Here's how to know what's actually all-natural for your dog.
If you're a health-conscious dog parent (aren't all of us?), you've no doubt seen plenty of products labeled "all-natural" both for you and for your dog. But what does "all-natural" really mean? If you're wondering if those words ensure quality, safety, and clean nutrition and aren't just clever packaging, you are not alone.
The term "all-natural" has become increasingly popular in the food industry, including pet food, with no widely followed, formal definition. Some companies still use synthetic substances or high fructose corn syrup, for example, in their products while labeling them as natural.
So how can you make informed decisions and be sure to choose healthful, natural products for your dog?
Let's talk about what you need to know, why it matters, and how to read labels and make the honestly best choices for your pup.
The technical definition of all-natural
The term "all-natural" has become a buzzword to reach all of us who prioritize health and wellness, not just for ourselves but also for our dogs. It implies products that are made from wholesome ingredients that occur in nature (aka naturally), free from artificial additives and added color, and are minimally processed and non-GMO. While "all-natural" sounds appealing, the meaning of the term isn’t as simple as it might seem.
Understanding the nuances behind "all-natural" is key in making healthier, informed choices, especially when it comes to your dog's diet.
Here’s the tricky part: there’s no strict legal definition of "all-natural" when it comes to most products. Regulatory bodies like the USDA and FDA only provide limited guidance, which can lead to inconsistencies, and often, misleading marketing and label claims for food products.
- For human product guidelines: The FDA allows the term "natural" on food labels provided that no synthetic or artificial substances are added. But that doesn't strictly mean you'll find ingredients produced in minimally processed ways or completely free from pesticides.
- For pet product guidelines: When it comes specifically to pet food, treats, and chews, there are even fewer regulations. While organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) offer some guidelines, they are not strictly enforced. This opens the door for brands to use "all-natural" loosely, often leaving dog parents confused or misled.
The absence of a concrete definition means the important thing is to look past marketing claims and focus on the ingredient list and sourcing
Perception vs. reality of "all natural" foods
When most people see "all-natural" on a package, they usually associate it with healthy, high-quality products. But that's not always the reality.
- What people tend to believe: Many people assume "all-natural" means minimal processing, free from harmful chemicals, preservatives, additives, and artificial ingredients.
- The reality: Without being strictly regulated, "all-natural" can mean different things depending on the brand. For instance, a product could use "all-natural" to describe ingredients but still include minimally processed additives like citric acid or natural flavoring.
This discrepancy underscores the importance of scrutinizing labels and brand claims to know exactly what you’re getting and that it's a truly high-quality product.
What's the health benefit of all-natural dog treats, chews, and food?
The overarching benefit is helping your dog live well and happy from the inside out. A few of the many benefits in the short and the long term:
- Healthier for your dog: Wholesome, natural ingredients reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and fillers.
- Nutritious ingredients: A stronger reliance on whole foods ensures better nutrition with key vitamins and other nutrients built in naturally to fortify your dog.
- Fewer additives: No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives to trigger inflammation, allergies, and disease.
- Fewer allergens: Many all-natural options are free from common allergens like soy, wheat, or certainly, artificial additives that can weaken the immune system and trigger inflammation and allergic reactions.
- Digestive health: Many dogs digest all-natural products better because they're free of unnecessary fillers and other additives that interfere with a healthy gut.
- Clearer ingredient transparency: Brands that genuinely prioritize all-natural products often specifically ensure transparency in labeling and sourcing.
- Transparency: Quality brands often provide third-party validation or input along with sourcing details, giving you peace of mind. For example, when it comes to meat or poultry labeling terms for natural food production, you're likely to see air-dried, slow-dried, or freeze-dried raw as gentle, clean processes used vs. added preservatives or high-heat processing.
What to look for in all-natural products for your pup
- High-quality proteins: Be sure a named protein source (like chicken or salmon or beef) is the first ingredient.
- Whole grains or grain-free: Depending on your dog's dietary needs when it comes to grains, opt for whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, or a grain-free alternative.
- No fillers and additives: Watch for avoidable ingredients like corn syrup, artificial colors, or "byproducts" (particularly in meat products which often use byproducts in dog food).
- Sustainability: Natural products that emphasize sustainable, careful sourcing reflect a commitment to ethical practices that result in cleaner, higher-quality for your pup.
Tips for reading dog treat/chew/food labels to get the real thing
Since companies may take liberties with the term "all-natural," it’s essential to shop wisely. Here are some tips for identifying truly natural products for your dog:
- First and foremost, check the ingredient list! Look for whole foods you recognize and avoid complicated chemical names.
- Research the brand. Look for transparency on a company's sourcing practices and ingredient quality to understand its definition of "natural" and more specifically "all-natural."
- Be wary of buzzwords: Terms like "premium" or "all-natural" can be meaningless without evidence. Look at ingredients and process or manufacturing methods carefully for factual backup.
Mighty Paw makes it easy for you to be all-natural
We like to make it simple for you to choose all-natural for your dog's beloved chews and treats by doing the work on our end so you don't have to. We start by sourcing our all-natural products with single or very limited ingredients. Every ingredient is one you can recognize and pronounce -- and your dog loves.
Here are just 7 of our all-natural favorites:
All-Natural Bully Sticks - single ingredient, 100% grass-fed beef
All-Natural Yak Cheese Chews - only 3 ingredients: yak/cow milk plus a very small amount of lime juice and salt to harden the cheese into a long-lasting chew
All-Natural Bark'n Butter - single ingredient, 100% peanuts
All-Natural Beef Gullet Jerky - single ingredient, 100% beef esophagus
All-Natural Chicken Jerky - single ingredient, 100% cage-free, grass-fed chicken
All-Natural Chicken Feet Chews - single ingredient, 100% cage-free chicken feet
All-Natural Cow Knee Cap Chews - single ingredient, 100% grass-fed beef
By scrutinizing labels, researching brands, and understanding the term's limitations --- or going with a sure thing like Mighty Paw, you can make more confident, healthier choices for your dog.
Here's to only what's transparently good for your dog!
We're dog people, here to do what we can to help our dogs and yours live a happy, healthy life. And to make it easier and more transparent for you in the process.
That's why we're constantly working to bring you products and information to take the mystery out of keeping your pup happy and well every day at any age. And to make it all safer and more joyful for your pup and you while you're at it.
We're committed to creating high-quality products that are safe, healthful, and practical for everything you need for your dog, from clean, calming chews to dog-healthy peanut butter to durable, comfortable equipment for your favorite times together.
