Benefits of Feeding Organic Food & Treats

Q: What does “organic” really mean?
A: Organic products generally contain higher quality ingredients, are handled and stored in a safer manner and are regulated more closely. As with organic foods for humans, organic pet foods contain ingredients that have come from farms and fields that operate without pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, growth hormones and the like. Certified “organic” products must meet USDA requirements, which are rigorous and tightly regulated.

Q: How does organic pet food get certified as “organic”?
A: The organic certification process is unlike any other safety measure in place for pet food and treats. Organic certifying agencies operate under the mandate of the USDA’s National Organic Program and are charged with ensuring the very rigorous standards and regulations are followed by all involved in a certified organic product regardless of country of origin. Organic farmers must follow practices laid out under the USDA’s National Organic Program, which include using no pesticides, no growth hormones, no synthetic fertilizers, no GMOs, no antibiotics, and the humane treatment of animals/poultry. In addition, their facilities are inspected regularly and without notice.

Certified organic handling, processing, and storage facilities are required to house organic ingredients separately from non-organic ingredients. Specific handling and storage requirements and documentation are part of the organic certification as well. ALL ingredients (organic and non-organic) in a certified organic pet food or treat must be submitted for review and approval by the organic certifying agency. The source of the organic ingredients must be identified and proof of organic certification provided.

Q: Why should dog and cat parents choose organic food and treats?
A: Reason #1: Safety. From the farm and field to the processing, handling, and storage of organic ingredients, each step must be certified organic. The production facility must be certified organic. At each and every step, rigorous requirements are in place and must be documented as part of the USDA’s National Organic Program. The regulatory certification process is ONLY applicable to certified organic pet food and treats -- not natural or holistic products. These may be healthy, natural products but they have not been subjected to the independent third party review conducted by the organic certifying agency.

Reason #2: Quality. C&P's Organix® was one of the first certified organic dog and cat food lines to comply with USDA National Organic Program was introduced, and uses only the highest quality ingredients.  Taste tests have shown that dogs and cats love the taste and benefit from the high digestibility. That means smaller, firmer stools and a lower feeding amount than other types of food.

Q: How do I know if a food or treat is really organic?
A: Products that are in compliance with organic labeling regulations will have the name of the organic certifying agency plus their contact information printed on the package.

If the product is made with 95% organic ingredients, the name of the product can include the word “organic” and the USDA’s organic logo will appear on the package. If the content is 70% - 94% organic ingredients, the label may state “Made with Organic Ingredients.” There are many other regulations pertaining to the labeling of certified organic products; Organix has complied with these regulations from the outset, even before pet foods were included in the National Organic Program.

Q: What’s the best way to switch a dog or cat to organic food and treats?
A: When introducing any kind of new food to a dog or cat, gradually mix it with their current food. Over the course of seven to 10 days, increase the amount of the new food while decreasing the amount of the old until you have 100% organic food in the bowl. Always provide plenty of fresh, clean water and lots of exercise. Regular visits to your veterinarian are recommended.