Cat food that complies with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) qualifies as organic.
This implies that its ingredients come from sources free from synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms.
Organic cat food might bring certain health advantages to your cat, such as a lower likelihood of allergies, digestive issues, or chronic diseases.
Yet, it doesn’t necessarily excel over natural cat food.
According to AAFCO, natural cat food, free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, can also offer a balanced and nutritious diet if it comprises essential nutrients in quantities that match or surpass recommended amounts.
Comparatively, organic cat food tends to be pricier than its natural or conventional counterparts, subject to the brand and ingredient quality.
Some cat owners may see this extra expenditure as a justified investment for the assurance of their cat’s healthy nutrition.
Others might opt for the economical alternative, selecting a natural or conventional cat food that fulfills their cat’s requirements.
In the end, the optimal cat food aligns with your cat’s tastes, lifestyle, and budget.
What are the benefits of feeding my cat organic food?
Feeding your cat organic food offers several potential benefits, including:
- Enhanced nutrition: Organic food utilizes superior ingredients compared to conventional food, resulting in a higher likelihood of providing balanced and complete nutrition.
- Lower allergy risk: Organic food cultivation and processing avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals, thereby decreasing the likelihood of allergic reactions in cats.
- Improved gut health: Organic food is more easily digested than conventional food, promoting better gut health and reducing the chances of digestive issues.
- Healthier skin and coat: Organic food contains elevated levels of antioxidants and other nutrients, contributing to the improved well-being of your cat’s skin and coat.
- Reduced environmental impact: Organic farming practices conserve water and soil while minimizing pollution.
What are the drawbacks of feeding my cat organic food?
Here are some of the drawbacks of feeding your cat organic food:
- Cost: Organic cat food is typically more expensive than conventional cat food.
- Availability: Organic cat food may not be as widely available as conventional cat food.
- Nutritional adequacy: Some organic cat foods may not be nutritionally adequate for your cat. It is important to read the label carefully and talk to your veterinarian to make sure that the food you choose is right for your cat.
- Taste: Some cats may not like the taste of organic cat food. If your cat does not like the taste of the food, they may not eat it, which could lead to malnutrition.
- Digestive upset: Some cats may experience digestive upset when they switch to organic cat food. This is usually temporary and will go away once their digestive system adjusts to the new food.
Is organic cat food better for the environment?
Pet food contributes to nearly 25% of the overall environmental impact caused by food production.
A recent study revealed that wet diets have the greatest environmental impact, while dry diets have the least.
Additionally, the study identified a positive correlation between the environmental impact and the metabolizable energy derived from animal ingredients.
Consequently, the assumption that organic cat food is better for the environment is not necessarily accurate, particularly if it contains a significant amount of animal ingredients or is in wet form.
Nevertheless, certain pet food companies assert the utilization of by-products, which are typically unused parts of animals like organs, as a more sustainable and healthier option for pets.
Some companies also offer raw, natural, or grain-free recipes that may potentially have lower environmental impacts.
What are some of the best organic cat foods on the market?
- Castor & Pollux Cat Organix Shredded Chicken
- Purina Beyond Organic Natural Wet Cat Food
- Tender & True Organic Dry Cat Food
- Evanger’s Organics Canned Cat Food
