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If you are a dog parent, you have probably heard a lot of discussion about organic food lately. This has likely sparked a few questions. Is it really better than non-organic food? Do dogs actually need organic food in their diet? Becoming familiar with the pros and cons will help you make an educated decision.

After all, you love your four-legged friend like family, so you want to make sure he is being provided with the nutrients he needs for optimal health.

Pros

High-quality nutrients are the most obvious advantage to feeding organic. You might buy organic fruits and vegetables in the store because you know they are grown without chemicals, and you might choose the box of organic granola because it is free of preservatives, artificial colors, and additives.

All of this amounts to a higher nutritional value. This same concept applies to dog food. Many people do not realize just how many potentially dangerous ingredients are in non-organic food until they research everything listed on the label. Your dog does not need unnecessary fillers, dyes, and preservatives. Plus, these can keep his body from thoroughly absorbing every nutrient he consumes.

Organic dog food can increase energy level and improve stamina, while also reducing the risk of allergies, illness, and disease. Unlike non-organic varieties, these health choices are typically higher in vitamins C and E. They have higher fat and crude protein content, and they are free of by-products.

If you are not familiar with what by-products are, you might be interested to learn this can include stomachs, intestines, heads, undeveloped eggs, and other parts deemed inedible for human consumption.

Generic by-products, such as those listed as meat meal, bone meal, and animal by-products meal can also include euthanized animals from shelters, dying and diseased livestock, dead zoo animals, and road kill. These are not ingredients you find in organic food.

Cons

The high cost is definitely a con. Healthy food naturally costs more. It is more expensive to grow and raise the ingredients, so the price will naturally reflect these expenses. Organic food can often cost $1 more per serving.

Availability is another con. You need to go to a pet store or shop online. These are products you are unlikely to find on the shelves at your local grocery store. Therefore, an extra stop while you are running errands will be necessary.

Lastly, there really is not any scientific research that states that dogs need organic pet food. However, it is proven that proper nutrition plays a leading role in cardiovascular, bone, and joint health, and helps prevent disease.

Conclusion

It is important to choose the right food for your dog because his health depends on it. Many believe that the big names you see in grocery stores and commercials on TV are top-recommended products. They often don’t know how harmful many ingredients are that they contain.

It is not until you start comparing labels and evaluating the ingredients in organic and non-organic that your begin to understand why the topic of this food has become so popular.

It does cost more, but could dictate less money spent on vet bills later. Whether you choose organic or not, take a little time to become familiar with the ingredients in your dog’s food, and make sure you are comfortable with the product fueling his body.