EATING ORGANIC:  NOT JUST FOR PEOPLE!

- Renee Gannon, Assistant Website Editor

 Have you ever looked at the list of ingredients on a can of dog or cat food?  It’s enough to make anyone cringe. Most dog and cat food companies don’t even use human-grade ingredients, although the standard for “human-grade” in itself has yet to be defined by AAFCO, the Association of American Feed Control Officials, whose basic goal is to "provide a mechanism for developing and implementing uniform and equitable laws, regulations, standards and enforcement policies for regulating the manufacture, distribution and sale of animal feeds." They are constantly working on improving standards so that animal feeds safe, effective, and useful.

After the 2007 pet food recalls which resulted in more than 100 pet deaths, I really started to evaluate what I was feeding my two cats and puppy.  I looked into organic options and was thrilled when I could actually read the ingredients on the label!  I found one brand, Newman’s Own Organics Premium Pet Food , which guarantees that all their foods contain certified organic vegetables and grains. The products do not contain antibiotics, hormones, chemical ingredients or artificial preservatives, colors or additives. The pet food, like all of Newman’s Own Organics’ products, has been certified by Oregon Tilth. Paul and Nell Newman have chosen to donate all of the money generated by the sale of the pet food to organizations that support animals’ well-being.  In fact, Paul Newman pledged $100,000 to animal organizations at the launch of their organic pet food line.  

I feed my pets a combination of wet and dry food.  I find that wet food alone isn’t sufficient  enough for their diet and dry food is also good for their teeth.  In doing research on a top-shelf dry food company for my pets, I came across a company called Innova, which markets a brand called EVO: The Ancenstral Diet Meets Modern Nutrition.  EVO uses high-quality meat as the main pet food ingredient, but the thing I like the most is that they are completely grain-free. In fact, EVO has the highest protein content of any meat-based dry pet food on the market and uses whole, fresh meat sources such as turkey, chicken and herring meal!  The fact that they are grain-free is a huge plus for me because most pet food companies use grain is a filler ingredient, and wheat gluten was the one tainted ingredient that caused the massive pet food recall that I mentioned earlier.  

Many people think it isn’t that important what brand or type of food they feed their pets and they don’t believe that upgrading to healthier pet food options will make that much of a difference.  I can speak from personal experience that both my cats and my dog have had changes in their physical and behavioral attributes.  Their fur is softer, their eyes are brighter, they seem to scratch less and their overall dispositions are more cheerful and friendly.  It has made all the difference in the world.  

Still questioning whether you should “go organic” for your pets?  I found this great list, courtesy of OrganicAuthority.com, of the top 5 reasons why organic pet food is the healthiest option for the animals you love (and they pretty much hit the nail right on the head).

1. Reduction of skin ailments and allergies.   If your pet suffers from allergies or an irritating skin condition, you’ve probably tried “everything” hoping to provide your pet some relief.  Special dips, sprays, shampoos, creams and medications may or may not help.  Premium brands of pet food recommended by vets still leave some pets scratching or bald.  Why doesn’t anything work, and why should organic food be any different?

Organic pet food may provide your pet with the best chance combating skin infections and allergies long term.  It is free of artificial colors and flavor enhancers, chemical additives and toxic pesticides that could be the source of your pet’s allergies.  Organic pet food contains quality protein and grain sources of exceptional nutritional value.  This supports your pet’s immune system to help build resistance to skin infections.

2. More energy and a healthy weight.  Plump pugs may be cute, but when your pet suffers from diabetes, organ failure, a back ailment or hip dysplasia, it is a serious, heart-breaking matter.  Like humans, overweight pets tend to have less energy for the exercise that could improve their health and physical condition.  How can organic pet food help?

Once again, it is the superior nutritional value of organic pet food that can make a difference. 

Since it is naturally more nutritious, many owners report their pets eat less organic pet food than other commercial varieties.  Organic food doesn’t contain bulk-fillers, so your pet consumes only what it needs to maintain healthy energy levels and life functions.  It probably tastes better to your pet, too!  Pets feel more satiated eating smaller amounts of tasty, nutrient-dense foods.  An organic diet can help your pet lose weight and exercise more.

3. Fewer digestive disorders.  Superior sources of grains and proteins and a lack of chemicals and artificial substances makes organic pet food more digestible.  If your dog vomits occasionally after meals or commonly experiences gas, bloating or diarrhea, check with your veterinarian for underlying illness.  In the absence of another cause, feed your pet and organic diet and you’ll both enjoy the improvements!

Easily digestible oats, barley or other natural whole grains and human-grade turkey, lamb or chicken make a tremendous difference to your pet’s digestive system.  Rather than consuming corn or other bulk fillers and chemical additives, your pet will ingest only what it needs for healthy metabolic functioning.  Pets eat and eliminate less when they are on an organic diet.  They tend to have more predictable bowel movements with firm, less smelly stools.

4. Better overall health and stronger immunity.  Even if you pet doesn’t suffer from skin ailments, obesity or digestive problems, an organic diet can still be of benefit.

Although nearly every brand of pet food claims to be “nutritionally complete,” most veterinarians still recommend “premium” brands of pet food over “grocery store” varieties.  At the heart of the matter is and always has been the better nutritional value of the premium brands.

Organic pet food provides better quality sources of nutritional substances than even the non-organic, premium brands.  It is more digestible for pets.  One final, key factor is that because it is more digestible, pets are likely to absorb rather than eliminate more of the nutrients they require to maintain a healthy immune system. Boosting your pet’s immunity may help prevent costly infections and illnesses that require veterinarian care.   

5. Quality of Life and Longevity.  Just as the quality of your diet affects the quality of your life, what you feed your pet will have a direct impact on how he or she looks, feels, and acts.  By feeding organic food you can help ensure your pet lives a long, happy and healthy life.  It is one ingredient in an overall healthy lifestyle you can help your pet enjoy.  A luxurious, shiny coat, energy to run and play, a healthy weight and a strong immune system can maximize your pet’s life expectancy and quality of life into old age.