What does Organic Really Mean?
Eating organic food is more popular than ever as people perceive it to be healthier than conventional foods. People want it for themselves and, more increasingly, for their pets. Only foods with the USDA-certified approval seal can be considered truly organic.
Organic Meat
To be labeled as organic meat, USDA regulations require that
- animals are raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture)
- are fed 100% organic feed and forage
- are not administered antibiotics or hormones.
In a nutshell, organic meat means
- no antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, or GMOs
- the health and natural behavior of animals are prioritized
- all livestock feed must be 100% organically produced
- cows are pasture-raised and grazed throughout the grazing season
- organic meat farmers use holistic, preventive health care practices
Organic Produce
Produce can be labeled organic if it’s “certified to have grown on soil with no prohibited substances applied for three years before harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.”
Organic farming practices include using compost, manure, and crop rotation to keep the soil healthy. It’s also essential to keep proper records, as they will be inspected when reviewing the farm/facility’s cleaning and pest control methods, transportation, and storage.
On the flip side, many small to medium size farms employ organic methods in their farming practices but don’t undergo the certification process. There are several reasons for this, including:
- certification isn’t cheap, costing up to $1000 per year – not practical for farms that typically have thin margins
- the rules can be vague
- the required paperwork is extensive.
Many consumers also believe that organic foods are produced without pesticides. This isn’t true. Organic producers do use pesticides, just different ones than conventional producers. In our opinion, buying locally grown and raised foods, especially from small family farms, is better than caring whether something in the grocery store has a certified organic label. You know where the food comes from, and you know it’s fresh because it hasn’t traveled across the country to get to your grocery store. Plus, you’re supporting your local community.
Organic Food for Pets?
Buying organic foods for pets is on the rise because people perceive it to be fresher, of higher quality, and more nutritious (which may or may not be the case). They want that perceived quality for their pets as they buy for themselves. Recent statistics show that 47% of shoppers sometimes buy organic.
However, there are no regulations specifically for organic pet foods. They must meet the USDA guidelines for organic human foods. Pet foods can be labeled as certified organic if they contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients. They can also be labeled as “made with organic ingredients” if 70% or more of their ingredients are organic.
Buying organic is significantly more expensive than conventional food, making it unaffordable for many people. Organic pet food may cost double what high-quality non-organic brands cost. There’s little evidence that eating organic results in any human health benefits. There’s no evidence when it comes to pets. So, when considering what to feed your pets, our advice is to educate yourself about dog food ingredients and look for the best food options your budget allows.