Why Holistic Puppy Food Reigns Supreme in Canine Nutrition

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

Purina Pro Plan, Hills Science Diet, & Blue Buffalo Who Reigns Supreme?

Welcome, pet parents! Today, were diving deep into the world of pet nutrition, comparing three titans in the pet food industry: Purina Pro Plan, Hills Science Diet, and Blue Buffalo. Whether youre a long-time pet owner or a new puppy or kitten enthusiast, selecting the right food can be puzzling.

Quick Key Takeaways:

1. Nutritional Value: All three brands offer balanced nutrition, but the ingredients vary greatly.
2. Specialized Formulas: Each brand provides options tailored for specific health needs and life stages.
3. Price Point: Hills Science Diet generally tends to be slightly more expensive, but prices can vary.
4. Availability: All brands are widely available both online and in stores.

Breaking It Down: The Furry Food Fight

To help you navigate through these options, lets compare these brands across several vital categories:

1. Ingredient Quality

• Purina Pro Plan: Often uses real meat as the first ingredient, incorporating wheat and corn in some formulas.
• Hills Science Diet: Leans heavily on science-backed, vet-recommended formulas with high-quality proteins.
• Blue Buffalo: Known for using real meat, whole grains, and no poultry by-product meals.

2. Special Dietary Formulas

• Purina Pro Plan: Offers specific formulas for digestive health, weight management, and sensitive skin.
• Hills Science Diet: Provides prescription diet options that are clinically proven for conditions like urinary issues and kidney health.
• Blue Buffalo: Features grain-free options and limited ingredient diets for dogs with allergies.

3. Price & Value for Money

• Purina Pro Plan: Generally offers a good balance between quality and cost.
• Hills Science Diet: Might pinch the pocket more but stands out in specialized veterinary diets.
• Blue Buffalo: Slightly pricier than Purina, often marketed as a premium option.

4. Customer Satisfaction & Trust

• Purina Pro Plan: Strong following, especially among breeders and competitive animal sports enthusiasts.
• Hills Science Diet: Trusted by veterinarians, especially for pets with specific health needs.
• Blue Buffalo: Popular for its natural ingredients and transparency in labeling.

Comparative Chart: Nutritional Showdown

Expert Insights & Tips

Veterinarian Input: Always consult your vet when switching your pets diet, especially for brands offering prescription-based formulas like Hills.

Allergies and Sensitivities: Blue Buffalos grain-free and limited ingredient options can be a boon for pets with allergies.

Cost vs. Nutrition: Sometimes, a higher price means specialized care. Evaluate whats crucial for your pets health and lifestyle.

Wrapping It Up: Tailored Choices for Tail-Wagging Pals

Choosing the right food for your furry friend depends on various factors including their health, age, and dietary needs. Purina Pro Plan, Hills Science Diet, and Blue Buffalo all offer unique benefits, and the best choice varies based on individual pet requirements. Heres a simple takeaway:

• Purina Pro Plan is great for overall nutrition and variety.
• Hills Science Diet excels in specialized health needs and veterinary backing.
• Blue Buffalo stands out for its commitment to natural ingredients and transparency.

Pet parents, its your turn now! Consider your pets specific needs, consult your vet, and may your pets bowl always be filled with nutritious and delicious choices!

Insights from the Experts

Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Veterinary Nutritionist

Q: What are some common misconceptions about pet food that you encounter in your practice?

Dr. Carter: One of the most prevalent myths I encounter is the idea that grain-free equates to healthier. Many pet owners jump on this trend without understanding that grains are not inherently harmful to most dogs and cats; they can be a valuable source of energy and nutrients. In fact, the shift to grain-free diets has led to concerns about heart health in pets due to potential deficiencies in certain amino acids like taurine, which are not as prevalent in grain-free options.

Q: How should pet owners go about choosing the right food for their pets?

Dr. Carter: Its critical to look beyond marketing and focus on the substantive content of whats in the pet food. Start with the AAFCO statement on the packaging to ensure the food meets the basic nutritional levels required for your pets specific life stage. Then, consider any health issues your pet may have, such as kidney disease or food sensitivities, and choose a diet that supports management of these conditions. Always involve your veterinarian in these decisionsthey can provide guidance tailored to your pets unique health profile.

Interview with Sarah Lin, Pet Nutrition Blogger

Q: With so many brands claiming to be the best, how can pet owners cut through the noise?

Sarah Lin: Transparency is key. Look for brands that are open about where their ingredients come from and how their foods are formulated. I recommend choosing companies that invest in nutritional research and food trials rather than those that simply market a good story. For example, brands that engage in feeding trials offer a deeper level of assurance that their diets are not only scientifically formulated but also practically proven to be beneficial for pets.

Q: What trends in pet food should owners be cautious about?

Sarah Lin: The customization of pet diets is becoming popular, with services offering to tailor diets to your pets DNA or gut microbiome. While personalized nutrition sounds promising, its in its infancy regarding pet food. The science behind some of these services isnt robust yet, so while its exciting to think about customizing your pets diet to such a specific level, its also important to stay grounded in proven nutrition principles.

Interview with Tom Briggs, Former Pet Food Industry Insider

Q: What should pet owners know about the pet food industry that isnt common knowledge?

Tom Briggs: Theres often a huge gap between whats perceived as high-quality and whats actually beneficial for your pet. Many pet food brands are owned by the same parent companies, sharing facilities and ingredient sources, yet they market their products very differently. This is why youll see such a variance in price and marketing between brands that may, in reality, offer similar quality.

Q: How important is the price factor when choosing pet food?

Tom Briggs: Price often reflects factors like ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and brand marketing more than nutritional value. While you dont need to buy the most expensive food, you shouldnt go for the cheapest option either. Middle-range priced foods often offer the best balance between quality ingredients and cost efficiency without the premium just for brand name recognition.

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