exploring natural and organic food for pets

The good news is that there are many natural quality organic pet foods to choose from on the market. If you need help selecting a good option for your pet, just reach out to your veterinary team.

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Know what “organic” and “natural” labels on pet food mean before you buy.

People often seek out natural or organic diets for their pets, much like they do for themselves. And, just like with people food, these foods typically come at a premium price. Before you buy, it can help to be pre-armed with industry definitions for what “organic” and “natural” actually mean, as well as which associations are setting the standards.

While the rules for “natural” and “organic” on pet food are still evolving, other words — like “holistic” or “ethically sourced”— don’t actually have an official meaning in the pet food industry. That means you’ll probably need to do a bit of research on your chosen brand to know if it’s actually aligned with your values.

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Look for the AAFCO seal on natural or organic foods

If you see “all-natural” or “organic” on a pet food, look for the AAFCO statement as well. That statement means any claim about the food or ingredients has been validated by an outside agency.

The AAFCO, or the Association of American Feed Control Officials, regulates the manufacture, distribution, and sale of animal food. One AAFCO standard establishes the exact level of nutrients needed to provide pets with a complete and balanced diet. Another standard defines when manufacturers can use the word “natural” on pet food packaging.

How to read pet food labels

AAFCO standards for natural food

The AAFCO standard for natural food includes:

A feed or ingredient is from plant, animal or mined sources, and has not been chemically or highly processed (except for certain vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients).
The food does not contain additives, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors.
Food labeled as "all-natural" is free of artificial ingredients, synthetic chemicals, or animal by-products

The AAFCO seal means organic foods meet USDA standards

The AAFCO currently follows the standards set by USDA, or the United States Department of Agriculture, for human foods. So, if you’re shopping for organic pet foods, a package with the AAFCO statement is a fairly safe bet.

The USDA standards for the label “organic” certify that:

Food is grown or produced without conventional pesticides and artificial fertilizers.
Animals are raised without antibiotics and growth hormones, and are fed a healthy diet.
The companies who produce the food have special certification, and meet specific production standards deemed as “organic.”

A quick word about quality diets

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If you’re interested or concerned about any particular ingredient in your pet’s diet, or the environmental impact of what they eat, please reach out to your veterinary team.

In terms of nutrition, organic or natural ingredients aren’t necessarily “better” for your pet. The same is true for foods without artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. If you’re shopping for a quality diet, we recommend looking for one that uses proven scientific standards to deliver nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-digest food for your pet.

Plus, keep an eye out for terms like “holistic” or “ethically sourced.” Unlike “natural” and “organic,” there’s no regulation for those words on pet food. Every single pet food on the market could easily claim to be “holistic,” because all food — both good and not-so-good — actually does affect your pet’s entire body. As for “ethically sourced,” it really depends on whether your ethical standpoint is aligned with the manufacturer’s.

See more about quality diets for your pet