Dante Carrillo
The term holistic is used in the pet food industry to market dog food products that are purportedly nutritious and beneficial to a dog's overall health and wellness. However, it is important to note that there is no standard or legal definition for holistic dog food, and it is not regulated by the FDA, AAFCO, or the USDA. This means that pet food companies can use any ingredients they choose and claim that the food is holistic without adhering to specific guidelines. Nevertheless, some dog owners prefer to feed their dogs a holistic diet, which typically involves providing whole food nutrition and less-processed options with higher-quality ingredients. This may include a raw and natural diet, homemade meals, or commercial foods with specific additives or ingredients like probiotics, vitamins, minerals, or supplements.
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What You'll Learn
There is no standard definition of a holistic dog food diet
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. She describes it as "more of a movement towards a less-processed diet with higher-quality ingredients."
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets quality standards for animal feed and pet food, adding a label to products deemed "complete and balanced" nutrition for animals. However, while they have definitions for words like "natural" when used in pet food, they do not define "holistic."
The lack of a standard definition for holistic dog food means that pet owners should be cautious when choosing such foods for their dogs. It is important to do your research and talk to your veterinarian to find the best food to fit your dog's individual lifestyle and nutritional needs. Reading ingredient labels, researching the company and brand, and consulting with a veterinarian are crucial steps to take before purchasing a holistic dog food brand.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to holistic dog nutrition, some common themes emerge. Many holistic veterinarians advocate for a raw, natural diet for dogs, believing that it provides the foundation for good health and a long life. This involves feeding dogs a variety of raw meaty bones, offal, fruits and vegetables, and different types of meat and protein. However, it is important to introduce new foods slowly and carefully to avoid digestive issues and ensure your dog can safely chew and digest certain foods, like bones.
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The benefits of a raw, natural diet
While there is no standard definition for "holistic" in the context of dog food, it is generally understood to refer to a less-processed diet with higher-quality ingredients that promote overall wellness in dogs. Some pet food brands that use the term "holistic" may include specific additives or ingredients such as probiotics, vitamins, minerals, or supplements to support joint and skin health.
A raw, natural diet for dogs can offer several potential benefits that contribute to their overall health and well-being. Firstly, proponents of raw diets claim that they are more beneficial than processed foods, reducing the risk of consuming GMOs, 3D and 4D meats, and other potentially harmful substances. Raw diets typically include organ meats, muscle meat, bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fruits and vegetables, and dairy products like yogurt.
Feeding dogs a natural, real-ingredient diet can promote heart health, increase energy levels, improve dental health, and enhance their coat's shine. It can also positively impact a dog's breath and stool, as well as improve their eyesight. Additionally, raw diets are higher in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and some flavonoids, which can have beneficial synergistic effects on health.
Some dog owners who have made the switch to a raw diet have reported that their dogs have healthier body conditions, higher energy levels, shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and improved bowel movements. They believe that their pets experience fewer health issues and have more energy. For example, Barbara Benjamin-Creel's dogs thrived on a raw diet, exhibiting increased energy and improved digestive health.
It is important to note that the decision to feed a raw, natural diet should be made with careful consideration and consultation with a veterinarian. While some dogs may thrive on raw diets, it may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those living with young children or immunocompromised individuals. Additionally, there are concerns about the bacterial risk associated with raw diets, and some veterinarians recommend cooking the food gently to mitigate this risk.
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How to transition to a holistic diet
The term "holistic" is not clearly defined in the pet food industry. Generally, it is used to refer to a less-processed diet with higher-quality ingredients. There is no standard for holistic dog food ingredients, and the term is not regulated by the FDA, AAFCO, or the USDA. This means that pet food companies can use any ingredients they choose and claim that the food is holistic.
When transitioning to a holistic diet, it is important to do so slowly to give your dog's gut time to adjust and prevent issues like diarrhea. Start by mixing 1/4 of the new diet with 3/4 of the old diet for 3-4 days, then switch to a half-and-half mix for another 3-4 days. After that, do 3/4 new and 1/4 old for another 3-4 days before finally switching to the new diet completely. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, take longer to transition. Adding a probiotic prior to the change can also be helpful.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all holistic diet for dogs. A holistic diet should be tailored to the individual needs of your dog. Before making any changes to your dog's diet, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your dog is getting the nutrition and diet they need. Some dogs may not do well on raw or limited-ingredient foods, and home-cooked diets require diligence to ensure that nutritional requirements are met.
A balanced natural diet for healthy adult dogs consists of around 45% raw meaty bones, 10% offal, 20% fruit and vegetables, and 25% meat and other proteins (such as eggs and fish). It is important to include some fat with the meat and to feed raw, chewable bones to provide calcium and trace minerals. Supervise your dog when feeding them bones to ensure they can chew them safely.
When preparing homemade dog food, it is recommended to use a mix of 1/3 lean protein, 1/3 long-acting carbs such as rice, and 1/3 vegetables. For dogs that need to lose weight or have allergy concerns, you can cut out the carbs and feed a mix of 1/2 lean protein and 1/2 green vegetables. A comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement is essential to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.
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The difference between natural and holistic dog food
The terms "natural" and "holistic" are often used in the pet food industry, but they are not interchangeable and have distinct meanings.
"Natural" dog food implies that the ingredients used are derived from nature and are not manufactured or caused by humans. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines natural products as "a feed or 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 or subjected to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic, except in amounts as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing practices." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have a legal definition for natural pet products, but it does require that all animal foods be safe to eat, produced under clean and sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labelled. AAFCO guidelines allow natural dog food products to include synthetic sources of essential amino acids, vitamins, or minerals, but these products must include a disclaimer statement, such as "Plus vitamins and minerals."
"Holistic" dog food, on the other hand, is a marketing term used to imply whole-body health. There is no universal or standard definition of what classifies a dog food as holistic, and it is not regulated by the FDA, AAFCO, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This means that pet food companies can use any ingredients they choose and make unfounded claims about the benefits of their products. However, the term "holistic" is generally defined as "characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease." In the context of pet food, this means that a holistic diet considers the dog's whole being, rather than focusing on individual factors.
When choosing a dog food, it is important to read the ingredient labels carefully and research the company and brand responsible for creating and manufacturing the food. It is also a good idea to talk to a veterinarian to find the best food to fit your dog's individual lifestyle and nutritional needs.
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How to create a balanced, homemade diet
The term "holistic" is not clearly defined in the pet food industry and is not regulated by the FDA, AAFCO, or the USDA. It is a marketing term used to imply whole-body health. There is no one right natural diet for dogs, but it is important to do your research before deciding on a diet for your dog. It is recommended to talk to a veterinarian to find the best food to fit your dog's individual lifestyle and nutritional requirements.
- Aim for a mix of lean protein, long-acting carbs such as rice, and vegetables. A general guideline is ⅓ of each component. For dogs who need to lose weight or have allergies, you can cut out the carbs and feed your dog a mix of ½ lean protein and ½ green vegetables.
- Include a variety of different meat and protein types, such as eggs, fish, and organ meat. Meat alone can lead to a mineral imbalance, so it is important to include offal and other protein sources.
- Feed your dog raw, soft bones that can be fully chewed, such as chicken, rabbit, or small fish bones. Bones deliver necessary calcium and trace minerals and should be introduced into the diet slowly and carefully while supervising your dog.
- Vegetables should be broken down to ensure they can be absorbed properly. They can be raw or lightly steamed or blanched, depending on your dog's preference.
- Add a comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure your dog's diet is nutritionally complete.
- If your dog has a serious medical condition, it is best to consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to develop a specific diet plan tailored to your dog's needs.
- When transitioning to a new diet, do it slowly to give your dog's gut time to adjust. Start with ¼ of the new diet and ¾ of the old diet for 3-4 days, then adjust the proportions gradually.
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Frequently asked questions
A holistic diet for dogs is generally characterised by the inclusion of ingredients that promote overall wellness in dogs. This may include probiotics, vitamins, minerals, or supplements that support joint and skin health. There is no standard definition, regulation, or oversight for the term "holistic" in the pet food industry, so it is important to carefully read ingredient labels and do your research before purchasing a holistic dog food brand.
A holistic diet can provide your dog with whole-body health and improve their overall wellness. It can also help eliminate the potential risk of GMOs and 3D and 4D meats that are commonly found in commercial dog food. Additionally, a holistic diet can give you more control over the ingredients in your dog's food, ensuring that they are of higher quality and less processed.
It is important to gradually transition your dog to a new diet to prevent issues like diarrhoea. Start by mixing 1/4 of the new diet with 3/4 of the old diet for 3-4 days, then adjust the proportions gradually until you reach an all-new diet. Adding a probiotic prior to the change can also be helpful. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your dog's diet to ensure that their nutritional needs are met.
