Fueling Puppy Vitality The Benefits of Choosing Holistic Pet Food

What Is Holistic Dog Food?

Reviewed for accuracy on June24, 2019, by Dr. Natalie Stilwell, DVM

With pet ownership on the rise in the US, the pet industry is seeing an uptick in pet food sales across the board. According to the American Pet Products Association, American pet owners spent an estimated $30.32 billion on pet food in 2018, which represents a 4.3 percent increase over 2017 spending.

Pet owners are not just buying more kibblemany are seeking out healthier, premium-grade pet foods for their four-legged family members. This includes natural and holistic options.

But understanding what constitutes holistic dog food is a tricky matter. If youre considering trying a dog food thats labeled as holistic, heres what you should know about what that term means, how its different from natural dog food, and which ingredients you should look for.

What Does Holistic Mean on Dog Food Labels?

While you may be inclined to think that you can draw parallels between holistic medicine and holistic food, the reality is that the term holistic carries a different weight and meaning with each use.

Currently, within the pet industry, there is no universal or standard definition of what classifies a dog food as holistic, says Dr. Travis Arndt, director of the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America.

Sometimes, says Dr. Arndt, the words on dog food bags and containers are simply used as marketing tactics to entice consumers.

Knowing that pet parents want what is best for their dog, holistic gives them the impression that the food will be nutritious and balanced and will benefit the pets total health and wellness, Dr. Arndt says.

Dr. Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT, and owner of Boulder Holistic Vet, agrees that the term holistic is not clearly defined in the pet food industry. Holistic pet food is more of a movement towards a less-processed diet with higher-quality ingredients, she says.

Industry Standards for Pet Food Labels

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets quality standards for animal feed and pet food, adding a label to products that the organization deems complete and balanced nutrition for animals.

One of the things AAFCO does is establishes regulations for pet food and sets standards for nutrition, says Dr. Arndt. While they have definitions for words like natural or organic when it comes to pet food, they do not define holistic, he says.

Holistic Dog Food vs. Natural Dog Food

AAFCO defines natural dog food as:

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

That means a dog food using the term natural needs to be free from chemically synthesized ingredients, additives and preservatives.

A few examples of chemically synthesized ingredients that are not allowed in natural pet food include:

AAFCO makes an exception for synthetic vitamins and minerals, which can be included in natural pet foods. For these diets, the products label will indicate the diet is natural with added vitamins and minerals.

However, since the label holistic does not have a formal, regulated definition, dog foods labeled as holistic may contain some or all of the above ingredients.

While the terms [natural and holistic] are often used together, they typically arent used interchangeably, says Dr. Arndt. Because of the regulation and oversight, the term natural ensures that ingredients have come from natural sources. It carries more weight than the term holistic, since there is no regulation for those claims.

Holistic Dog Food Ingredients

Because any dog food brand can label their formulas as holistic, its up to pet parents to conduct more research into ingredients and read food labels carefully.

While there is no standard for holistic dog food ingredients, some pet food brands include specific additives or ingredients that are thought to promote overall wellness in dogs. These ingredients might be probiotics, vitamins or minerals, or supplements reported to help with certain conditions, like joint and skin health.

The current and past trend in holistic diets includes grain-free formulations that substitute legumes and potatoes for wheat, corn and soy, says Dr. Krause. Adding superfoods to formulations like fruits and greens is also a popular trend. Raw diets and air-baked kibbles are also largely popular.

But Dr. Arndt says that pet parents shouldnt assume that all ingredients in a holistic dog food are good or beneficial to their pets. Without a standard definition, pet food companies can use any ingredients they choose and claim that the food is holistic, he says.

Choosing the Best Holistic Dog Food

Pet parents can choose from a variety of holistic dog foods. Holistic foods come in the standard kibble and canned, but also come in raw preparations, Dr. Krause explains. Within the raw food category there are dehydrated, freeze-dried and raw patty or chub formulations.

Before you decide which holistic dog food brand is the best for your pup, make sure you do your research first. Here are three steps you can take prior to purchasing a holistic dog food:

1. Talk to Your Veterinarian

Dr. Arndt says that its important for dog owners to talk to their veterinarians to find the best food to fit their dogs individual lifestyles.

Some dogs dont do well on raw or limited-ingredient foods, and home-cooked diets require pet parents to be diligent about making sure nutritional requirements are met, he says. Working with your veterinarian is the best way to ensure your dog is getting the nutrition and diet he or she needs.

2. Do Your Research on Dog Food Brands

In addition to speaking with a veterinarian, pet parents should read the ingredient labels on holistic dog foods carefully. They should also research the company and the brand responsible for creating and manufacturing the food.

Dr. Krause recommends that pet owners consider the following three things when researching holistic dog food options:

• Recalls. What is the recall history of the brand? Some brands have had at least one recall due to incorrect labeling, ingredient contamination or another issue related to product quality or safety. Get the details if possible.

• Quality Control. Determine what type of quality controls the company has in place to test food quality. These tests can help ensure foods are correctly labeled and free of contaminants.

• Formulation. Ensure that the formulas are approved by a veterinary or animal nutritionist and meet AAFCO minimum requirements.

3. Make Sure There Is an AAFCO Label

Since there is no oversight of holistic dog foods, Dr. Arndt says that a label from AAFCO is important for ensuring a baseline of balanced nutrition.

AAFCO sets the minimum standards for pet food nutrition, so look for a statement that says the food provides complete and balanced nutrition, he says.

By: Deidre Grieves

Featured Image: iStock.com/AVAVA

10 Best Holistic Dog Foods 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

We all want top-notch nutrition for our dogs, which is why were always on the lookout for the healthiest and most highly-reviewed foods on the market. For this reason, in recent years, more and more dog parents are turning to foods with labels like all-natural or holistic.

The word holistic means to focus on the whole. In dog food terms, the label hints at the inclusion of high-quality ingredients that support overall health. That said, its important to note that the holistic label is not AAFCO-defined, so any brand can include it on its packaging without regulation.

If youre curious about holistic dog food brands, here are some bestselling formulas with many positive reviews.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Holistic Dog Foods

The Annamaet Original Extra Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Formula is our best overall holistic dog food pick. This vet-formulated, USA-made recipe contains omega-3 fatty acids in the form of marine microalgae, L-carnitine for lean muscle maintenance and cognitive function, DHA for brain development, prebiotics for digestive health, and chelated minerals for immunity.

This formula has garnered largely glowing customer reviews, with praise for its high quality and enjoyment factor, even for the pickiest of eaters. It also comes in a variety of bag sizes ranging from 5 pounds to 40 pounds, so it may be a good option for those who want to try it out without buying a huge bag the first time. On the downside, its a pretty pricey option.

• Formulated by vets and nutritionists
• Made in the USA
• Supports lean muscle mass, immunity, digestion, and brain health
• Contains marine microalgae as an omega-3 fatty acids source
• Sustainable packaging

2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Best Value

Though far from the cheapest dog food, Blue Buffalos Life Protection Formula is our best holistic dog food for the money pick because its a very popular and highly-reviewed product thats less expensive than some of its holistic competitors.

The Life Protection Formula is made with deboned chicken and supports bone and tooth health with calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins, joint health with glucosamine, and immune health with antioxidants and chelated minerals. It also contains a variety of vegetables and fruits, including sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries.

This product is very highly-reviewed overall, though one issue that has been mentioned is that some dogs pick out the LifeSource Bits that are included in the kibble.

• More affordable than some of its competitors
• A variety of bag sizes are available
• Supports joint, immune, bone, and tooth health
• Formulated to keep the skin and coat healthy
• The first ingredient is deboned chicken

• Some dogs may pick out the LifeSource Bits

3. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Premium Choice

Note on grain-free diets: Foods containing grain are beneficial for the majority of dogs, excluding those with allergies. Please check with your vet whether or not a grain-free diet would benefit your dog.

Note on legumes: Peas make up one of the main ingredients of this formula. Legumes as a main ingredient are currently under FDA investigation for potential heart disease concerns. No conclusions have yet been made, but its good to be aware of this.

If your pup isnt a fan of chicken and youre in need of an alternative, Earthborn Holistics Great Plains Feast recipe, which is chicken-free (but not egg-free), might be worth looking into. This recipe contains bison meal in addition to other protein sources like beef meal and pacific whiting meal. Its grain and gluten-free and supports weight control and muscle mass with L-carnitine.

In addition, it contains both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to help keep the skin and coat in good condition, and a variety of fruits and veggies including spinach, carrots, and apples. The large majority of reviews are very positive, and some customers have mentioned that it has been helpful for their dogs with sensitive stomachs or itchy skin. On the other hand, as mentioned, grain-free recipes might not benefit every dog.

• Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Supports healthy weight and muscles
• Might benefit dogs with sensitivities
• Suitable for dogs with grain allergies

• Peas are one of the primary ingredients

4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

If youd like to try the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula but have a little mouth to feed, good news: theres a version for puppies, too. The chicken and brown rice puppy formula contains calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins to maintain tooth and bone health, DHA for the eyes and brain, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

It also supports the immune system with antioxidants and chelated minerals, and the kibble is small enough for puppies to handle. Most user reviews attest to this formula being well-received by canine connoisseurs in development but, like the adult formula, some puppies might be picky about the LifeSource Bits.

• Supports bone, tooth, coat, and skin health
• DHA supports brain and visual development
• Smaller kibble size just for puppies
• Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
• A variety of bag sizes are available

• Picky puppies might leave out the LifeSource Bits

5. Annamaet Original 31% Senior Dry Dog Food

Our vets choice on this occasion is the Annamaet Original 31% Senior formula. Made with lamb meal, whitefish meal, and millet, this vet and nutritionist-formulated, USA-made recipe is formulated to maintain brain function in senior dogs with medium-chain triglycerides and aid in digestion with prebiotics, probiotics, and pumpkin.

Its also formulated with anti-inflammatory long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and to support the immune system. Though a pricey option, this recipe is very highly-reviewed, especially for its high protein levels.

• High in protein
• Supports aging dogs cognitive functions and immune systems
• Aids in digestion
• Contains anti-inflammatory ingredients
• Vet and nutritionist-formulated

6. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain-Free Sensitive Skin & Stomach

Note on grain-free diets: Foods containing grain are beneficial for the majority of dogs, excluding those with allergies. Please check with your vet whether or not a grain-free diet would benefit your dog.

Note on legumes: Peas make up one of the main ingredients of this formula. Legumes as a main ingredient are currently under FDA investigation for potential heart disease concerns. No conclusions have yet been made, but its good to be aware of this.

Another Earthborn formula for our listthis time, the Coastal Catch recipe for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. This fishy recipe contains a selection of superfoods, including blueberries, flaxseed, cranberries, and spinach to support digestion and Taurine for heart health. Its also free of grains and gluten, so its an option to consider if your dog is allergic to either of these.

The majority of customers are more than satisfied with this formula and have praised its high quality, and some say it has benefitted their sensitive dogs. As mentioned above, just be mindful of grain-free productsif your dog isnt allergic to grains, such a diet might not be right for them.

• An option for dogs with gluten and grain allergies
• Contains a range of superfoods
• Formulated for sensitive dogs
• Supports heart health, immunity, and digestion
• Supports lean muscle mass

• Not all dogs benefit from grain-free diets

7. Dr. Garys Best Breed Holistic Dog Nutrition Coldwater Recipe

Dr. Garys Best Breed coldwater recipe is a hypoallergenic formula that contains salmon and whitefish meal in addition to ancient grains and vegetables for an antioxidant boost. It also contains green mussels from New Zealand and glucosamine for joint support, and omega-3 and omega-6, which contribute to a healthy coat and skin.

According to several customers, this formula has been great for their sensitive dogs and has a high enjoyment factor. That said, its quite an expensive formula, but its quality seems to be greatly appreciated by the majority of customers.

• May benefit dogs with sensitive stomachs
• An alternative to chicken-based recipes
• Contains high-quality ingredients
• Supports joints, digestion, and immunity
• Made with digestible ingredients

8. Halo Holistic Wild-Caught Salmon & Whitefish Recipe

Halo Holistics Wild-Caught Salmon and Whitefish recipe is made in the USA and contains real salmon and whitefish as the primary ingredients. Its formulated with a special focus on digestive health and contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. It also helps maintain skin and coat condition and contains non-GMO ingredients.

An overwhelming number of reviews are positive in nature, and some users have said that they really appreciate the inclusion of real meats as the first ingredients. Theres no getting around the fact, however, that this is a very pricey option and only three bag sizes are available3.5 pounds, 10 pounds, and 21 pounds.

• Made with real salmon and whitefish
• Strong digestive health focus
• Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics
• Contains non-GMO ingredients
• Supports skin and coat health

9. Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Smoked Salmon with Ancient Grains & Superfoods

Earthborn Holistics Unrefined Smoked Salmon recipe contains ancient grains for fiber and 18 superfoods including blueberries, cranberries, kale, and broccoli for an antioxidant boost and improved digestion. Taurine is also added for heart health, and this recipe is worth considering if youre on the lookout for a chicken-free recipe (though it does contain dried eggs).

This is another Earthborn Holistic product with top reviews and, though there are recipes with other protein sources (rabbit, lamb, and turkey), this one seems to be the most popular. Like many of its competitors, though, it doesnt come cheap and only offers bag sizes up to 25 pounds.

• Contains 18 superfoods
• An alternative to chicken-based formulas
• Supports skin and coat health

• Expensive
• Large bag sizes only

10. Bench & Field Holistic Natural Canine Formula

This chicken-flavored recipe is full of vitamins and minerals in the form of quinoa, fruits, and veggies including pumpkin, cranberries, carrots, papaya, blueberries, and apples. It contains flaxseed, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, and antioxidants in the form of vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene.

This product has received mostly positive reviews. Some customers have said that they are impressed with its quality and ingredients. On the downside, the bag size options are limited to just 6.6 pounds and 12 pounds.

• Vitamin and antioxidant-rich
• Supports healthy skin and coat
• Contains various fruits and vegetables

Buyers Guide: Selecting the Best Holistic Dog Food

Figuring out what kind of food to buy your dog can feel stressful and overwhelming. How can you know exactly what ingredients your dog needs? Luckily, the process of choosing a high-quality food for your dog doesnt have to be complicated or frustrating. Here are a few things that you can do to make the shopping process easier on yourself:

Visit Your Veterinarian

The most important thing that you can do is visit your veterinarian to get blood tests for your pooch. These tests will show your vet exactly what nutrients are abundant and which are lacking in your dogs system, so you can figure out what ingredients should be in the food that they will be expected to eat long term. Your vet can also use the results that they get from tests and consider your dogs overall health condition to recommend a few high-quality dog foods for your furry family member.

Test Your Dogs Taste Buds

What kind of quality protein will your dog like the most? The only way to find out is to ask them. You can do this by feeding your dog a bite of beef (steak, ground, etc.), chicken, fish, and pork to find out which they prefer the most. If your dog seems to favor one particular protein, chances are that they will most enjoy a food that features that protein as the main ingredient.

If your dog doesnt seem to favor any protein over another, you can consider yourself lucky and make a choice based on your own interests. If you arent dealing with a picky dog, try something that features a mixture of proteins or that most resembles the diet that your family follows at home

Find Out What Others Think

Find out whether any of your friends or family members have had any experience with the holistic dog food that youre thinking about investing in. If they have, they can provide you with invaluable insight that will let you know what to expect if you were to feed the same food to your own dog.

Also, take the time to read customer reviews to get an idea of what your dog might think about a food youre considering. Ignore the shipping complaints and other issues that dont really have to do with the food, and focus on what folks have to say about the food itself. How do the dogs like the food, and how has their health been affected, if at all? The answers to these questions can help you easily determine which food would be the best fit for your pooch.

Conclusion

For the best overall holistic dog food, weve selected the Annamaet Original Extra chicken meal and brown rice formula, which has a clear focus on overall health and has garnered many top-notch reviews for its quality. Blue Buffalos bestselling Life Protection Formula, which is a bit more affordable than many of its competitors, takes the best holistic dog food for the money spot.

Our premium pick is the Earthborn Holistic Great Plains recipe, which is a grain-free formula high in protein. We picked the puppy version of Blue Buffalos Life Protection Formula for young pooches and, finally, our vets choice is the Annamaet Original 31% formula, which is specially made for senior dogs.

We understand how hard it can be to choose the perfect recipe for dogseach one has different needs and tastes. We hope these reviews have set you on the right path and, if in doubt, dont hesitate to speak to your vet.

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Featured Image Credit: Przemek Iciak. Shutterstock