is organic food better for your dog? - alvimann
According to the Organic Trade Association, organic dog food sales are growing at three times the rate of human organic food sales but is it healthier for Fido?
Proponents of organic dog food are as adamant about their cause as those who feel the health benefits of organic food for humans far outweigh the extra cost. In the United States, certified organic pet food is held to the same regulations, standards and inspections as certified organic human food. But, what, if any, are the benefits to the pet?
Advantages of Organic Dog Food
- More nutritious. Organic dog food is made without the preservatives, growth hormones, antibiotics, artificial flavorings and color that are found in commercially produced food. The absence of these things allows the dog to absorb all the nutrients in each meal.
- More energy and healthier weight. Because organic food contains no fillers, dogs eat only what they need to support daily activities, optimum energy levels and bodily functions. Because the dog eats less, it ingests fewer calories, making it easy to maintain a healthy weight.
- Fewer digestive problems.
- Improved quality of life. Organic pet foods are high in vitamins C and E and because they don’t contain the fillers and additives that are found in commercially produced food, they help boost the dog’s immunity, making easier for it to ward off physical ailments like skin allergies thus improving its quality and length of life.
Disadvantages of Organic Dog Food
- Although commercially produced dog food contains additives, artificial flavors, coloring and, at times, questionable meat products, there is not much scientific evidence available that conclusively proves organic food is more beneficial to a dog’s health.
- As with organics for human consumption, organic pet food is more expensive than commercially produced brands.
- Organic dog food can be difficult to find. Most traditional grocery stores don’t stock it. That is slowly changing though with stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s filling the void for shoppers. Organic food can also be found online but that has its drawbacks, such as finding a reputable dealer who carries the product the consumer is looking for, as well as shipping costs.
It all boils down to the individual dog owner to weigh the pros and cons of organic pet food and decide what is best for his pet and his pocketbook. Is it worth the cost to give a beloved canine the healthiest life possible? Or, should he put his faith in commercially produced food which may or may not be as good for his dog as organic food?
Copyright Jan Czech. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
