Choosing the right pet food for your pets can be very overwhelming! As pet owners, we want the best for our furry companions and that includes providing them with the highest quality nutrition. All-natural pet food has gained popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional commercial pet food. But what exactly does “all-natural” mean and why is it beneficial for your pet?

First it’s important to understand who decides what is what when it comes to pet food? That would be AAFCO(Association of American Feed Control Officials) which is a voluntary membership organization that sets nutritional standards for pet food and animal feed in the U.S. Its guidelines help ensure that pet foods meet basic nutritional requirements for different life stages (e.g., growth, maintenance, reproduction). However, AAFCO itself does not regulate, test, approve or certify pet food. Instead it provides model regulations that states can adopt and enforce. 

Here is AAFCO’s definition of natural: 

“A feed or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal, or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subjected to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification, extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis, or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subjected to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic, except in amounts as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing practices.” 

This means that while a pet food product can be labeled as “natural” if it meets these criteria, AAFCO does not regulate an overall category of “natural pet food.” Instead, companies must ensure their ingredients comply with this definition. In other words as with anything,  “BUYER BEWARE!”

Hope I haven’t lost you on this but I feel it’s super important to know the whole story in order to make an informed decision. 

A more natural diet can provide:

Better Digestion – Since all-natural pet food lacks artificial additives and fillers, pets are less likely to experience digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or upset stomachs.Improved Coat and Skin Health – Natural ingredients, including omega fatty acids from fish and flaxseed, contribute to shinier coats and healthier skin.

Increased Energy Levels – With nutrient-dense ingredients, pets receive optimal energy to stay active and playful.

Stronger Immune System – Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in natural food help support the immune system, reducing the risk of illnesses.

Weight Management – Many all-natural pet foods contain balanced nutrients without excess carbohydrates or unhealthy fillers, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Choosing the Right All-Natural Pet Food

When selecting an all-natural pet food, check the ingredient list carefully. Look for:

Real, identifiable proteins such as chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey as the primary ingredient. You don’t want to see these followed by the words “by-product”

Whole grains or grain-free options, depending on your pet’s dietary needs.

Natural preservatives like vitamin E (tocopherols) instead of synthetic preservatives like BHA or BHT. 

No artificial colors, flavors or chemicals- Kibble should be brown, if yours is colored that is done with food coloring. 

For the time being a cautious approach in choosing raw and freeze dried diets should be taken. We must remain vigilant about the risk of contamination from the avian flu virus. 

But as they say: this too shall pass. Keep in mind there are many options beyond kibble that should be considered. The aforementioned raw and freeze dried as well as gently cooked, dehydrated and canned. A fresh food diet or used as an addition to a kibble based diet can greatly impact your pets health. It’s full of moisture and closer to their ancestral diet. Just like us, the fresher less processed foods we eat the healthier we become. 

Switching to all-natural pet food and treats can be one of the best decisions for your pet’s overall well-being. By providing a diet rich in natural, wholesome ingredients, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys a longer, healthier, and happier life. Thriving not just surviving. 

By Toni Shelaske