Top 5 best organic dog food brands

Making an educated decision about the type of dog food to feed your pet is very important. With literally hundreds of different dog food brands on the market, it can get confusing which one is best for dogs. And even though there’s no single brand of pet food that’s ideal for any dog, it’s generally agreed upon that best organic dog food brands will offer highest quality nutrition, according to USDA.

Unfortunately, commercial pet food market is still lacking in strict regulations. Many popular dog food brands use artificial ingredients, fillers, chemicals and artificial colors and preservatives in their products, which may be harmful to dogs.

Over time, these ingredients can have a negative impact on your pet’s health. Plenty of canine diseases are linked directly to dog food. That’s because many ingredients in dog foods have little to no nutritional value and won’t give your pet the nutrients his body needs to grow and develop.

Pet food labeling requirements and regulations are getting better (stricter) every year, which is good. However, even with the involvement of FDA, USDA, ASPCA and AAFCO, there’s still a lot of confusion among pet owners, according to Harvard studies.

So how is organic dog food defined today?

“This refers to the way ingredients are grown, harvested, and processed. The USDA has yet to define “organic” as it applies to pet foods. In the interim, pet foods meeting the human standard may display the organic seal.” – Veterinary Medical Center at OSU

This means that even though something is labeled “organic,” you still need to be careful about reviewing that specific dog food brand’s ingredients, and doing your due diligence on how the company operates. For example, The Honest Kitchen (reviewed here) has been named one of the most “compliant” manufacturers in that regard, according to Forbes.

* Click on the dog food brand for more info and prices. Alternatively, scroll down below to read our overview.

Choosing the right type of pet food for a dog isn’t easy, even when picking among the best organic dog food brands. Careful research, selection and skepticism are essential.

Using dog food ratings websites can help in choosing your Fido’s next meal. However, the best thing to do is speak with a canine nutritionist or your veterinarian before you choose. Your vet will help in selecting proper balance of nutrients for your specific dog. Depending on your pup’s age, weight and health condition, his individual needs will vary.

When you’re in a complete unknown, “going organic” will usually be a safer bet in general. These best organic dog food brands listed below offer selections for puppies, adult dogs and pets with special needs (like dog food allergies, sensitive stomachs or pets prone to obesity). You should be able to find a formula that will work for your canine among these.

Top 5 Best Organic Dog Food Brands

1Castor & Pollux Organix Adult Dry Dog Food

Real organic chicken is the number one ingredient in this natural dry dog food, and it is made with high-quality ingredients that pet owners can feel good about serving to their dog(s). Ingredients include organic quinoa, organic flaxseed, and a wide array of organic fruits and vegetables. Castor & Pollux is made in the USA and guarantees only the highest quality ingredients. It is certified under the USDA’s National Organic Program.

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The company recommends slowly transitioning your pet to this food by adding it to his regular food in increasing amounts over the course of three or four weeks to keep digestive issues at bay. If you have a dog with any sensitivities or allergies, this should prove to be one of the best organic dog food brands, as customers mention it has aided in healing both skin and digestive issues in almost no time.

Dogs have more energy, seem healthier, and look great with a shinier coat after only days on Castor & Pollux Organix Adult Dry Dog Food. Most dogs love the taste of this food. Pet owners love that there are no fillers or questionable ingredients.

The original family company has sold out to a larger public company, which raises concern for some pet owners regarding the quality of the ingredients. The product may have changed as a result of this sale. Some dogs do not like this food, but they are few and far between.

Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full review): “…Are they still good foods in my opinion? Yes, but not for everyone! After months I’d rather forget, Castor and Pollux was honestly one of the best discoveries of my life! I HIGHLY recommend it to people with dogs sensitive to very rich / high protein foods, as it seems to be less so…”

2Castor & Pollux Organix Adult Canine Formula

This canned dog food is a great option for pets that need soft, organic food. Castor & Pollux makes some of the most nutritious pet food available on the market. The ingredients have no chemicals, artificial preservatives, or added growth hormones. This formula includes a combination of turkey, carrots, and potatoes. It includes vitamins and minerals essential to your pet’s health.

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This is one of the best organic dog food brands as it is made in the USA and is USDA Certified Organic. Pet owners can feel good about feeding this to their beloved dog(s). Most dogs (including even the pickiest eaters) love this food and lick their bowl clean every day, even when they would hardly eat anything before!

Consumers say this food smells much more pleasant than many wet dog foods.. It comes with an easy-to-open pop tab, which is convenient whether at home or traveling. Pet owners are extremely happy with Castor & Pollux Organix Adult Canine Formula, as they can feed their pets worry-free and know they are getting top-of-the-line nutrition and quality ingredients.

Very few dogs do not like this food! Some customers note that this is a puree, rather than the chunky canned food they are used to feeding their pet(s). There aren’t many negative things to say about this product, as customers seem to be extremely happy with this canned dog food.

Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full review): “We used to have two pomeranians – Autumn and Teddie. Ever since we lost Teddie last summer, Autumn became very depressed and wouldn’t eat. We tried so many different brands including home-cooked, he would only ate a couple times and wouldn’t touch it anymore. He lost so much weight and got us so worried. But that all changed when we found Organix and that’s the only brand Autumn will eat…”

3Pet Guard Vegetarian Dry Dog Food

Being USDA Certified Organic, vegetarian, and free of byproducts, chemicals, fillers, wheat, corn, and soy are just some of the reasons that Pet Guard is one of the best organic dog food brands. It provides omega 3 and 6 (helps with a healthy, shiny coat), wholesome organic grains, and multiple organic fruits and veggies for your pet.

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This food has no antibiotics, added growth hormones, or harmful pesticides. Although it is a vegetarian mix, protein is not sacrificed, thanks to the leading ingredient – quinoa.

Vegetarian dog food options are less than common, so this food is ranked highly among those who want their animals to live a cruelty-free lifestyle along with them! Pet Guard Vegetarian Dry Dog Food promotes a nice, shiny coat and great overall health, and pet owners can attest to both! Dogs seem to love the flavor, and pet owners love that they can quit making homemade dog food.

This dog food is aimed toward a very specific population, and that group of pet owners is extremely happy with all it has to offer. Negative reviews or even comments are almost impossible to find, proving that this dog food delivers!

Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full review): “I feed my dogs organic and vegetarian now — mostly homemade. I add about 2/3 cup of this kibble to their homemade ration daily just so they will be used to it if I’m ever not able to cook for them. They prefer the homemade, of course, but eat every bite of this as well. I chose this kibble because I’m committed to avoiding GMOs and because it is organic. I like having it delivered, too…”

4Newman’s Own Organics Chicken Grain-Free Food for Dogs

This dog food is grain-free and USDA certified organic, and it has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This food from Newman’s Own provides energy and helps dogs to maintain their ideal body weight. Formulated to meet the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profiles, pet owners can feel good knowing that their pet(s) is getting the best and most nutritious ingredients.

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Beef is the most popular flavor, but it is also available in beef and liver, chicken, chicken and liver, turkey, turkey and liver and liver. Dogs love this food, and even the pickiest of dogs will lick their bowl clean.

This is a great option for dogs that have digestive issues, as Newman’s Own Organics Chicken Grain-Free Food for Dogs is very easy to digest. It does not include fillers or other ingredients that are rough on their digestive tracts. Many customers choose to mix this with dry kibble to add nutrition and give their dog a more enjoyable dinner.

Some dogs get looser stools when using this food. Per company advice, pet owners should slowly integrate it into their dog’s diet, rather than making the switch to one of the best organic dog food brands all at once. Buyers also mention that this dog food may smell stronger and less appealing than most organic dog foods they have tried.

Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full review): “140 pound Alaskan Malamutes are not supposed to be finicky eaters. Yeah, right. Tell that to my boy, Havok! During the day, he is a rough, tough powerful wolf-like beast that fears nothing! But, come lunch and dinner time, the most pampered poodle is more wolf-like than he is. He shudders at Alpo, is repulsed by Purina and Pedigree gives him nightmares…”

5TruDog Real Meat Organic Dog Food

Just add water to this freeze dried dog “superfood” from TruDog for a real, fresh dinner for your pup! This food does not contain grains, gluten, chemical additives, or fillers, and is 99% real meat, vital organs, and meaty bone. It is all natural, and the company claims that you can see a difference in your pet in mere weeks.

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TruDog does suggest taking at least a week to slowly transition your dog to a raw diet if he is not used to it. TruDog guarantees 100% satisfaction.

Even finicky eaters tend to love TruDog Real Meat Organic Dog Food, and pet owners love knowing they are feeding their dogs such a high quality product. Customers who had previously made their dog food from scratch are able to feed their pet the same nutritious ingredients without all the hassle.

Although customers believe the price may be warranted, it is hard to justify spending quite this much on dog food, no matter the quality! If price was no issue, most reviewers said they would love to feed this product to their dog(s) full-time. Of course, there is the occasional dog who does not like this dog food, but most pet owners would agree that it is definitely worth a try.

Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full review): “New for us dog food. We have a finicky eater and have found that he only like freeze dried raw dog food. We are always looking for new brands to add to the rotation because he seems to be happier with a variety. We do not mix with water because he likes the crunchy texture and will not eat it if it softens up at all…”

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