Organix FAQ

Organix® Canine and Feline Dry Formulas

First and only “meat-based” dog and cat food made with certified organic free-range chicken as the #1 ingredient and that meets the USDA organic labeling regulations.

Cat Fancy Magazine recognized Organix Feline Formula by presenting it with the 2003 Editor’s Choice Award for best cat food! Since then, Cat Fancy has honored Castor & Pollux Pet Works with additional awards for its Organix Organic Cat Treats and Organix Organic Canned Feline Formula.

Whole Dog Journal named Organix Canine Formula as one of just 8 recommended diets for 2004. Of the 8, Organix has the highest level of meat-based protein. WDJ continues to list Organix as a recommended diet.

The certified organic free-range chicken used in Organix is the same organic chicken found at the meat counter of your favorite natural foods store. This Rosie brand organic free-range chicken represents exceptional quality - optimal nutrition and taste for your dogs and cats. Raised in a certified organic facility, these "happy"chickens bring the very best to the bowl.

Organic certification is required at all levels of the manufacturing process including a complete review of every ingredient in Organix - an expensive and exhaustive process to produce the best possible organic diet for dogs and cats. (Such a third-party review and approval process is not required for “natural” or “holistic” diets.) All organic ingredient suppliers must be certified organic as do the processors of our ingredients, and the manufacturers of our formulas.

Organix represents a truly outstanding diet!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the ME (metabolizable energy)?

1 cup of Organix Canine is 425 kcal per cup of metabolizable energy.
1 cup of Organix Feline is 470 kcal per cup of metabolizable energy.
1 cup of Organix Puppy is 443 kcal per cup of metabolizable energy.

The ME indicates how much of the diet is actually “used” by the body. Organix is highly digestible (and highly palatable)!

What is the oz/cup?

4.4 oz/cup – all formulas.

How much meat protein is in Organix?

Over one third between organic chicken meat (#1 ingredient), chicken meal (#2 ingredient), salmon, egg (herring rather than egg is in the feline formula).

Why is salt added?

Salt is essential in the diet and is comprised of 2 essential macro minerals – sodium and chloride. Salt is added to meet optimal levels for the health and well-being of dogs and cats as established by AAFCO. Given the amount of raw meat used in Organix (raw meat is low in sodium), salt must be added. Organix is considered to have a low to average level of salt but anyone with a dog on a restricted salt diet should always consult their veterinarian before switching to Organix.

Salt is .35% in Organix Feline and .40% in Organix Canine and .40% in Organix Puppy.

Where is Organix made?

At our certified organic plant in Kansas.

What is chicken meal and where does it come from?

It is chicken meat that is dried and ground with ours being highly digestible and bioavailable. Don’t confuse chicken meal with by-products!! We are often asked if the chicken meal is “human grade” … technically there is no such thing as “human grade” chicken meal because it is only used in pet food. But, our chicken meal is derived from human grade chicken meat.

Why is the chicken meal not organic?

Currently there is no source of organic chicken meal.

Why soybean?

We use Organic Extruded Soybean Seeds in Organix Puppy Formula and Organix Feline Formula as an organic source of protein that compliments the other sources of protein. They are cooked (that is the extrusion process) to increase protein digestibility. This also reduces flatulence. Soy’s benefits include: complete complement of amino acids; naturally complexed vitamins and chelated minerals; balanced and stabilized fatty acids; lecithin which is an important brain and nerve component and helps increase immune response.

Why is rosemary used?

It is a good antioxidant and natural preserving agent for chicken fat.

What is citric acid?

Vitamin C.

What is the natural liver flavor source?

Chicken liver.

Why Organic Flaxseed Meal?

Our organic flaxseed meal is full of essential fatty acids.

What is Choline Chloride?

Choline is in the structure of the cell membrane and is needed to keep it healthy and flexible. It is the source of Choline in the diet. Choline is a vitamin-like nutrient (often referred to as Vitamin B-like) that is essential for dogs and cats. It is found naturally in plants and in animal tissues and is made into a powder that is about 70% choline and 30% chloride that is then added to our diets. Choline is needed for the structure of all cell membranes, plasma lipoproteins, and pulmonary surfactant. It is important in the central nervous system too.

Why Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Prebiotics and Probiotics are needed to help maintain a healthy gut and to help with food digestion. They help adjust pH acidity of GI tract to make it good for “friendly” bacteria and not attractive to “bad” bacteria.

Probiotics are direct-fed microbials that are added to the formula before extrusion. Formal research has been conducted to prove that probiotics survive the extrusion process and grow to benefit the GI system when consumed.

Prebiotics are the beneficial substrate or growth media that promotes and/or demotes the bacterial population in the GI tract. They are not “live”; they are typically non-digestible food or plant ingredients. In Organix, it is the organic grains that, in part, assume this role.

Is the chicken fat organic?

No because there is an extremely limited supply of organic sources of chicken fat. We are committed to identifying a reliable, quality source of organic chicken fat. Our chicken fat is very high quality and preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols and vitamin E. There is no BHA, BHT or Ethoxyquin used.

Why is glucosamine and chondroitin only in the canine formulas? Do they survive the extrusion process? How much is in Organix?

Typically arthritic problems are not apparent with cats. Yes, the glucosamine and chondroitin survive the extrusion process as they’ve been found to be heat-stable. There is 1.5 mg of each per cup (8 oz) that performs as a nutritional aid to the structure and function of the joint; it is not designed to be therapeutic.

What is the source of the chondroitin and glucosamine?

The glucosamine comes from shrimp and the chondroitin comes from poultry.

Is the feline formula OK for cats with urinary tract problems?

It is important to consult your veterinarian if your cat is experiencing problems of any sort. Organix Feline Formula helps maintain a healthy urinary tract and reduces urinary pH. The ideal range is between 6.2 and 6.6; Organix Feline Formula is at 6.5%.

Should I be concerned about food allergies?

Only 1% of all skin problems in dogs and cats are due to food allergies! And, only 5 to 10 percent of all allergic reactions in dogs are due to food! Organix has no corn, no wheat, and no beef, all of which are common allergens.

It looks like there are clumps of fat or even an outside ring of fat in my Organix Organic Canned Feline and Canine Formulas. Should I be concerned?

While other brands may have a layer of fat that sits on top of their product, this is not the case with our formulas. What you are seeing is actually organic brown rice that is forced to the sides by centrifugal force during the cooking process, when cans are spun very, very quickly. There is no reason to be concerned. If you like, just give it a quick stir.

Where does herring meal come from?

It comes from the east coast of Canada. As an ocean fish, toxins like mercury are not a concern like they are in lake fish (trout, for example).

What is the calcium to phosphorous ratio?

1.0 to 0.9.

Is the salmon used in our salmon meal farm raised or wild?

It is wild and sourced from the Pacific Ocean.

Is there ethoxyquin in Organix?

No.

What are the sources of the Omega 6/Omega 3 Fatty Acids?

Salmon, herring meal, soybean and flax. Omega 6/Omega 3 ratios are;

Canine Adult 7:1 Puppy 6:1 Feline 4:1

Are any of the ingredients in Organix genetically modified?

No, there are no GMO’s.

What is ash?

Ash is the mineral portion of cat food. The dietary ash content is not related to FLUTD. Initially it was thought that there was a relationship between the ash level and FLUTD because the plug that caused the urinary blockage contained minerals. Since ash is an indication of a diet's mineral content, it was theorized that the higher the ash content, the more likely it was to cause FLUTD. This was logical and simple and gained widespread acceptance. However, research has since shown that the cause of the condition is far more complex and that the ash content is not indicative of the potential to cause FLUTD.

What is the carbohydrate level?

Approximately 42% in Organix Canine Formula, 37% in Organix Puppy Formula, and 33% in Organix Feline Formula. The carbohydrates in Organix provide an additional source of energy and some dietary bulk. Fat is the primary source of energy but too much fat in a diet can lead to obesity. Small, firm stools indicate a balanced diet including an optimal amount of carbohydrates.

What is dicalcium phosphate?

It is a common source of calcium and phosphorous that is used to supplement these two important minerals in a pet’s diet. It is commonly found in natural and holistic diets and can also be purchased in powder form as a supplement. It is used in Organix instead of, for example, bone meal which is a lower quality source often found in lesser quality foods.

What are the nutritional benefits associated with organic peas?

Organic peas are a quality carbohydrate source and a good source of protein.

What are the nutritional benefits associated with organic barley and organic brown rice?

Both are quality carbohydrate sources. Because organic barley is not a common ingredient in pet food, it also reduces the risk of allergies. The organic brown rice used in Organix is partially de-hulled resulting in a good source of fiber and additional source of B vitamins.

Are all of the essential amino acids represented?

Yes and all exceed AAFCO’s minimum requirements for adult maintenance diets. No supplementation is needed.

 

ORGANIX® ADULT CANINE FORMULA

Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Organic Peas, Organic Barley, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Oats, Chicken Fat preserved with Mixed Tochopherols (form of Vitamin E), Salmon Meal, Organic Whole Flaxseed, Natural Chicken Liver Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Whole Egg, Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Choline Chloride, Organic Carrots, Organic Apples, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Phosphate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Yeast Culture (Sacccharomyces Cerevisiae), Dried Enterococcus Faecum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longbrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract and Fermentation Solubles, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate.

ORGANIX® PUPPY FORMULA

Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Organic Peas, Organic Extruded Soybean Seeds, Organic Barley, Organic Brown Rice, Chicken Fat preserved with mixed Tochopherols (form of Vitamin E), Dicalcium Phosphate, Natural Chicken Liver Flavor, Salmon Meal, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Dried Whole Egg, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Calcium Iodate], Choline Chloride, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Phosphate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamin Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Yeast Culture (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae), Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentatiion Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract and Fermentation Solubles, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate.

ORGANIX® FELINE FORMULA

Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Herring Meal, Organic Peas, Organic Soybean Meal, Organic Barley, Organic Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tochopherols, Rosemary and Citric Acid), Organic Extruded Soybean Seeds, Natural Liver Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Salmon Meal, Salt, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid+, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamin Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K)*, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Biotin, Dried Fermentation Products of Saccharomyces Cerevisia, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Aspergillus Niger, Enterococcus Faecum, Trichoderma Longbrachiatum, and Bacillus Subtilis (sources of direct fed microbials and digestive enzymes). *Being removed with revised formula.

ORGANIX® ORGANIC CANNED CANINE & FELINE FORMULAS

Certified organic by Oregon Tilth and made with 95% certified organic ingredients including Organic Turkey, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Chicken, Organic Potatoes, Organic Carrots, Organic Apples and Organic Flaxseed, Organix Organic Canned Formulas are exceptionally tasty and healthy.

Many of the FAQ's on the Organix dry formulas also apply to the Organix canned formula but here are some unique questions and answers that pertain to our wet diets only.

What is the remaining 5%?

The vitamins, broth, and minerals are not available in an organic form. However, as part of the organic certification process, ALL ingredients and the sources of these ingredients must be submitted to the certifying agency for review and approval.

How many calories are in the Organix Organic canned formulas?

Organix Organic Adult Canine Canned Formula contains 178 calories per 5.5 oz can and 410 calories per 12.7 oz can. Organix Organic Adult Feline Turkey & Chicken Formula contains 190 calories per 5.5 oz can. Organix Organic Adult Feline Organic Turkey with Salmon Formula contains 179 calories per 5.5 oz can.

How often should I feed canned foods?

This is largely a matter of personal preference although many cat owners like to include canned food as part of their favorite feline's feeding regimen due to high moisture (water) content. This is particularly true for cats prone to urinary tract problems and FLUTD. Many dog and cat owners mix canned foods with dry kibble; others offer canned foods as a "treat" at mealtime, and then others prefer to maintain a dry diet only.

Organix Organic Adult Feline Canned Formula - Turkey, Chicken & Brown Rice Formula

Ingredients: Organic Turkey, Chicken Broth, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Guar Gum, Organic Rice Protein Concentrate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Calcium Sulfate, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E, A, D3, B12 Supplements, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyroxidine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Taurine.

Organix Organic Adult Feline Canned Formula - Organic Turkey & Organic Chicken with Seafood Formula

Ingredients: Organic Turkey, Salmon Broth, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Chicken, Shrimp, Organic Guar Gum, Calcium Sulfate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Sea Salt, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E, A, D3, B12 Supplements, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyroxidine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Taurine.

Organix Organic Adult Canine Canned Formula - Organic Turkey, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Chicken with Organic Vegetables Formula

Ingredients: Organic Turkey, Chicken Broth, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Potatoes, Organic Carrots, Organic Apples, Organic Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Sea Salt, Potassium Chloride, Organic Garlic, Vitamins (Vitamin E, A, B12, D3 Supplements, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride.