There appear to be two main players in the organic pet food arena - large companies, and the smaller businesses.
Large companies have marketing departments that tell them the word organic confers legitimacy, and in these uncertain times, a feeling of security about their products. They may well use legitimate organic ingredients, but more on this later.
The second group is made up of mostly well-meaning and concerned small businesses which, despite their good intentions, might still not be providing the proper diet for your cat. These businesses for the most part use good quality nutritious ingredients - but the ingredients themselves may not be right for your cat, at least according to highly respected authorities like Elizabeth M. Hodgkins D.V.M., author of "Your Cat: Simple New Secrets to a Longer, Stronger Life".
Why am I telling you this? It's because I've done a tremendous amount of research trying to feed my own cats properly and I'd like you to be able to make up your own mind about what many consider an 'alternative' viewpoint. But if you want the best for your cats, whether they're purebred Siamese or adorable street cats, you'll want to understand their nutritional needs - and those needs are filled by a meat diet, not with fruits or vegetables, no matter how organic.
Is organic cat food a con?
Since the well-publicized cat food recall of 2007, the pet food industry has put considerable effort into building consumer confidence. What better way to do that than to champion the 'organic' content of their cat foods?
Cats don't go out to the shops to buy their own cat food. We do that, so pet food suppliers have to persuade us that their food line is the very best for our cat's well-being. When I see glistening dew droplets on carrots and the mention of cracking whole grains and anti-oxidant fruits, I'm helplessly drawn to the conclusion that this is the perfect food to buy for my cats.
Of course it is - isn't it? After all, doesn't everyone tell me this is the kind of food I should be eating myself? And shouldn't I give my cat the same high-quality food?
And this is the con, whether it's intentional or not. Cats live on meat, and other things will make them ill over time. I have yet to see any of my ferals tucking into the organic carrot patch! And when they climb any fruit trees, they're looking for birds, not succulent organic fruits.
So are organic cat foods worthless then, just a waste of money?Not exactly. Organic fruits and vegetables may be a waste of money and downright damaging to your cat's health, but organic meat, on the other hand, is outstanding, according to pet nutrition experts.
To be called organic, these meats must have certain properties. The animal should to be raised in healthy surroundings, and there are severe restrictions on the chemicals and medicines that can be used on them. Cats are very sensitive to chemicals, fertilizers and weed killers, so I imagine that limiting their access to these can only help them keep healthy. This is even more important when feeding liver organs because this is where some of the bad chemicals will be found because the liver works like a filter.Conclusion: don't be mesmerized by the word organic. Organic meat - yes. Organic vegetables - no.
Canned organic food might be good, but beware all the hidden carbs it contains in the form of rice, wheat, vegetables and fruits. How about organic dry food? The same applies to the dry food but due to the manufacturing process in my mind sadly this is usually even worse.
Unlike us, our cats don't have to eat all their veggies to stay healthy.
Return from Organic Cat Food to Homemade Cat Food
