Have you been wondering what organic actually means when listed on your pet food label? The past decade has seen a huge increase in the number of food products labeled organic. This trend includes many pet foods and treats.
The standards for organic pet food and treats are the same standards used for food produced for people! I was genuinely surprised to learn this and also pleased because one set of organic standards is easier to understand than two!
These standards are defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program. You will know that foods have been approved by the USDA as organic if you see the “USDA Organic” label pictured below. This label guarantees that the product contains 95% or more certified organic content.
What Does Organic Mean?
“Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.” – USDA National Organic Program; http://www.ams.usda.gov
The USDA National Organic Program regulates organic crops, livestock, and other agricultural products. Inspections of farmers, ranchers, distributors, processors, and traders are done frequently to help ensure that organic standards are being followed. I believe it is very positive that not only the sources of food (such as ranchers and farmers) are regulated, but the ‘middle-men’ also (such as the distributors, processors, and traders.)
There is definitely more to pet food than the organic label. An organic label doesn’t automatically mean that a brand of pet food is superior or healthy. Foods that aren’t certified organic can also be really healthy and high quality foods. It’s the same as with people food! You can label a potato chip organic, but it’s still a potato chip!
Remember, organic does not automatically equal healthy!