When it comes to feeding and caring for your pet, you want to provide them with the best products possible for their health and wellbeing. More pet owners are looking into organic and natural options when shopping for pet food, treats, and other supplies. But is spending more on organic pet products really better for your furry friend? Here's an overview of some of the potential benefits of going organic for your pet's diet and products.
Organic Pet Food
Organic pet foods must meet certain standards set by the USDA to earn the organic label. This means the main ingredients, like meat, grains, and vegetables, must be grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Organic farms also cannot use genetically modified organisms (GMOs), antibiotics, or growth hormones. Going organic eliminates these potential toxins and chemicals from your pet's diet.
Studies on the long-term health impacts of pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs are still ongoing. But some research does suggest a link between these conventional farming practices and certain diseases or cancers. Feeding your pet an organic diet may reduce their exposure to these risks.
Organic ingredients also tend to be more natural, less processed, and free of artificial preservatives. This could benefit your pet's digestion and overall health. Organic pet foods cannot contain any artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners either.
Downsides of organic pet food include a higher price tag and shorter shelf life. But many pet owners feel the potential upsides for their pet's health outweigh the cost.
Organic Grooming Products
From shampoos to dental care, more natural and organic pet grooming products are now available too. Conventional grooming products may contain chemicals, irritants, or toxins that could be harmful, especially if licked or ingested by your pet.
For example, many mass-market pet shampoos contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, as a preservative. Organic options avoid questionable ingredients like these. Organic grooming products also skip artificial fragrances and dyes. These chemicals serve no health benefit for your pet and could trigger allergies or skin issues in sensitive animals.
Organic grooming products use plant-based, natural ingredients like essential oils, aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter instead. These natural ingredients clean, condition, and nourish your pet's skin and coat. Though pricier, organic shampoos, sprays, and other products are gentler for your pet while avoiding potentially toxic chemicals.
Household Cleaning Products
You want to keep your home clean and safe for both your family and pets. But conventional household cleaners often contain powerful chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, phthalates, and formaldehyde. Constant exposure to residues from these cleaners could irritate your pet's respiratory system, skin, eyes, or digestive tract.
To reduce this risk, green cleaning brands offer organic, non-toxic formulas. Organic cleaning products are biodegradable and free of caustic chemicals, dyes, and artificial fragrances. Instead, they utilize plant-based ingredients and natural compounds to effectively clean your home without harming your pets.
While pricier than conventional cleaners, organic options greatly benefit your pets' health by reducing their contact with toxic chemicals. And safer cleaning products are healthier for kids and families too.
The Takeaway
While costlier, switching to organic pet foods, grooming supplies, and household cleaners better protects your furry family member's health. Organic options reduce your pet's exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, toxins, irritants, and ingredients of concern like GMOs. Purchasing USDA certified organic products gives you peace of mind that you are providing your pet with pure, natural care. Going organic does require spending more time reading labels and researching products. But ultimately, organic choices are an investment in your pet's long-term well being.