Should Your Pet Go Organic?

By Michelle Tripp

Most of us try to eat healthy, balanced diets for our overall health. Why should our pets be any different? Many conventional pet foods contain hard to pronounce preservatives, fillers and other ingredients. So, does it really make sense to switch to organic or all-natural food for our dogs and cats as well? According to many pet owners and animal health professionals, you can if you do it right.

Carol Rosenfield, operations manager and nutritional advisor at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, Colo., says pet owners must be diligent in making sure that the products they are feeding their pets are what they claim to be.

“If the products are organic, they must say organic on the label – at least 95% and also certified,” she says. “They must be produced only with organic fertilizers, contain no pesticides, synthetic ingredients such as sewage sludge, and absolutely no bioengineered products or ionizing radiation.”

In addition, Rosenfield says that if the product claims to be natural, it does not have to be organic, but it does need to use naturally grown ingredients. To make sure your pet food is natural, check the ingredient list.

If you plan on making the switch to organic or natural pet food, it is wise to introduce the new food slowly into your pet’s diet over the course of 10 days. This will reduce the risk of diarrhea and other complications from a sudden change in diet. Follow this plan to help reduce the impact on your pet. Days One to Three: ¾ old food to ¼ new food; Days Four to Six: ½ old to ½ new; Days Seven to Nine: ¾ new to ¼ old; and Day Ten: all new.

When you do change food sources, Rosenfield cautions against switching protein sources. “If your animal does end up with a food allergy, the more protein sources that you have introduced to them, the more you will have to eliminate to figure out which one was the culprit. If they do end up with an allergy after all, you will need to change to a novel protein which is usually very expensive,” she says. “Your first ingredient should be a protein source.”

High-quality ingredients tend to come with a high price tag, but Rosenfield says that while the per bag price may be more expensive, your animals will eat less and end up utilizing more of the nutrients in the product, so you are saving money in the long run.

To maintain a healthy balance in your pet’s diet, consider the following as a guideline in choosing a pet food for your animal. Depending on the health and age of your dog, the protein level should be between 18-22%, with fat making up 12-15%, and fiber at 3%, (unless your pet needs to be on a diet). Most dry pet foods should have a moisture level at approximately 10%.

“Watch for better-grade proteins on the label,” says Rosenfield. “The poor sources are going to be meal by-products made from dry muscle, bone and skin, which makes it difficult to determine the percentage of muscle in the product. A lower percentage of muscle decreases the amount of protein in the product.”

Overall, you are the deciding factor in what is best for your pet. Do your research, consult your veterinarian and enjoy your pet.

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For more information about your pet’s particular diet and nutritional needs, call Carol Rosenfield at Denver’s Alameda East Veterinary Hospital at 303-366-2639 to schedule an appointment.

Carol Rosenfield, CVT, NA is a nationally certified veterinary technician. Her health care background includes experience in customer service, critical care, treatment, and nutrition. Carol received her training at Bel-Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology. Carol has been a veterinary technician since 1992 and received her certification as nutritional advisor from Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Her understanding of veterinary medicine and nutrition brings added health to each patient.

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