suitable for animals with sensitive stomachs or irritable bowel syndrome.
The small-bite kibbles are perfectly sized for smaller jaws, reducing choking hazards.
Some people are skeptical about the quality of the product claiming that it may cause lead poisoning and other health problems for dogs. We recommend talking to a veterinarian before adding this food to your pet’s diet.
According to other customers, this particular formula might cause diarrhea and vomiting episodes, so keep an eye on your pet’s eating habits and switch to a different product if you notice any allergic reactions.
13. Castor & Pollux Organic Dog Food
The organic food assortment for senior dogs by Castor & Pollux comes in three different package sizes, from 4 pounds to 18 pounds, depending on your budget and your dog’s needs.
The food features free-range chicken as the number one ingredient that is rich in proteins and low in calories, making it the perfect ingredient for senior dogs. The organic food is made with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joints and provide healthy bones even at senior ages.
The food is made of top-quality ingredients, all organic and also features organic blueberries, coconut oil and organic flaxseeds to provide a healthy and balanced diet day by day. The organic coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and natural antioxidants which will provide your dog with a shiny and healthy coat. The blueberries are also rich in antioxidants, improving your dog’s immune system and providing a strong vision thanks to its intakes of vitamins A, C, and E.
Castor & Pollux provides a grain-free nutrition with no chemical pesticides, artificial flavors or colors, synthetic fertilizers, added hormones, antibiotics or preservatives. In other words, it is safe for consumption on a daily basis. All food is cooked in organically certified American kitchens.
Free-range chicken is the number one ingredient in this food, which provides a rich and clean source of proteins to promote strong bones, muscles, and teeth.
Enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin, the food will support joints, making it a great choice for senior dogs with limited mobility.
Cooked in an organically-certified USA kitchen, the formula doesn’t contain any chemical pesticides, artificial preservatives, synthetic fertilizers, added growth hormones or antibiotics, meaning it is a safe choice for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
The chicken recipe contains a unique blend of organic flaxseed, blueberries, and coconut oil to provide all necessary vitamins, minerals, essential oils, and natural antioxidants to support and strengthen the immune system of your pet.
The Castor & Pollux brand is now owned by Purina, which may raise a question mark from some customers who have doubts about the quality of its products. However, this food is certified organic.
14. Halo Spot’s Stew Natural Dry Organic Dog Food
The product is available in two delicious recipes – wholesome chicken and turkey, duck, and pheasant. This food is specifically designed for the needs of small dog breeds and is packed with all necessary nutrients and vitamins for a good health and a balanced daily diet.
Formerly called Spot’s Stew, chicken is the main ingredient in this delicious recipe that has proven superior digestibility for all dogs. The food is packed with all necessary fibers for an easy and healthy digestion.
This small dog breed food is made with whole chicken and chicken liver, as well as with nourishing grains, organic fresh fruits, and veggies. It doesn’t contain any poultry by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives so it is safe for daily consumption.
The smaller, nutrient-dense kibbles are specifically made for dogs of smaller breeds and senior dogs to support a healthy digestive system and provide all necessary nutrients. The food doesn’t contain any hormones or antibiotics and doesn’t come from factory farming.
Just like with any other new dog food it is recommended that the transition is made throughout 14 days in which you gradually introduce new amounts of food into your dog’s diet.
The product can be purchased in two bag sizes, weighing 4 pounds and 10 pounds. If you’re transitioning from another dog food formula to this one, we suggest choosing the 4-pound package to avoid waste in case your pet doesn’t get along with this food.
The food contains whole chicken as the number one ingredient, providing a clean source of proteins to ensure a healthy immune system and strong muscles.
The formula is specifically made for small-breed dogs and contains chicken liver, nourishing grains, and non-GMO veggies, apart from real chicken. Together, these ingredients ensure the optimum amount of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants.
The product is also free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, making a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or prone to food allergies.
According to some customers, the color and size of the kibbles have changed so they may no longer be suitable for small dogs.
Best organic wet dog food
15. Newman’s Own Premium Canned Formulas Organic Dog Food
Feeding certified organic food to your dog is one of the best ways to ensure your pooch lives a long and happy life, so why not start with the Newman’s Own products?
This one comes in four different delicious recipes to choose from, including chicken and brown rice, turkey and chicken, and only chicken. The item is also available in two different package sizes to help you find the right fit for your dog’s needs.
This food is 70% organic and is made with organic chicken and brown rice. It doesn’t contain any wheat, corn, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives so you can rest assured what your dog is ingesting are only top-quality ingredients.
What we like the most about the Newman’s Own products is that all profits go to charity, supporting different dog causes and offering abandoned dogs a chance to a new home and a loving family.
Another great thing is that the product comes with detailed instructions about the necessary amount of food you need to feed your dog according to its size, breed, and age. Since we are talking about organic food, it can be served to puppies too.
The chicken and brown recipe contains 70% organic ingredients, providing high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals for a complete diet.
It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, wheat or corn so it represents a safe and reliable product for dogs of all ages, including the ones with digestive problems.
The package provides clear information on how to offer this food to your dog, according to its weight. For complete and balanced nutrition you should feed one can of product per 15 pounds of body weight daily.
What we liked the most about this canned food is that some of the profits are used to support various animal charities.
The product contains an ingredient called carrageenan which has been proven to cause illness in dogs. If you notice any signs of food poisoning or allergic reactions, immediately switch to another brand of food and consult a vet.
16. Evanger’s Grain Free Organic Dog Food
This food is a great and organic alternative to home cooked food which can be a little too high in calories and promote an unhealthy diet. The item features a delicious recipe base consisting of cooked chicken and is 100% natural and organic.
All ingredients used for cooking this food are of controlled and have organic origins, and are without any chemicals, preservatives or by-products. The food contains 100% organic chicken simmered in an organic broth to provide a healthy supplement and a delicious alternative to greasy home cooked meals.
Delicious and nutritious at the same time, the Evanger’s Grain food is intended for all dog breeds, regardless of their size, age or sex. The food comes in the form of a pate which is easy to ingest and digest even by smaller puppies. As a result, your dog will benefit from all nutritious elements without having to put up with crunchy and thick pieces of food.
Most of the customers who purchased the product vouched for its quality and the fact that dogs loved this type of canned food. It is nutritious and easy to digest, offering all required nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants for healthy growth and strong teeth, bones, and joints.
The product offers a delicious and nutritious canned dinner as an alternative to dry food and kibbles.
It is made with organic turkey and vegetables for a balanced meal rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins to support your dog’s health and boost its immune system.
The food is certified organic and doesn’t contain grains, gluten, preservatives, salt or artificial fillers, which makes it a great choice for sensitive dogs or those with certain health problems.
This food is delivered in a perfectly-sized can weighing 12.8 ounces, enough for one portion to maintain your pet’s ideal weight and prevent obesity.
The product is quite rich in calories, so we suggest offering it to your pet as a special treat, once in a while. It should not replace a balanced diet and should be combined with kibbles or other types of dry food, including organic snacks.
17. Evanger’s Organics Dinner Organic Dog Food
Just like the name suggests, this canned food is the perfect dinner alternative for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. The delicious turkey with potato and carrot food is specifically designed to meet the nutritional levels for dogs of all ages, including puppies and seniors.
However, keep in mind that some age groups, including puppies and nursing dogs, may need two up to three times more food than regular adult dogs to support a healthy growing and a balanced daily diet.
If your dog is a senior or less active you can just proceed to lower the amounts of food it receives.
This food is certified organic and a certified Kosher meal, with no added hormones and antibiotics. It is gluten free and grain free so it can represent the healthiest alternative for more sensitive dogs or those suffering from allergies. No preservatives, salt or fillers have been added so you can easily feed this type of food even to recovering dogs or those on a low-carb diet.
With only 202 calories per 100 grams, this dog food is ideal to serve as a single meal to almost all dog breeds and ages.
This canned food contains organic turkey so your dog gets all the proteins it needs from a natural source.
Besides turkey, this food also contains potatoes and carrots for a mix of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals your canine friend needs for proper health.
It does not contain any grains or gluten so the risk of your dog developing an allergy is minimized.
There are no hormones or antibiotics in the formula, and neither any GMOs, so you have less to worry about. No preservatives or salts have been added either so the food stays safe for your furry friend.
With a net weight of 13 ounces, it should be enough for a small or medium-sized dog.
The can might not be enough to feed an adult dog of a large breed.
The potatoes might cause bloating in some dogs.
18. PetGuard Organic & Vegetable Entree Organic Dog Food
PetGuard dinners are prepared using only fresh, organic and natural ingredients of top quality. Only the best vegetables and meats get to be cooked and canned as dog dinners by PetGuard so you can rest assured your pooch is only eating the best.
The food can be served as an entree or a full dinner, depending on your dog’s breed, size, and age. Adult and senior dogs may only require one can of this organic food for a full dinner menu that is low in calories, but rich in vitamins, nutrients, and minerals.
The product doesn’t contain any added sweeteners, sugars, salt, by-products, preservatives or artificial flavors and colors, meaning it is safe for consumption by all dogs, including puppies and seniors.
The food is served as a delicious chicken and vegetable formula that will ensure a good and organic source of proteins for strong muscles, calcium for strong teeth, bones, and joints, and fatty acids for a shiny and tangle-free coat.
Most of the customers who purchased this type of food claimed their dogs not only accepted the new food but really enjoyed it, even the pickiest of dogs. Dogs deserve nothing but the best so you should start offering them organic and nutritious meals instead of foods filled with empty calories and no benefits.
This canned food is available in numerous delicious recipes, combining organic ingredients like chicken and veggies, chicken and brown rice, turkey and rice, beef, vegetables, wheat germ, and others.
It is also available in various sizes, according to your pet’s needs. Choose the can size most appropriate for one serving based on the dog’s breed and age.
The chicken and veggie formula is made with real organic chicken as the number one ingredient, providing a clean source of proteins for strengthening your pup’s bones and muscles.
Similar to other organic foods, this one doesn’t contain meat by-products, soy, corn, wheat, yeast, artificial colors, preservatives or other harmful ingredients. Thus, it can become a reliable option for dogs with different health problems or sensibilities.
Each dog has individual tastes, so we don’t expect everyone to enjoy the food. Some pickier pups may prefer the lamb version instead of the chicken one, while others won’t care for the food at all, no matter how delicious it is. Let your dog eat what it pleases, as long as it’s healthy.
19. Dr. Geoff’s Real Food for Pets Organic Natural Dog Food
Dogs require a balanced and diversified diet to ensure all nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. So, instead of only feeding them one type of meat you should opt for different alternatives, including delicious and organic foods based on fish.
The Dr. Geoff’s Real Food for Pets provides a healthy alternative to chicken and turkey-based meals in the shape of this canned dinner with delicious wild Pacific salmon and Pacific sardines.
The product is 100% natural and features only organic and wild top-quality ingredients. It doesn’t contain any grains, wheat, soy or added flavors and artificial preservatives, meaning it is safe to eat by all dogs, including puppies and seniors.
The food is packed with over 90% animal protein ingredients that will ensure a strong immune system and healthy and strong muscles. Proteins also provide a good source of energy for your dog, allowing it to run and play freely all day long.
Formulated by veterinarians, the food is safe for daily dog consumption and is perfect for balanced diets for dogs needing to watch on their weight. This food also provides an important source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that contribute to a healthy and shiny coat, strong bones, and healthy eyes.
If you’re looking for superior-quality, organic canned food for your pet, this Wild Pacific recipe contains real Pacific salmon and sardines as the first ingredients.
Formulated specifically for the needs of dogs and cats, the dish is 100% natural and doesn’t contain grains, wheat, soy, added flavors or artificial preservatives, making it the ideal choice for picky pets and those with health problems.
Packed with over 90% animal protein ingredients, this food provides essential nutrition for your pet in all its life stages. It is rich in proteins to promote healthy and strong bones, muscles, and teeth, while the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish will improve eye vision and keep your dog’s coat shiny, soft, and thick.
Enriched with natural antioxidants, Dr. Geoff’s recipe fights against free radicals and boosts your dog’s immune system.
The product is not suitable for pets with fish allergies or those that don’t like the smell of fish. Carefully read the label before offering the food to your dog or cat.
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Finding the best natural dog food could prove quite a challenge, especially since there are so many good options available for sale nowadays. However, we’re ready to lend you a hand and show you the most important features you need to take into account if you want to make sure you purchased the best organic food for dogs.
Dry, canned or raw?
The first thing to start with in order to find quality organic dog food is to know which type is better for your four-legged friend.
Dry food is probably the cheapest option. Different kinds of kibble are often used by dog owners around the globe as a daily food diet or as part of a more complicated meal plan. But, if you choose this option, you should at least make sure to purchase the best organic dried dog food.
Canned food often offers complete meals and delicious dinners. Most of them are home-cooked and can represent a great alternative to regular dry food. However, cans can also be quite expensive and their main disadvantage is that the portions are rather small for large dog breeds. A can contains one portion designed for small or medium dog breeds but to satisfy the appetite of larger breeds you may need to purchase at least two.
Raw dog food is also a great and organic alternative that gains more popularity amongst conscious dog owners who want the best for their pets. Raw dog food is usually served frozen or dehydrated, which you can later mix with water to create moist food and delicious meals.
Age-appropriate food
Keep in mind that the food you are offering to your dog should be not only according to its size and breed but also according to its age. You might want to check some organic dog food reviews online before buying any type of food to see what other customers have to say about it, and also see if it’s suitable for your dog’s age.
Newman’s organic dog food is a good alternative for senior and adult dogs which aren’t that active anymore. They are enriched with vitamins and also contain some natural dog probiotic supplements to support their digestive system.
The high quantities of calcium and vitamin D are essential to maintaining your dog’s strong bones and joints, while the added fatty acids will help your dog maintain its good vision and luscious coat.
When it comes to puppies you need to make sure the food you are serving them is suitable for their age. You must also provide them with the right dog food containers that are small enough for their own bodies.
Puppies require a special attention and their diet should be strictly supervised. Cheap organic food is not really an option if you want your dog to grow healthy and strong. In exchange, we suggest some complete puppy supplements, rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants. Some toys for teething puppies will also prove beneficial if you want to keep them away from bad chewing habits.
Regularly, puppy formulas contain more calories and proteins than products labeled for senior or adult dogs. Puppies also require being fed more often and even take some dog foods with probiotics to help their digestive systems work normally.
And don’t forget about the chew toys for puppies that help soothe their teeth and fight bad and aggressive chewing habits.
If you’re not exactly sure which toys or foods are perfect for your puppy, we strongly advise you to go through some online reviews of organic dog food and carefully see what other customers have to say.
Complete nutrition
The most important thing you need to pay attention to is that your food provides a complete nutrition for your dog. Search for products that offer meat as a first ingredient.
A good organic dog food should contain fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, proteins, and antioxidants according to the age of your dog and its size or breed. Keep in mind that some dog breeds are more prone to some health problems so the food should also be supported by some dog probiotics.
Ask your veterinarian exactly how to give your dog probiotics and what is the minimum age at which your dog could be administered these.
Although your dog produces most of the necessary dog digestive enzymes, you may want to help your four-pawed friend with some superfoods rich in natural fibers and antioxidants. But, apart from digesting the food, enzymes have other important functions in the body, including to reduce inflammation, to regulate hormone levels, remove toxins, and slow the process of aging.
Whole meat as the primary ingredient
Whether you’re choosing ocean fish, turkey, chicken, beef or lamb, a good organic dog food should contain whole meat as the number one ingredient. The provenience of the meat is also important in order for a product to be certified as organic.
The meat must come from reliable sources, fed with natural and organic food, and shouldn’t contain any preservatives, GMOs, chemicals or antibiotics. In addition, the food shouldn’t contain any meat by-products or inferior quality meat parts. Non-GMO dog food is what you should try to find for your friend.
Luckily, there are some worthy companies on the market that deliver premium quality at affordable prices, as well as delicious dog recipes. Apart from organic-certified meat, these meals are also packed with real vegetable or fruit pieces to provide the necessary amount of fibers, natural antioxidants, and vitamins.
Ocean fish-based meals are perfect to be served as light dinners for dogs that need to watch their diets. Fish is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and, along with some natural remedies to soothe your dog’s itchy skin such as essential oils could dramatically improve the condition of your dog’s coat and make it shinier and healthier.
Can you make your own natural organic dog food?
If you truly want to do right by your dog you can try and cook its meals on your own. Keep in mind that this might require your full attention, cooking skills, and plenty of spare time as cooking three meals per day isn’t really easy. Nevertheless, if you know a reliable source of organic and natural ingredients, cooking for your dog is really easy.
In fact, you can cook for yourself and turn some of your delicious foods into true dog recipes by simply adjusting the number of proteins and the number of ingredients. Keep in mind that dogs are allergic to some human consumption ingredients so try to cook without grapes, salt, added sugars or alcohol.
Instead, you can use delicious chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes or regular potatoes, lamb, poultry products, beef, carrots, wild game, fresh fruits or veggies. Chicken or vegetable broth is also delicious and nutritious.
All in all, you should avoid using GMO, poor or low-quality ingredients, soy, wheat, corn, empty calories, antibiotics or preservatives. Try to opt for freshly-grown and organic veggies or harvest them on your own.
However, bear in mind that carefully looking after your dog doesn’t only imply a healthy and balanced diet. It also implies specific grooming products such as organic dog flea shampoos, regular visits to the veterinarian, regular vaccines, daily physical activities, and lots of love.
Benefits of organic food
Feeding organic food to your beloved companion is a great idea, given all the benefits that this type of food can supply your beloved companion with. Because organic dog food is made of natural ingredients, it is less likely to irritate the gastrointestinal tract of your pet and it can actively improve its digestive health. Even more so, it has been proven that this sort of dog food is easier to digest as it does not contain any type of synthetic additives.
On top of that, organic food can also straighten the immune system of your pet. This is true because natural dry dog food can provide your beloved companion with all the nutrients that it might need to fight infections or any other diseases.
If your beloved pet suffers from allergies, you should also consider switching to organic dog food as it can help you manage them. Studies show that numerous pets often suffer from food allergies. However, in many cases, rather than actually having an allergic reaction to the foo, dogs are allergic to the additives that the said foods contain.
What ingredients to avoid
If you want to make sure that you buy quality organic dry dog food for your pet, there are a couple of ingredients that you should avoid. To start, you should stay clear of any products that contain meat by-products as the first ingredient. The main reason why the specialists disprove of products of this sort is the fact that you do not really know what kind of meat they contain.
Even though not all dog food options labeled as meat by-products might contain bad quality ingredients, the ingredients are not necessarily of good quality. So, before you place any orders, be sure to read the ingredient list for this kind of food and to look out for this one.
The product that you decide to spend your money on should feature no artificial additives such as added colorants, flavors or preservatives. If you are worried about the viability of the organic dog food that you have purchased, you should know that this sort of products are made utilizing safe, natural preservatives such as ascorbic acid or tocopherols. Therefore, it won’t go bad that fast.
Oftentimes, artificial preservatives such as butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole or ethoxyquin can cause severe allergies. Ethoxyquin, for example, has been linked to skin diseases and allergies, and, in some cases, it can lead to organ failure and even cancer.
Organic vs natural
When it comes to shopping for organic dog food, you have to remember that labeling is essential. Although you might not think so, there is a big difference between natural and organic dog food. On the one hand, organic dry dog food is made of organic ingredients and it does not contain any sort of added chemicals or preservatives.
On the other hand, a natural dog food product is made of ingredients that are not synthetic. For instance, you can get dry dog food that contains, as its main ingredient, chicken. This means that the product is made using a wide selection of chicken, but it does not mean that it wasn’t formulated using artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Because chicken cannot be artificially manufactured, it is considered a natural ingredient. As a direct result, you can find numerous types of dog food that contain natural ingredients, but not organic ones.
The various types of organic food
As a novice, you might be tempted to think that all organic dog food products that you can find online are alike. However, this is not necessarily true, as there are, in fact, three distinct types of organic dog food.
Firstly, there is 100% organic food. This sort of food is the best you can find. It is produced from organic ingredients and it contains no additives or preservatives. As expected, if you decide to purchase organic dry dog food, it won’t come cheap.
Standard organic food is also made of high-quality first ingredients. On average, around 90% of all the ingredients used in a product of this sort are organic. The only non-organic ingredients that it contains are marked with an asterisk on the packaging. This way, you can identify them easily. This is particularly important if your pet has food allergies.
Last but not least, you can find products that come with the ‘made with organic ingredients’ label. When you spot this label, you should know that the dog food that you are buying contains around 70% organic ingredients.
Even though in most cases, the first ingredient is organic, the formula of the food also contains some flavors and preservatives. While this type of food is not truly organic, it comes provided with a couple of benefits that your pet will surely enjoy.
Before you purchase any food, no matter how organic it is, it is imperative that you do some research by reading the entire list of ingredients. Doing so is especially important if you want to make sure that your beloved pet is provided with high-quality nutrition.
Grain-free
Many of the organic food choices that you can find for sale are also labeled as grain-free. Grain-free food does not contain any type of grain as a first ingredient, or better said, as an ingredient in general.
This is important because, according to the specialists, grains such as corn, wheat, rice, oats, soy or buckwheat can cause serious food allergies in dogs. If your beloved pet has a food allergy, or if it has an upset stomach, you should feed it a type of food that contains no grains.
Of course, before you make this transition, you should speak to your vet to get more recommendations from him/her.
Budget
As you have gathered, organic food can get pretty expensive and, thus, it might not be easily available for those who are short on funds. However, even though you are on a tight budget, you can still find quality products that you can afford.
To avoid overspending, before you go shopping it is recommended that you set up a quantum of money that you feel comfortable spending, and that you only shop for items that you can afford.
If you follow our suggestions, you will surely find quality organic dry dog food that your fluffy companion will simply love!
Frequently asked questions about organic dog foods
Q: What does organic dog food mean?
Organic dog food means that it is made of the purest and most natural ingredients, freshly grown without adding any preservatives, artificial flavors or colorings. There are no GMOs in organic food and everything is freshly bred and harvested.
This way you will know for sure your dog only gets fresh and naturally-grown top-quality ingredients to receive the most of the vitamins and minerals nature can offer. However, in order to be labeled as “organic”, the food must not contain antibiotics, synthetic hormones, chemical fertilizers or irradiations. In other words, only the best ingredients get to be labeled organic.
Q: Why is organic dog food better?
First of all, this kind is rich in natural nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants which support and improve your dog’s immune system. This means your dog will have the opportunity to develop normally and benefit from a nutritious and balanced diet daily.
In other words, it will grow happy, strong, and with the optimum weight to be able to balance an active life. Organic food is essential if you want your puppy to live a strong, active, and healthy life so you should start investing in what’s best for your dog.
Q: Why buy organic dog food?
Organic food is a great solution if you want to provide a healthy and strong development for your puppy or dog. It is important to buy food of superior quality when feeding your pet so they can have a harmonious development and benefit from a strong immune system.
Organic food contains all superior nutrients required for your dog to benefit from strong teeth, bones, and joints, as well as a good digestive system, a strong vision, and a shiny and healthy coat. By purchasing organic dog food, you also encourage local farmers and the local economy as most of the organic dog food brands produce all their foods within the US.
Q: How to make organic food?
Cooking organic is not that easy or cheap, not even for humans. However, if you stick to some easy tips, you can make your own organic food to feed your dog. The first thing you need to take into account is to shop for local, superior-quality ingredients such as turkey or chicken meat. It is important that their meat is 100% organic without any GMOs, antibiotics or growth hormones added.
You can grow your own fresh fruits and veggies for a balanced or nutritious diet or purchase them from farmers’ markets. All you have to do next is cook recipes that contain both meat and veggies, as well as rice or potatoes for added sources of good carbs.
Q: Why isn’t all dog food organic?
As we previously mentioned, farming organic ingredients is quite expensive and requires a lot of care from the farmers. The crops can be treated only with natural fertilizers and all animals must be raised using organic forages.
So, the answer to why not all dog food is organic is quite simple – because of its high costs. Nevertheless, we strongly advise you to invest in some quality organic dry or wet food for your dog if not on a daily basis at least as a supplement combined with regular food kibble and cooked food.
Do you have a german sheperd or a pitbull? Here are our recommendations from them! (german sheperd food and pitbull food)
Best organic dog food brands
Wellness Core is one of the most reputed organic dog food brands. Its delicious recipes contain 100% natural and organic ingredients of high quality and no meat-by-products, preservatives or artificial flavors and colors. All recipes are carefully crafted to meet the standards of a diversified and nutritious diet, specific for different age groups, weights, and dog breeds.
The grain-free and protein-rich foods delivered by Core are extremely popular amongst dogs of all ages and breed. In fact, there is a delicious Core recipe for every puppy, adult dog, senior dog, large breed or small breed, with top-quality ingredients such as wild game, fish, turkey or chicken.
Evanger’s is a family-owned company that has been cooking and producing pure meat canned foods for dogs since 1935. Almost a century later, the company remained true to its beliefs and has been producing quality and organic food for dogs. According to most of the customers, the Evanger’s food is love at first bite, as the vast majority of dogs which tried the products were satisfied with the taste.
Owners also claim that the food is fresh and contains all necessary nutrients, as well as juicy real parts of meat that provide your dog with the necessary proteins and vitamins for a healthy growth.
Nutro is a company created back in 1926 in California. The company only uses clean and top-quality ingredients, non-GMO and aims to deliver nutritious, healthy, and delicious food for all dogs, regardless of their age, size or breed. All products are specifically designed to meet the needs of your dog. Thus, there is a type of food created for small size breeds, large size breed, puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs.
It is important to understand the needs of a healthy nutrition for your dog, and what better way to start that if not by getting your dog to try some deliciously cooked recipes with real fresh veggies and pieces of meat?
Castor & Pollux is America’s leader in organic dog food. The company’s adventure started 18 years ago with a rescued puppy named Joey. The company is dedicated to providing all organic and natural ingredients and not only care for your dog but for the environment as well.
The company’s most prestigious dog lines, Organix and Pristine, both feature 100% organic ingredients with delicious recipes for your dog. All products are grain-free and don’t contain preservatives, antibiotics or GMOs. Some of the most delicious recipes include organic chicken and sweet potatoes, chicken and oatmeal, turkey and potato, as well as beef, lamb, and salmon recipes.
AvoDerm was born in 1947 and is a part of Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods. Using the natural powers of avocados, the company claims its products will help your dog get a shinier and healthier coat in just six weeks. But there are plenty more benefits hidden in the Avoderm products.
The premium dog and cat formulas are enriched with omega-rich California avocados, organic avocado oils, top-quality meat proteins, and natural antioxidants to provide a healthy and nutritious diet to your dog. There are specific foods and treats for all life stages and breeds, so all you have to do is the pick the right one for your own dog.
TruDog is described as a family-owned company located in Midwest. Just like most other companies selling organic dog food, TruDog was formed after the owners experienced some health issues with their own dogs which were later linked to poor and processed foods.
The company offers raw dog food in the shape of freeze-dried and dehydrated superfoods. All recipes are delicious and packed with only organic ingredients, freshly grown in order to ensure a balanced diet according to your dog’s true needs. There are specific formulas designed for different stages of your dog’s life, from puppyhood to seniorhood.
What Is Natural Dog Food?
If you’ve started prospecting the market for pet food for your dog, you have probably already noticed that there are tons of options for you to choose from, and some are cheaper while others can be costly. Among all the different types available, the labels that read “natural dog food” must have caught your eye.
With that said, there can be a lot of confusion nowadays as to what kind of food could or should have the label of “natural pet food.” Before you take a look at the top options we found, you should take the time to read our informative article below where we’ll explain everything that you need to know about natural dog food so that you can choose the perfect product for your pooch.
Understanding the concept
While some brands may bend the definition of what natural dog food is, the general denotation refers to the main ingredients present in the formula, all of which should be “natural,” meaning coming from natural sources and not heavily processed with countless chemicals added.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials defines natural dog food as a feed or ingredient derived solely from animal, plant, or mined sources that have not been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process. Natural options can’t contain any processing aids or additives that are chemically synthetic except for small amounts that are unavoidable in manufacturing practices.
The AAFCO guidelines allow for the term “natural” to be applied either to the product as a whole or to an individual ingredient. Thus, you should be very careful when reading the label because some brands might trick the consumer with a flashy label that reads “Natural Chicken,” for example, while all the other ingredients might not meet the AAFCO guidelines.
To help assure that the product is nutritionally complete, AAFCO allows companies to add synthetic nutrients such as amino acids, minerals, or vitamins. Such products can keep their “natural” label, as long as there is a disclaimer statement in the lines of “Plus Vitamins and Minerals” to disclose that not all the ingredients come from 100% natural sources.
Thus, in a natural dog food formula, all the ingredients except for the minerals and vitamins, need to come from sources that have not been produced synthetically. A natural formula cannot contain by-product meal, added artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
Are organic, holistic, and natural dog foods the same thing?
When speaking of dog food, the terms “organic,” “holistic,” and “natural” are often used in conjunction, but that is not always the case. It is important to note how and when the specific term is used to understand what it means for the quality of the food.
As we mentioned above, the term natural means that the ingredients were produced naturally, without any synthetic or artificial additions such as flavors, preservatives, sweeteners, or coloring.
With that said, the term “natural” does not have to apply to the way the meat was produced, and this means that the chickens or cows could have been fed antibiotics or hormones.
The term “organic,” on the other hand, refers to the way that the meat, vegetables, or fruits were produced. For meat to get certified as organic, the animal must be fed an all organic diet as well as have a higher standard of living conditions.
For holistic pet food, things can get a bit complicated. Because the AAFCO does not have a definition of the word, brands tend to use it freely. Thus, if you encounter a label that says “Holistic Natural Dog Food,” you should focus on the word “natural,” as that is the only one that has an actual meaning that can be applied to the food.
What should natural dog food contain?
One of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing food for your pet is the main ingredient which should always be high-quality meat. While humans are omnivores and can survive and be healthy on a vegan diet, dogs are natural carnivores and need their primary source of protein to be meat.
You should avoid options that contain grains since this is an inferior source of protein, and diets that are high in carbohydrate and grain content can lead to numerous health problems, including weight gain.
With that said, a natural choice does not have to contain only meat, it also needs vegetables and fruits if your dog is to get the beneficial vitamins and antioxidants from a natural and safe source.
Similarly, you can also add some fish oil to the pet’s food (if it doesn’t already contain it), as it is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, digestive enzymes, and key nutrients that are very important for your dog’s diet.
Types available
There are two main types of natural dog food that you can purchase, and a third that we don’t recommend. Kibble or dry food is the economical option, and it comes with many advantages. Not only does it last for a very long time, but it also does not need to be refrigerated. Kibble can also help maintain your dog’s teeth healthy since chewing crunchy food helps reduce tartar buildup.
The second option and the one that dogs seem to love the most is canned or wet food. This type of food has a long shelf life (not as long as kibble), but it has the disadvantage of being more expensive.
With canned food, it is best to read the ingredients carefully, as some options can contain about 75% water, and the higher water content translates into less nutrient content. You should look for labels that read “100% nutritionally complete.”
There is also the semi-moist option which is usually shaped as burgers, stakes, or other meaty products. This type of food is considered to be the least nutritional, and it is generally hard to find an option that is entirely natural and without artificial flavors and colorings.
You can consider using it as a treat, but never as a diet in itself since it does not provide the nutrition that your dog requires.
Understanding Organic Dog Food
As a pet parent, you most probably want the very best for your dog, but making all the right choices is not always the easiest task. There are multiple alternatives on the market, and you might be wondering which one to go for in order to make sure that your pup has all his or her nutritional needs met, for a long and healthy life.
Since we know the importance of this, we’ve decided to give you a hand. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know in order to understand what organic dog food is and what you should be looking for as you’re browsing through the options.
What is organic dog food?
Just like in the case of organic food for people, there are certain regulations in place that producers must adhere to in order to be able to label the dog food and sell it under the ‘organic’ claim.
The National Organic Program is the one responsible for regulating all of the organic crops, livestock, and agricultural products, and the food for dogs should follow the same standards as food for people.
What this certification means is that the ingredients used are grown and processed without any GMOs, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides, irradiation, sewage sludge or artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.
Besides all of the above, organic farmers are also required to follow certain guidelines that include the humane treatment of livestock and multiple water and soil conservation methods. In order to reinforce these regulations, farmers must also keep records of their processes, as they can be inspected at any moment by a USDA agent.
Given all of these rules that are put in place for organic food production, you can only imagine why going for organic alternatives is a very good choice for your pup as well. This way, you don’t need to worry about any potentially harmful elements that could affect his or her health in the long run.
Labels
It’s important to know that dog food can be either completely or partially organic. For this reason, you should make sure that you read all of the information provided on the label. Generally, if a food is completely organic, the label will read “100% organic”. That’s how you know that all of the ingredients were produced following the same guidelines.
If the label says organic, this means that at least 95% of the ingredients are organic, while remaining ones must be part of the approved substances category. As for the food that is labeled “Made with organic”, this means that at least 70% of the ingredients adhere to the standards.
Going for an organic option is surely a very good idea in order to ensure your dog’s health and long life. However, do keep in mind that no matter the choice you are going to make in terms of the level of organic ingredients a food contains, the most important criteria should be the nutritional value offered to meet your dog’s needs.
Types of food
When it comes to choosing the best food for your dog, you might wonder which one is the most suitable alternative between dry, canned or raw. So let’s take a moment and see the pros and cons of each of these options.
Dry dog food is extremely easy to store and you can buy larger quantities at once, so it’s easier for the owner to manage and handle it. It’s also one of the less messy alternatives around the house, so if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, this factor can be a significant one.
However, dry dog food lacks moisture, so you need to make sure that your dog has water available all the time to prevent any potential dehydration. It’s true that because it’s dried, it’s more concentrated in terms of nutrients, but it’s also more processed so, in the end, it’s a choice that you need to make in terms of your dog’s needs.
Canned dog food contains a higher amount of moisture and it’s a more appetizing alternative that your pet will most probably enjoy more. However, there’s also a good chance that the higher costs can be off-putting.
The third alternative – raw dog food – is, according to some experts, the most appropriate choice since it resembles the diet dogs had when they were hunting and scavenging in the wild. Plus, this food retains vitamins and enzymes since it’s not processed and it’s easier for dogs to digest natural whole foods.
Organic vs. Natural
These two terms are very often associated with dog food, therefore we thought it’s a good idea to understand the difference between them. Organic food is, as we’ve already mentioned, produced out of ingredients that need to adhere to certain regulations.
Natural dog food, on the other hand, means that it’s made of natural ingredients that have not gone through excessive processing, but their source is not as controlled. On the other hand, natural dog food should not contain any artificial or synthetic ingredients, chemicals or animal by-products.
It’s true that, compared to an organic alternative, natural dog food is not as good in terms of being sure that the source of the ingredients is a high-quality one. However, choosing a natural dog food is definitely a better idea than the cheaper alternatives that can contain harmful chemicals.
In the end, what every pet parent wants is for his or her dog to be healthy and live a long life enjoying it to the fullest. Plus, choosing a high-quality dog food also translates into fewer vet visits, as the overall health is improved and better maintained, so the extra cost is evened out.
Holistic
Since we’re discussing healthy food alternatives, it’s a good idea to take a quick look at what the term ‘holistic’ conveys. This is not an official definition, but it’s used among pet food manufacturers to describe dog food that has been carefully formulated for your dog’s health. Plus, it doesn’t contain fillers, hormones, chemicals, or other products that could be potentially harmful.
The Truth About Organic Dog Food
When it comes to our dogs, we most probably always want to choose the best food in order to ensure their long and healthy life. This is especially important since in later years they need to be in top shape to be able to still play and do all of the things that keep them happy and entertained.
Since we’re also talking about a global trend that emphasizes the importance of having a healthy diet for both people and pets, it’s only natural that we want to take a closer look and understand exactly what organic dog food means and what are the benefits it brings.
What it is?
Before going further into this topic, let’s take a moment and understand what organic dog food is in order to know what to look for through the multiple food alternatives available for sale.
When it comes to organic food for people, there are various regulations and guidelines in place that the producers must adhere to in order to obtain the necessary certifications to sell their products labeled as ‘organic’. What you might not be aware of is that the same rules apply to organic dog food as well.
This term means that the ingredients used to produce this food are grown and processed without any toxic pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, sewage sludge, irradiation (which is a technology intended to ensure food safety by eliminating germs) or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Moreover, farmers and producers are also required to follow guidelines such as the humane treatment of animals, as well as to ensure conservation methods for water and soil. They also have to keep track of their procedures, as regular inspections take place in order to ensure that the organic standards are continuously met.
Labels
Now that you understand what the term organic conveys, let’s take a closer look at what the labels say and how this information can help you make the right decision. One thing to keep in mind is that dog food can be either completely or partially organic.
If the label says “Made with Organic Ingredients” this means that at least 70% of the ingredients are organic, while if it simply says “Organic” this percentage increases and over 95% of the ingredients must meet the requirements.
If you want to make sure that the organic claims are backed by an official certification, as some producers might use the term “organic” without having gone through a certification process, then look for the USDA Organic Seal.
By reading the label you can make sure that the food you are about to purchase was responsibly produced. However, even if a dog food is organic, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it contains everything your pup needs. In the following part, we’ll dig a little deeper into this aspect.
Does organic always mean better?
While it’s true that choosing organic dog food means you can rest assured that the ingredients are of high quality and that their source is regulated, it doesn’t mean that it’s more nutritious than conventional food.
The aspects you should keep in mind when you choose the food for your dog are nutritional value, quality, cost, taste, and other factors such as ease of use. Some dogs, especially older ones, can get quite picky when it comes to their food, so if you buy organic food but your little friend won’t eat it, that’s not the best solution.
Some experts advise pet parents to carefully consider the ingredients included, even if the food is organic. Plus, their order on the label signifies the percentage they own within the overall mix.
Plus, if we’re talking about partially organic food, it’s a good idea to see which ingredients are actually organic. If these are the ones that don’t hold an important nutritional value for your dog, then they might not really make a difference.
To put this in other words, simply think about which option is healthier for people between conventionally grown vegetables or organic processed food. The aspect you should keep in mind is that choosing food made of raw ingredients that are properly sourced and processed, and that is suitable for human consumption as well, is the preferred option.
Types of dog food
Besides the ingredients contained, you should also consider which type is the most suitable one for your dog’s needs when you make your choice, as each one comes with various pros and cons.
Dry dog food is highly convenient as you can easily store it and purchase larger quantities at once, which makes it an easy-to-manage alternative. Moreover, the price is generally lower compared to other types, so that can also be a determining factor.
Being dried, this food has a higher concentration of nutrients. On the other hand, the fact that it lacks moisture means there’s a dehydration risk if your pup doesn’t have water available all the time.
Canned dog food is, according to some experts, a better choice than dried one, as it contains a greater amount of moisture, which might make it more suitable for your dog. Plus, it will most probably be more appealing as well, since our furry friends eat it with greater pleasure. On the other hand, its cost can be significantly higher.
Raw dog food might be the best choice for your dog since it’s based on and resembles the ancestral diet of dogs when they were hunting and scavenging in the wild. Also, since it’s not cooked or processed, raw food retains enzymes and vitamins, which make it easier for dogs to digest.
Specific considerations
As not all dogs are the same, it’s important to take into consideration the different aspects that can require different nutritional needs. If we’re talking about a puppy, he or she will require more nutrients and vitamins to help sustain the development process. The same applies if your dog faces certain conditions, such as food allergies or weight issues.
In case you are not sure which food meets all of your dog’s needs, make sure to get a vet’s opinion on this subject.
Unavailable products
Organix Castor & Pollux Organic Dog Food
This premium dog food by Organix comes in three different choices and is specifically designed to meet the needs of adult dogs, puppies, and large breeds.
The package size varies from 5.25 pounds to 25 pounds so you can choose the most convenient one according to your dog’s needs. Keep in mind that larger packages are mainly intended for large dog breeds because the freshness of the food disappears if you keep the package open for too long.
The real organic chicken is the number one ingredient in this delicious food which also includes organic quinoa. Quinoa is a very rich grain that offers plenty of health benefits, including a constant gluten-free source of fiber, vital for a good digestion.
The product is also rich in Omega 3 fatty acids that will provide a healthy and glowing skin and coat for your dog, as well as tangle-free fur. The Organix Castor & Pollux dog food is entirely made in the United States with all local and natural ingredients and doesn’t contain soy, corn or wheat. It is hand-crafted in small batches so you can ensure a fresh and tasty food for your four-legged pet.
Bibliography:
1) 5 Benefits of Natural Organic Pet Food
2) Natural and Organic Dog Food
3) Is There A Difference Between Natural Vs Organic Dog Food?
4) Organic Dog Food: How Big A Deal Is It, Really?
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