Canine cuisine has undergone an overhaul in recent years with a focus on things like ethical farming, earth-friendly business practices, and placing quality ingredients front and center.
Among this wave is a rise in organic dog foods, an area that has many pup parents scratching their heads. Sure, we’ve seen the label on our food at the supermarket, but dog food?
Below, we’ll discuss what organic dog food is, what it’s not, and share some of the best organic dog food available.
Best Organic Dog Foods: Quick Picks
- #1 Castor & Pollux Organix Dog Food [Best Overall Organic Kibble] — Made with USDA-certified organic ingredients and available in grain-free and grain-inclusive varieties, this is the best organic dog food for most pups.
- #2 Primal Freeze-Dried Dog Food [Best Freeze-Dried Organic Dog Food] — A great choice for owners who like to feed their doggo freeze-dried food but also want an organic option.
- #3 Newman’s Own Adult Dog Food Formula [Most Affordable Organic Dog Food] — More affordable than most other organic foods, this manufacturer also donates 100% of their proceeds to charitable causes.
What Does “Organic” Mean Exactly?
The USDA has parameters foods must meet to earn the organic label (the specific requirements varying with the type of food in question). The scope includes how the food is grown, how it’s harvested, and how it’s processed.
Farmers awarded the organic label must undergo regular inspections checking for compliance, and manufacturers of organic products have their labels scrutinized for accuracy while their procedures are inspected.
It’s important to note that not every farmer has to go through the organic certification, as those who sell less than $5,000 in organic produce yearly are exempt from certification.
For the main food groups, the rules include:
- Produce: Plants must be grown in soil that’s certified to have had no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides applied to it for three years prior to harvest.
- Meat: Harvested animals must be kept in conditions that allow natural behaviors, such as pastures for grazing. Animals must be fed 100 percent organic feed (including their forage) and never given antibiotics or hormones.
- Processed: Processed foods cannot contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. The ingredients must be organic, though there are some exceptions, including enzymes and pectin.
A common rule among all organic food is that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are never to be used in their growth or handling. Food isn’t the only thing that can be organic, either, with organic clothes and eco-friendly dog toys popping up on shelves, too.
What Is an Organic Dog Food?
Organic dog food isn’t a one-size-fits-all category. Different foods may fall under the “organic” label, but it’s worth learning what’s what before shelling out extra treat money for the O word.
There are no official organic regulations for dog food established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), but commercial producers must follow the USDA’s rules to use the USDA-certified seal or the term organic.
As with human food, the main categories of organic dog food are:
- 100% Organic: This is used for items like produce or meat that aren’t made up of other ingredients. These items are harvested from 100% organic sources.
- Certified Organic: To be certified organic, a food item must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. These foods have an official USDA seal on the packaging.
- Made with Organic Ingredients: To use this label, a food must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. They can contain non-organic materials, as well.
All manufacturers must list the USDA-accredited certifier on the food’s packaging to use the “organic” label, even if they’re not a certified organic food.
Is Organic Dog Food Better for Your Pet?
The jury’s still out on the value of organic foods for dogs, and thus far, there hasn’t been much research surrounding dogs and organic foods.
As for people, there have only been a few recent studies regarding how eating organic affects us, and much of this research has yielded mixed results.
For example, a 2012 Stanford study finding little evidence that organic foods provide additional health benefits in humans. However, a 2017 study published in Environmental Health found that organic dairy products and meat have slightly higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than non-organic versions.
Nevertheless, there are some things we do know about organic food. For example, less pesticide residue is found on organic produce as opposed to non-organic. That’s right — we said “less” pesticide residue, not “none.” While synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are prohibited in organic farming, natural ones are still allowed.
Ultimately, we know that organic farming practices are better for the environment, but we just don’t yet know if they also provide health benefits for dogs.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Dog an Organic Food?
If you drill into organic dog food, there are some definite pros that stand out about feeding your pooch organic, including:
- They reduce your pet’s exposure to pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and synthetic fertilizers. Even among organic foods that rely on naturally occurring pesticides or herbicides, your pooch will ingest less of them than he would when eating a conventional (non-organic) food.
- They support environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices. Many of the chemicals used in conventional farming practices cause environmental harm.
- They supports more ethical farming practices, such as pasture-fed cattle. Just like our dogs, the animals used to produce food should be afforded the best quality of life possible.
While the pros of organic dog foods are notable, there are some important cons to keep in mind:
- They’re more expensive. Organic farming practices are costly, which is reflected in organic brands being some of the most expensive dog foods priced at the register.
- You’ll have fewer options. Since organic dog foods are relatively new to the market, there aren’t many brands available. Some have limited protein options, as well.
- There is limited evidence of their nutritional benefits. Of the few studies surrounding organic foods, none have established a concrete correlation between organic food and a significant change in a food’s nutritional value.
The Best Organic Dog Foods
While the market of organic dog foods is still limited, there are some standout contenders that deserve a second glance. Our top picks for organic dog foods are:
1. Castor & Pollux Organix Dog Food
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Castor & Pollux Organix Dog Food
Premium dog food made with USDA-certified organic ingredients that’s available in grain-inclusive and grain-free varieties.
About: Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Dry Dog Food is a premium kibble with no added preservatives, flavors, or dyes.
Featuring both grain-free and grain-inclusive kibble formulas, it’s a solid choice for pet parents seeking an organic dog food for their pupper.
Features:
- USDA-certified organic
- Contains free-range chicken as the first ingredient
- Suitable for all adult dog breeds
- Includes no corn, soy, or wheat
- Made in the USA
Options: Available in 4-, 10-, and 18-pound bags and five formula options: chicken & oatmeal, chicken & sweet potato, senior, small breed, and puppy.
Ingredients List
(Chicken & Sweet Potato) Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Potatoes, Organic Peas...,
Organic Tapioca, Organic Chicken Fat, Organic Sunflower Seed Meal, Organic Pea Protein, Natural Flavor, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Blueberries, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Choline Chloride, Zinc Methionine Complex, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Organic Amaranth, Mixed Tocopherols
Pros
- Quality ingredients and USDA-certified organic
- Kibble size works well for most breeds — not too big or too small
- Taste gets high marks from most dog reviewers
Cons
- Chicken is the only protein offered
- Very pricey for those with large breeds or more than one doggo
- Small bag sizes are a bummer
2. Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food
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Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food
A grain-free, freeze-dried dog food packed with nutrient-rich organ meat, vitamins, and minerals.
About: Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food offers your doggo high-quality proteins and organic produce in bite-sized, tasty nuggets.
Add water or broth to rehydrate and watch your pup enjoy. This food is suitable as your dog’s total diet, but you can also use it as a tasty dog food topper if you like.
Features:
- Contains real meat, organs, and bone
- Grain-free with no corn, soy, or wheat
- All life stages formula that’s suitable for all breeds
- Made in the USA
Options: Offered in 5.5- and 14-ounce packages, there are several proteins to choose from, including chicken, beef, lamb, pork, duck, rabbit, venison, and a turkey/sardine blend.
Ingredients List
(Chicken Formula) Chicken, Chicken Necks, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Livers, Organic Carrots...,
Organic Squash, Organic Kale, Organic Apples, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Broccoli, Organic Blueberries, Organic Cranberries, Organic Parsley, Organic Rosemary Extract, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Montmorillonite Clay, Fish Oil, Organic Quinoa, Organic Coconut Oil, Vitamin E Supplement, Organic Ground Alfalfa, Dried Organic Kelp, Zinc Sulfate
Pros
- Loaded with nutrient-rich organ meat
- Assortment of proteins to choose from
- Made with familiar ingredients you can pronounce
- Taste and texture are great for pickier pups or those that have dental issues
Cons
- Very expensive for use as a sole food source
- Preparation can be time-consuming and messy, along with cleanup
- Contains dehydrated raw meats, so bacterial contamination is a risk, making care during prep and cleanup a must
3. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Whole Grain Dog Food
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The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dog Food
Dehydrated, 100% human-grade dog food made with free-range chicken and whole grains.
About: The Honest Kitchen Organic Dog Food spices up mealtime for your pooch with a meaty mash of flavor, making it a hit with pickier dogs.
For this dehydrated dog food, all you have to do is simply add water, let it stand, and serve.
Features:
- All proteins are harvested from ethical farms with cage-free poultry and range-raised cattle or wild-caught fish
- Can be used as a complete meal or topper
- Uses human-grade ingredients prepared in kitchens approved for human food preparation
- Suitable for all adult dog breeds
- Made in the USA
Options: These come in 2-, 4-, and 10-pound boxes, and when water is added, these make 8, 16, and 40 pounds of food, respectively. Proteins include chicken, turkey, beef, and wild-caught fish. You can also purchase a variety pack for mixing up mealtime.
Ingredients List
(Turkey formula) Dehydrated Turkey, Organic Oats, Dehydrated Potatoes, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Carrots...,
Dehydrated Cabbage, Dried Apples, Dehydrated Honey, Dehydrated Organic Kelp, Dried Garlic, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D- Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Pros
- While the price is higher than traditional kibbles, it’s affordable for an organic, human-grade dog food
- Manufacturer offers a 100% money-back guarantee
- The largest size makes up to 40 pounds(!) of food, ideal for large dogs or multi-dog households
- Good choice for dogs with dental issues
Cons
- Preparation can be messy and time-consuming
- Can be too rich for some dogs’ systems
4. Newman’s Own Chicken & Liver Dinner
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Newman’s Own Chicken & Liver Dinner
USDA-certified organic canned dog food that’s suitable for dogs of all life stages and made in the USA.
About: Give your floof a taste of organic goodness with Newman’s Own Chicken & Liver Dinner For Dogs. The pate style is a hit for doggos and pup parents alike, as it can be easily mashed and eaten alone or mixed with kibble.
Features:
- Certified USDA organic formula
- Contains no corn or wheat
- Suitable for dogs of all life stages
- 100% of all profits go towards charitable causes
- Made in the USA
Options: Available in a 12 pack of 12.7-ounce cans and in 24 backs of 5.5-ounce cans. Protein offerings include chicken, turkey, chicken & liver, and turkey & liver.
Ingredients List
(Chicken & Liver Formula) Buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, pea protein, peas, potatoes, canola oil, tomato pomace, roasted bison, roasted venison...,
Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Broth, Organic Chicken Liver, Tricalcium Phosphate, Organic Pea Flour, Organic Dried Alfalfa, Organic Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Carbonate
Pros
- Both grain-free (linked above) and grain-inclusive formulas available
- Price is on par with other high-quality wet canned dog foods
- Ideal for senior dogs or those with missing or weak teeth
- Your purchase will help support a good cause
Cons
- Limited to poultry proteins only, a bummer for dogs with allergies
- Not every dog’s system can handle rich canned food
5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
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Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
All-natural, protein-rich food made with organ meats that can be rehydrated with water or served as-is.
About: Make your pupperoni’s palate sing with Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties. Serve it as is or rehydrate with water and watch your dog enjoy an organic smorgasbord of high-quality ingredients.
Features:
- Uses farm-raised proteins (except for the wild-caught fish) that use humane husbandry practices, including cage-free chickens and grass-fed cattle.
- Multiple single-source protein formulas available — a must for some dogs with food allergies or sensitivities
- Can be fed as a complete meal for all life stages
- Made in the USA
Options: Offered in 5.5-, 14-, and 25-ounce packages and 13 protein recipes, including venison, chicken, duck, and lamb.
Ingredients List
(Lamb formula) Lamb, Lamb Spleen, Lamb Liver, Lamb Heart, Lamb Kidney...,
Lamb Bone, Pumpkin Seed, Organic Cranberries, Organic Spinach, Organic Broccoli, Organic Beets, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Blueberries, Fenugreek Seed, Potassium Chloride, Dried Kelp, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherols, Choline Chloride, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid
Pros
- Contains loads of yummy (and nutrient-dense) organ meat
- A wide variety of protein options available, ideal for doggos with allergies or picky palates
- Doggos typically love the meaty patties
Cons
- Expensive to use as your dog’s sole food
- Patties’ texture can be inconsistent, with some crumbling easier than others
- Can be messier than feeding a standard kibble, especially if rehydrated
6. Newman’s Own Adult Dog Food Formula
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Newman’s Own Adult Dog Food Formula
A high protein, grain-inclusive, organic dog food with a unique blend of vitamins and minerals.
About: Give your doggo an organic upgrade with Newman’s Own Adult Dog Food Formula and give back. A charity-focused company, Newman’s Own donates 100% of all profits to various causes, including wildlife funds.
Features:
- Made with all organic rice and vegetables
- Contains no wheat or corn
- Grain-inclusive formula
- Made in the USA
Options: Offered in 4-, 12.5-, and 25-pound bags.
Ingredients List
Chicken, Organic Barley, Organic Oats, Organic Peas, Chicken Meal...,
Organic Sorghum, Organic Soybean Meal, Chicken Fat, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Millet, Organic Rice, Organic Flax Seed, Dicalcium Phosphate, Organic Carrots, Natural Flavors, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Kelp, Parsley, Zinc Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Rosemary Extract, Manganese Proteinate, Lecithin, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Biotin, Cobalt Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite, Dehydrated Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Bifidobacterium thermophilum Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product.
Pros
- Price is great for organic ingredients
- Offers the biggest bag size of the organic brands we’ve found, making it ideal for large breeds or multi-dog houses
- Proceeds from sales go to charity
Cons
- Only comes in a chicken formula, which leaves out pups with poultry sensitivities
- Contains soy, a potential problem for dogs with allergies
- No grain-free option
7. Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver Recipe
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Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver Recipe
A premium dog food made with USDA-certified organic ingredients and G.A.P.-certified, cage-free chickens.
About: Feed your doggo the good stuff with Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver Recipe Dog Food, a tasty kibble made with high-quality ingredients. With bite-sized kibblets, it’s well-suited for most dog breeds.
Features:
- Made using USDA-certified organic ingredients and cage-free chickens
- Grain-free formula with no corn, soy, or wheat
- Suitable for all life stages (though not recommended as large breed puppy food)
- Made in the USA
Options: Offered in chicken and turkey formulas and in three bag sizes: 4, 11, and 20 pounds.
Ingredients List
(Chicken & Liver recipe) Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Tapioca Starch, Organic Dried Pea, Organic Chickpea...,
Organic Flaxseed Meal, Organic Potato Flour, Organic Chicken Fat, Organic Pea Flour, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Liver Digest Meal, Menhaden Oil, Choline Chloride, Salt, Natural Mixed Tocopherols, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Manganese Proteinate, Inositol, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide.
Pros
- With USDA-certified organic ingredients and G.A.P. certified cage-free chickens, this food has guarantees behind its claims.
- Formulated for all life stages, making it ideal for multi-dog households
- Isn’t as pricey as some other organic brands
Cons
- Only two poultry-based proteins are available, which can be incompatible with allergy-prone pups
- Smaller bag sizes are a pain with a big eater or multiple dogs
- Not recommended for large breed puppies
A few years ago, the FDA started to receive more and more reports of a health problem called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) afflicting dogs.
As part of their research, they determined that there was a correlation between dogs suffering DCM and consuming a grain-free diet.
Now, causation has not been established — we don’t yet know if grain-free diets are causing DCM. We only know that there appears to be a relationship between the two.
However, we’ve begun recommending that owners stick to grain-inclusive foods unless your dog has a specific intolerance to grains. And, as always, discuss your choice of food with your pet’s vet.
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Does your doggo eat an organic dog food? Do you feed her any of the ones we listed today or do you offer another? Let us know in the comments!
1 Comment
June 10, 2021
These are not the best organic foods on the market. You need to do some more research because even though items are Made in the USA their ingredients can come from anywhere which usually includes nasty China. People need to purchase the pet food that list where the ingredients are sourced from which includes Health Extension, Open Farm, etc