The Dog Food Project
I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts. - John Steinbeck
A better food makes a big difference!

General
Main Page About the Author What Readers say Dog Discussions Forum
Commercial Dry Foods
Introduction Label Information 101 Identifying better products Ingredients to avoid Product List
Specific Product Groups
Organic Dog Food Grain Free Dog Food Vegetarian & Vegan Dog Food
Articles
Meat vs. Meat MealNew! Choosing the right food Feeding Puppies Feeding Senior Dogs Canine Obesity Is too much protein harmful? Grading kibble - easily? "Five Star Foods"
Other Diet Topics
Questions on Diet Myths about Feeding The Yuck Factor Where the money goes Natural Supplementation Menadione (Vitamin K3) Nutrient Requirements Links & Resources
Nutrition Primer
Nutrient Overview Water Protein Fat Carbohydrates Fiber Vitamins Minerals Essential Fatty Acids Probiotics

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Organic Products

Developing news on organic certification of pet foods

For some time now rumors have been floating around the internet, along the lines of the FDA's National Organic Program ending the certification of organic pet food. I'm very happy to be able to share the following relevant information, courtesy of Castor & Pollux Pet Works:

Issue - The organic certification of pet food dates back to 2002 when organic certifying agencies and the pet food industry were informed by the National Organic Program (NOP) that pet food could be certified organic. ORGANIX was introduced in 2003 with full organic certification and NOP compliance. However, without notice, in January 2010, the NOP advised certain organic certifying agencies that the vitamins and minerals used to produce complete and balanced pet foods (as required by the Association of American Feed Control Officials -AAFCO) were not to be allowed in NOP certified organic pet food. Even though these vitamins and minerals are on the FDANOP’s allowable ingredients list, the NOP is now saying that because this list refers to human food fortification, not pet food, it can no longer allow the organic certification of complete and balanced pet food. This is after the NOP advised pet food manufacturers and organic certifying agencies in 2007 that pet food must be certified to the standards of human food, not animal feed.

Action being Taken - The Pet Food Institute, on behalf of both members and non-members, has organized an Organic Pet Food Task Force being chaired by Brian Connolly, co-founder of Castor & Pollux Pet Works, to petition the NOP to approve the inclusion of these essential ingredients to allow dog and cat owners to continue feeding certified organic pet food to their four-legged family members. Given the importance of this issue to pet parents and to organic pet food producers, ingredient suppliers, and organic certifying agencies, the Task Force has taken aggressive action in Washington, DC to garner support and ensure all aspects of this topic are understood to ensure organic pet foods remain on the shelf.

Brian was also involved in the Pet Food Task Force formed in 2005 to develop recommendations to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) on the labeling of organic pet food as this was never addressed in the NOP. Although ORGANIX has always adhered to the organic labeling regulations pertaining to human organic foods, not all pet foods/treats do. This Task Force included representatives from AAFCO, the FDA, the NOSB, and pet food manufacturers. Recommendations were submitted in the Fall of 2006 and were approved by the NOSB in late 2008 but have yet to be adopted in the NOP.

I will post updates as I receive new information.

USDA Organic Seal

More and more organic dog food products have been entering the market and after answering a number of questions on the topic recently, I figured it would be a good idea to include an article here as well to help you evaluate what's really in the bag.

The most important factor to consider is whether the contents of that bag of food is organic at all and if yes, how much of it. Just because the manufacturer or trademarked product name includes the word "organic" or variations on it, or alternative spellings does not mean the food is organic too!

The following labeling requirements apply to the labels of organic products:

If a manufacturer wants to claim a product is "100% Organic", it must contain 100 percent organically produced ingredients, not counting added water and salt. As far as dry dog food is concerned, this is currently not possible, since as per AAFCO regulations vitamin and mineral supplements must be added, which can not be organically produced.

If a manufacturer wants to claim a product is "Organic", it must contain at least 95% organic ingredients, not counting added water or salt, and must identify the organic ingredients as "organic" in the ingredient list when other organic labeling is shown. To identify an ingredient as organically produced in the ingredient list, the word, "organic" in conjunction with the name of the ingredient may be used, or an asterisk or other reference mark which is defined below the ingredient statement.

Only products that fall into these two groups may display the "USDA Organic" seal, either in color or black and white.

If a manufacturer wants to claim a product is "Made With Organic Ingredients" or a similar statement, it must contain at least 70% organic ingredients, not counting added water or salt, and must identify the organic ingredients as "organic" in the ingredient list when other organic labeling is shown. To identify an ingredient as organically produced in the ingredient list, the word, "organic" in conjunction with the name of the ingredient may be used, or an asterisk or other reference mark which is defined below the ingredient statement. The product may display the seal(s) of the agent(s) certifying the included organic ingredients, but not the "USDA Organic" seal.

If a manufacturer wants to advertise the fact that product has some organic ingredients, it can include less than 70% total and they must be identified as "organic" in the ingredient list. The product may not display the seal(s) of the agent(s) certifying the included organic ingredients nor the "USDA Organic" seal.

Far be it from me to claim that a food that doesn't have at least 95% organic ingredients isn't a good product, just be aware that it must make that cut to rightfully earn the label "organic" and that someone might try to get you to pay for a product that doesn't even meet your expectations.

One thing you should be aware of is that organically raised meat is very expensive, so generally these foods do not have as high of a meat content as the brands that do not use either organic or at the very least free range, hormone and antibiotic free meats. Most manufacturers will not tell consumers just exactly how high the meat content in their product is, but in most cases it's fairly easy to deduct from the ingredient list: if it has 70% (or slightly more) organic ingredients, the meat is not organic and you take into consideration that vitamin and mineral supplements can not be organically produced, you end up with about 25-27%. Estimating the content of a product with a percentage of organic ingredients of 95% and over is not as simple, but it is likely to be about the same or a little lower due to the higher cost of organic meat.

With all the discussions in other articles about how to choose a better food with a decent meat content, you are probably wondering if it is even worth buying organic foods when on average they don't have more meat than most of the mainstream mass market products and you have now learned to look for a meat based kibble. The answer lies in the ingredient quality - and you will have to decide what is more important to you, feeding a non-organic product with a higher meat content or one with ingredients that were grown with special care and free of pesticides, drugs and other synthetic substances. The decision isn't going to be easy, especially considering all the high-end products on the market that are advertised as "human grade" and made with a much higher content of meats that are often also declared as hormone and antibiotic free. Ultimately you have to take the word of the manufacturer for it, the only way to be absolutely sure is to buy the organic product.

Natura Pet Products - Karma Organic
Main Ingredients:
Organic free range chicken, organic kamut, organic brown rice, organic oats, organic barley, organic rice protein, organic whole wheat, organic sunflower seed meal, organic flax seed meal, organic butter
Lesser Ingredients:
Organic quinoa, natural flavors, organic garlic, sea salt, inulin, organic red beets, organic spinach, organic carrots, organic broccoli, organic blueberries, organic rosemary, green tea extract, mixed tocopherols, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), taurine, beta carotene, vitamins, minerals
Protein min:
20%
Fat min:
12%
Fiber max:
3%
Moisture max:
10%
Ash max:
3.59%
Available sizes? 4.4 lb (2 kg) and 15.4 lb (7 kg) bags
Caloric density? 3,566 kcal/kg and 425 kcal/cup
Amount of organic ingredients? Over 95%, package bears the USDA Organic seal.
Meat source is organic? Yes The chicken is free range, 100% organic "Rosie" from Petaluma Poultry.
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products? No
Additional comments:
- A complete list of mineral and vitamin supplements is available at the product website.
- Manufacturer will not disclose meat content percentage.

Wenaewe Family of Organic Dry Food
Formula
Puppy
Adult
Senior
Vegetarian
Main Ingredients Organic beef,
organic brown rice,
organic canola seed,
organic flax seed meal,
organic sunflower seed,
organic buckwheat seed (soba),
organic barley,
organic millet,
Organic beef,
organic brown rice,
organic canola seed,
organic flax seed meal,
organic sunflower seed,
organic buckwheat seed (soba),
organic barley,
organic millet,
n/a Organic soymeal,
organic brown rice,
organic canola seed,
organic flax seed meal,
organic sunflower seed,
organic buckwheat seed (soba),
organic barley,
organic millet,
Lesser Ingredients organic carrots,
organic red beets,
organic broccoli,
organic high-oleic sunflower oil, organic canola oil,
sea salt,
organic oregano,
organic garlic, a
scorbic acid,
propolis,
vitamins (vitamins A, B12, D3, C, E, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, pantothenate, niacin),
minerals (chrome, sodium selenite, iron, cooper citrate, zinc sulfate, cobalt)
organic carrots,
organic red beets,
organic broccoli,
organic high-oleic sunflower oil, organic canola oil,
sea salt,
organic oregano,
organic garlic,
ascorbic acid,
propolis,
vitamins (vitamins A, B12, D3, C, E, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, pantothenate, niacin),
minerals (chrome, sodium selenite, iron, cooper citrate, zinc sulfate, cobalt).
n/a organic carrots,
organic red beets,
organic broccoli,
organic high-oleic sunflower oil, organic canola oil,
sea salt,
organic oregano,
organic garlic,
ascorbic acid,
propolis,
vitamins (vitamins A, B12, D3, C, E, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, pantothenate, niacin),
minerals (chrome, sodium selenite, iron, cooper citrate, zinc sulfate, cobalt)
Protein % (min) 26.0
20.0
n/a 20.0
Fat % (min)
14.0
12.0
n/a 12.0
Fiber % (max)
5.0
5.0
n/a 9.0
Moisture % (max)
10.5
10.5
n/a 10.5
Ash % (max)
n/a
n/a
n/a n/a
Caloric Density
3,000 kcal/kg and 685 kcal/cup n/a n/a n/a
Available sizes? 5 lb (2.3 kg), 15 lb (6.8 kg) and 30 lb (13.6 kg) bags
Amount of organic ingredients? Over 95%, package bears the USDA Organic seal.
Meat source is organic? Yes
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products? Vegetarian formula only.
Additional comments:
- Product Website

Petguard Family of Organic Dry Food
Formula
Adult Dry Dog Food LIFEPATH - for all Life Stages
Main Ingredients Organic quinoa,
organic oat meal,
organic ground barley,
organic brown rice,
organic dried eggs,
organic sunflower oil,
Organic chicken,
organic quinoa,
organic peas,
organic ground whole soybeans,
organic flax seed,
organic brown rice,
organic whole eggs,
organic chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols),
Lesser Ingredients organic apples,
organic peas,
organic carrots,
organic potatoes,
organic flaxseed,
organic amaranth,
organic kelp,
organic cranberries,
calcium carbonate,
potassium chloride,
calcium ascorbate (source of vitamin C),
choline chloride,
vitamin A supplement,
d-alpha tocopherol,
calciferol (source of vitamin D),
thiamine mononitrate,
vitamin B12 supplement,
riboflavin supplement,
inositol,
niacin,
calcium pantothenate,
biotin,
pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6),
zinc amino acid chelate,
calcium amino acid chelate,
iron amino acid chelate,
folic acid,
manganese amino acid chelate,
copper amino acid chelate,
cobalt amino acid chelate,
sodium selenite
chicken broth,
organic sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols),
organic alfalfa,
organic kelp,
organic potatoes,
organic carrots,
organic spinach,
organic amaranth,
organic apple fiber,
organic cranberries,
organic garlic,
potassium chloride,
calcium ascorbate (source of vitamin C),
choline chloride,
vitamin A supplement,
calciferol (source of vitamin D),
vitamin E supplement,
riboflavin supplement (source of vitamin B2),
vitamin B12 supplement,
calcium pantothenate,
thiamine (source of vitamin B1),
biotin,
niacin,
folic acid,
pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6),
iron amino acid chelate,
zinc amino acid chelate,
manganese amino acid chelate,
calcium amino acid chelate,
copper amino acid chelate,
cobalt amino acid chelate,
sodium selenite
Protein % (min) 16.0
24.0
Fat % (min)
9.0
15.0
Fiber % (max)
7.0
4.0
Moisture % (max)
12.0
10.0
Ash % (max)
n/a
n/a
Caloric Density
n/a
n/a
Available sizes? Adult Formula: 4.4 lb (2 kg), Lifepath: 2.2 lb (1 kg) bags
Amount of organic ingredients? Over 95%, package bears the USDA Organic seal.
Meat source is organic? Adult Formula does not contain meat, Lifepath contains organic chicken.
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products?
Adult Formula: No.
Lifepath: contains organic soybeans - if your dog has a known sensitivity to soy, avoid this product.
Additional comments:
- Product Website

Newman's Own Family of Organic Dry Food
Formula
Adult Dog Advanced Dog
Main Ingredients Chicken,
organic barley,
organic oats,
organic peas,
chicken meal,
organic sorghum,
organic soybean meal,
chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols),
Chicken,
chicken meal,
organic oats,
organic barley,
organic peas,
organic soybean meal,
organic sorghum,
organic brown rice,
organic millet, organic rice,
chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols),
Lesser Ingredients organic brown rice,
organic millet,
organic rice,
organic flax seed,
dicalcium phosphate,
organic carrots,
chicken liver,
sea salt,
calcium carbonate,
potassium chloride,
dried kelp,
parsley,
zinc amino acid complex,
choline chloride,
iron amino acid complex ,
vitamin E supplement,
rosemary extract,
manganese amino acid complex,
lecithin,
copper amino acid complex,
vitamin B12 supplement,
vitamin A acetate,
niacin,
calcium pantothenate,
vitamin D3 supplement,
ascorbic acid,
riboflavin,
folic acid,
pyridoxine hydrochloride,
thiamin hydrochloride,
biotin,
cobalt proteinate,
ethylenediamine dihydriodide,
vitamin k supplement,
sodium selenite,
dehydrated
- lactobacillus acidophilus
- bacillus subtilis
- bifidobacterium thermophilum
- bifidobacterium pseudolongum and
- enterococcus faecium
fermentation products
organic flax seed,
dicalcium phosphate,
organic carrots, c
hicken liver,
sea salt,
potassium chloride,
parsley,
zinc amino acid complex,
choline chloride,
iron amino acid complex,
vitamin e supplement,
rosemary extract,
manganese amino acid complex ,
lecithin,
copper amino acid complex,
vitamin b12 supplement,
vitamin a acetate,
niacin,
calcium pantothenate,
vitamin d3 supplement,
ascorbic acid,
riboflavin,
folic acid,
pyridoxine hydrochloride,
thiamin hydrochloride,
biotin,
cobalt proteinate,
ethylenediamine dihydriodide,
vitamin k supplement,
sodium selenite,
dehydrated
- lactobacillus acidophilus
- bacillus subtilis
- bifidobacterium thermophilum
- bifidobacterium pseudolongum and
- enterococcus faecium
fermentation products
Protein % (min) 21.0
24.0
Fat % (min)
12.0
10.0
Fiber % (max)
4.5
5.5
Moisture % (max)
10.0
10.0
Ash % (max)
n/a
n/a
Caloric Density
397 kcal/cup
404 kcal/cup
Available sizes? 5 lb (2.3 kg), 12.5 lb (5.7 kg) and 25 lb (11.3 kg) bags
Amount of organic ingredients? Over 70%
Meat source is organic? No, but product contains free range, humanely raised Bell & Evans Chicken
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products? Yes - if your dog has a known sensitivity to soy, avoid this product.
Additional comments:
- Product Website
- Paul and Nell Newman donate all of the profits from this pet food line to animal charities.

Castor & Pollux Organix Family of Organic Dry Food
Formula
Puppy
Adult
Less Active
Main Ingredients Organic chicken,
chicken meal,
organic peas,
organic extruded soybean seeds,
organic barley,
organic brown rice,
chicken fat (preserved with mixed tochopherols),
Organic chicken,
chicken meal,
organic peas,
organic barley,
organic brown rice,
organic oats,
chicken fat (preserved with mixed tochopherols),
Organic chicken,
chicken meal,
organic brown rice,
organic millet,
organic peas,
organic oats,
tomato pomace,
salmon meal,
chicken fat (preserved with mixed tochopherols),
Lesser Ingredients dicalcium phosphate,
natural chicken liver flavor,
salmon meal,
organic flaxseed meal,
dried whole egg,
potassium chloride,
salt,
minerals:
- zinc proteinate,
- iron proteinate,
- copper proteinate,
- manganese proteinate,
- sodium selenite,
- cobalt proteinate,
- calcium iodate,
choline chloride,
vitamins:
- vitamin E supplement,
- l-ascorbyl-2-phosphate,
- vitamin B12 supplement,
- d-calcium pantothenate,
- vitamin A supplement,
- niacin,
- riboflavin,
- folic acid,
- biotin,
- pyridoxine hydrochloride,
- thiamin mononitrate,
- vitamin D3 supplement,
yeast culture (saccharomyces cerevisiae),
dried
- enterococcus faecium fermentation product,
- lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product,
- aspergillus niger fermentation extract,
- trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract,
- bacillus subtilis fermentation extract and fermentation solubles,
glucosamine hydrochloride,
chondroitin sulfate
salmon meal,
organic whole flaxseed,
natural chicken liver flavor,
dicalcium phosphate,
dried whole egg,
potassium chloride,
minerals:
- zinc proteinate,
- iron proteinate,
- copper proteinate,
- manganese proteinate,
- sodium selenite,
- cobalt proteinate,
- calcium iodate,
choline chloride,
organic carrots,
organic apples,
vitamins:
- vitamin E supplement,
- l-ascorbyl-2-phosphate,
- vitamin B12 supplement,
- d-calcium pantothenate,
- vitamin A supplement,
- niacin,
- riboflavin,
- folic acid,
- biotin,
- pyridoxine hydrochloride,
- thiamin mononitrate,
- vitamin D3 supplement,
yeast culture (sacccharomyces cerevisiae),
dried
- enterococcus faecium fermentation product,
- lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product,
- aspergillus niger fermentation extract,
- trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract,
- bacillus subtilis fermentation extract and fermentation solubles,
glucosamine hydrochloride,
chondroitin sulfate
natural chicken flavor,
organic apples,
organic carrots,
organic broccoli,
organic pumpkin,
organic pears,
dried egg product,
organic flaxseed,
organic quinoa,
potassium chloride,
salt,
minerals:
- zinc proteinate,
- iron proteinate,
- copper proteinate,
- manganese proteinate,
- sodium selenite,
- calcium iodate,
calcium carbonate,
choline chloride,
organic dried blackberries,
vitamins:
- vitamin E supplement,
- l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate,
- vitamin B12 supplement,
- calcium pantothenate,
- vitamin A supplement,
- niacin,
- riboflavin,
- folic acid,
- biotin,
- pyridoxine hydrochloride,
- thiamine mononitrate,
- vitamin D3 supplement),
glucosamine hydrochloride,
chondroitin sulfate,
l-carnitine,
yeast culture (saccharomyces cerevisiae),
dried
- enterococcus faecium fermentation product,
- lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product,
- aspergillus niger fermentation extract,
- trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract,
- bacillus subtilis fermentation solubles, - rosemary extract
Protein % (min) 28.0
25.0
21.5
Fat % (min)
15.0
13.0
10.0
Fiber % (max)
3.0
4.5
5.5
Moisture % (max)
10.0
10.0
10.0
Ash % (max)
n/a
n/a
n/a
Caloric Density
n/a
425 kcal/cup 3,537 kcal/kg,
390.3 kcal/cup
Available sizes? 3 lb (1.4 kg), 6 lb (2.7 kg) and 15 lb (6.8 kg) bags
Amount of organic ingredients? Over 70%
Meat source is organic? The fresh chicken listed as first ingredient is organic, but the chicken meal listed second is not. See comments below.
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products? Puppy formula only - if your dog has a known sensitivity to soy, avoid this product.
Additional comments:
- Product Website
- The organic chicken listed as first ingredient still contains about 70% moisture before the manufacturing process, so effectively the finished product contains more non-organic than organic chicken.

Dick van Patten's Natural Balance - Organic Formulas
Main Ingredients:
Natural chicken, organic brown rice, chicken meal, organic oats, organic millet, organic barley, organic sorghum, organic potato, organic peas, organic canola oil
Lesser Ingredients:
Organic flaxseed, chicken fat (naturally stabilized with mixed tocopherols), dicalcium phosphate, organic carrots, natural flavor, calcium carbonate, potassium phosphate, sea salt, mixed tocopherols, organic spinach, organic cranberry, organic tomato, yucca schidigera, dried kelp, organic parsley, organic rosemary, choline chloride, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, vitamin E supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), taurine, manganese sulfate, niacin, riboflavin (vitamin B2), copper proteinate, copper sulfate, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin a acetate, inositol, folic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), thiamin mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin D2, biotin, potassium iodate, cobalt sulfate, vitamin K1 supplement, sodium selenite
Protein min:
22%
Fat min:
13%
Fiber max:
4.5%
Moisture max:
10%
Ash max:
na
Available sizes? 5 lb (2.3 kg), 12.5 lb (5.7 kg) and 25 lb (11.3 kg) bags
Caloric density? n/a
Amount of organic ingredients? 70%
Meat source is organic? No
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products? No
Additional comments:
- Product website

By Nature Organics - Chicken Formula (Blue Seal Feeds, Inc.)
Main Ingredients:
Organic chicken, chicken meal, organic ground brown rice, organic ground oats, organic ground barley, lamb meal, organic chicken hydrolysate, organic peas, organic flaxseed meal, tomato pomace, chicken fat (stabilized with mixed tocopherols),
Lesser Ingredients:
Natural flavors, monocalcium phosphate, organic sunflower oil, potassium chloride, salt, taurine, vitamin E supplement, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, zinc proteinate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, organic dried tomatoes, organic cranberries, organic carrots, organic spinach, organic kelp, dried chicory root, turmeric, garlic, niacin supplement, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, d-calcium pantothenate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium iodate, folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite, rosemary extract, dried yeast fermentation solubles
Protein min:
28%
Fat min:
14%
Fiber max:
4%
Moisture max:
10%
Ash max:
na
Available sizes? 1 lb (0.45 kg), 3.5 lb (1.6 kg), 8 lb (3.6 kg) and 16 lb (7.2 kg) bags
Caloric density? 350 kcal/cup
Amount of organic ingredients? 70%
Meat source is organic? The fresh chicken listed as first ingredient is organic, but the chicken meal listed second is not. See comments below.
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products? No
Additional comments:
- Product website
- The organic chicken listed as first ingredient still contains about 70% moisture before the manufacturing process, so effectively the finished product contains more non-organic than organic chicken.

Natural Planet Organics (by KLN Enterprises)
Main Ingredients:
Organic chicken, chicken meal, organic brown rice, organic oats, organic barley, natural flavors, dicalcium phosphate, organic flaxseed, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid),
Lesser Ingredients:
Calcium carbonate, organic sunflower oil, potassium chloride, tomato pomace, brewers yeast, sea salt, proteinated minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, cobalt proteinate, manganese proteinate, selenium proteinate), choline chloride, organic alfalfa, organic peas, organic sunflower seeds, organic pumpkin seeds, organic carrots, blueberries, organic broccoli, yeast culture (saccharomyces cerevisiae, enterococcus faecium, lactobacillus acidophilus, aspergillus niger, trichoderma longibrachiatum, bacillus subtillis), vitamins (vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), glucosamine hydrochloride, chicory extract, lecithin, taurine, preserved with mixed tocopherols, sage, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), chondroitin sulfate, yucca schidigera extract, garlic, calcium iodate, rosemary extract
Protein min:
23%
Fat min:
14%
Fiber max:
4%
Moisture max:
10%
Ash max:
n/a
Available sizes? 5 lb (2.3 kg), 15 lb (6.8 kg) and 25 lb (11.3 kg) bags
Caloric density? 3360 kcal/kg and 320 kcal/cup
Amount of organic ingredients? 70%
Meat source is organic? The fresh chicken listed as first ingredient is organic, but the chicken meal listed second is not. See comments below.
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products? No
Additional comments:
- Product website
- The organic chicken listed as first ingredient still contains about 70% moisture before the manufacturing process, so effectively the finished product contains more non-organic than organic chicken.

Brandon Farms Organics (Muscatine Foods Corporation)
Main Ingredients:
organic chicken, chicken meal, organic brown rice, organic ground oats, organic ground barley, lamb meal, organic chicken hydrolysate, organic peas, organic flaxseed meal, tomato pomace, chicken fat (stabilized with mixed tocopherols),
Lesser Ingredients:
Natural flavors, monocalcium phosphate, organic sunflower oil, potassium chloride, salt, taurine, vitamin e supplement, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, zinc proteinate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, organic dried tomatoes, organic cranberries, organic carrots, organic spinach, organic kelp, dried chicory root, turmeric, garlic, niacin supplement, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, d-calcium pantothenate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium iodate, folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite, rosemary extract, dried yeast fermentation solubles
Protein min:
28%
Fat min:
14%
Fiber max:
4%
Moisture max:
10%
Ash max:
n/a
Available sizes? 3.5 lb (1.6 kg), 8 lb (3.6 kg) and 16 lb (7.3 kg) bags
Caloric density? 350 kcal/cup
Amount of organic ingredients? 70%
Meat source is organic? The chicken meal and lamb meal and not organic. See comments below.
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products? No
Additional comments:
- Product website
- The organic chicken listed as first ingredient still contains about 70% moisture before the manufacturing process, so effectively the finished product contains more non-organic than organic chicken. The lamb meal is also not organic.

Blue Organics (Blue Buffalo)
Main Ingredients:
Organic deboned chicken, organic brown rice, organic oatmeal, chicken meal, organic ground barley, organic ground millet, salmon meal, chicken fat (preserved with natural mixed tocopherols),
Lesser Ingredients:
Organic canola oil, natural chicken flavor, organic blueberries, organic dried egg, potatoes, organic peas, calcium carbonate, alfalfa meal, caramel, potassium chloride, salmon oil, choline chloride, salt, organic sunflower oil, organic kelp meal, yucca schidigera extract, taurine, dicalcium phosphate, natural mixed tocopherols, turmeric, organic parsley, dried chicory root, organic garlic, vitamin A acetate, vitamin E supplement, vitamin D supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, niacin (vitamin B3), calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), folic acid, biotin, zinc amino acid complex, iron amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, manganese amino acid complex, cobalt amino acid complex, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, saccharomyces cerevisiae, lactobacillus acidophilus, aspergillus niger, enterococcus faecum, trichoderma longbrachiatum, bacillus subtilus,
Protein min:
24%
Fat min:
14%
Fiber max:
4%
Moisture max:
10%
Ash max:
n/a
Available sizes? 5 lb (2.3 kg), 10 lb (2.6 kg) and 20 lb (9.1 kg) bags
Caloric density? 3670 kcal/kg and 462 kcal/cup
Amount of organic ingredients? 70%
Meat source is organic? The fresh chicken listed as first ingredient is organic, but the chicken meal listed second is not. See comments below.
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products? No
Additional comments:
- Product website
- The organic chicken listed as first ingredient still contains about 70% moisture before the manufacturing process, so effectively the finished product contains more non-organic than organic chicken.

Dog Whisperer by Cesar Millan Family of Organic Dry Food (made by Castor & Pollux)
Formula
Puppy
Adult
Weight Control
Main Ingredients Organic chicken,
chicken meal,
organic barley,
organic peas,
organic brown rice,
organic ground extruded whole soybeans,
chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols),
Organic chicken,
chicken meal,
organic barley,
organic peas,
organic oats,
organic brown rice,
chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols),
Organic brown rice,
chicken meal,
organic barley,
organic oats,
organic peas,
organic chicken,
chicken fat (preserved with mixed tochopherols),
Lesser Ingredients salmon meal,
natural chicken liver flavor,
brewers dried yeast,
organic flaxseed meal,
dried eggs,
organic apples,
organic carrots,
potassium chloride,
dicalcium phosphate,
minerals:
- zinc proteinate,
- iron proteinate,
- copper proteinate,
- manganese proteinate,
- sodium selenite,
- cobalt proteinate,
- calcium iodate,
salt,
choline chloride,
vitamins:
- vitamin E supplement,
- l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate,
- vitamin B12 supplement,
- d-calcium pantothenate,
- vitamin A supplement,
- niacin,
- riboflavin,
- folic acid,
- biotin,
- pyridoxine hydrochloride,
- thiamine mononitrate,
- vitamin D3 supplement,
calcium carbonate,
yeast culture (saccharomyces cerevisiae),
dried
- enterococcus faecium fermentation product,
- lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product,
- aspergillus niger fermentation extract,
- trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract,
- bacillus subtilis fermentation extract and fermentation solubles
natural chicken liver flavor,
brewers dried yeast,
salmon meal,
dried eggs,
organic apple,
organic whole flaxseed,
organic carrots,
dicalcium phosphate,
potassium chloride,
salt,
minerals:
- zinc proteinate,
- iron proteinate,
- copper proteinate,
- manganese proteinate,
- sodium selenite,
- cobalt proteinate,
- calcium iodate,
choline chloride,
vitamins:
- vitamin E supplement,
- l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate,
- vitamin B12 supplement,
- d-calcium pantothenate,
- vitamin A supplement,
- niacin,
- riboflavin,
- folic acid,
- biotin,
- pyridoxine hydrochloride,
- thiamine mononitrate,
- vitamin D3 supplement,
glucosamine hydrochloride,
chondroitin sulfate,
yeast culture (saccharomyces cerevisiae),
dried
- enterococcus faecium fermentation product,
- lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product,
- aspergillus niger fermentation extract,
- trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract,
- bacillus subtilis fermentation extract and fermentation solubles
natural chicken liver flavor,
brewers dried yeast,
salmon meal,
dried eggs,
organic apple,
organic whole flaxseed,
organic carrots,
dicalcium phosphate,
potassium chloride,
salt,
minerals:
- zinc proteinate,
- iron proteinate,
- copper proteinate,
- manganese proteinate,
- sodium selenite,
- cobalt proteinate,
- calcium iodate,
choline chloride,
vitamins:
- vitamin E supplement,
- l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate,
- vitamin B12 supplement,
- d-calcium pantothenate,
- vitamin A supplement,
- niacin,
- riboflavin,
- folic acid,
- biotin,
- pyridoxine hydrochloride,
- thiamine mononitrate,
- vitamin D3 supplement,
glucosamine hydrochloride,
chondroitin sulfate,
yeast culture (saccharomyces cerevisiae),
dried
- enterococcus faecium fermentation product,
- lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product,
- aspergillus niger fermentation extract,
- trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract,
- bacillus subtilis fermentation extract and fermentation solubles
Protein % (min) 28.0
26.0
24.0
Fat % (min)
15.0
13.0
10.0
Fiber % (max)
3.5
3.5
3.5
Moisture % (max)
10.0
10.0
10.0
Ash % (max)
n/a
n/a
n/a
Caloric Density
n/a
n/a
n/a
Available sizes? 5 lb ( 2.3 kg) and 17 lb ( 7.7 kg) bags
Amount of organic ingredients? Over 70%
Meat source is organic? The fresh chicken listed as first ingredient in the Adult and Puppy formula is organic, but the chicken meal listed second is not. See comments below.
Menadione used as a supplement? No
Contains soy or soy products? Puppy formula only - if your dog has a known sensitivity to soy, avoid this product.
Additional comments:
- Product Website
- The organic chicken listed as first ingredient still contains about 70% moisture before the manufacturing process, so effectively the finished product contains more non-organic than organic chicken. The Weigh Loss formula doesn't even have a meat source listed before the first grain ingredient.
- This brand is made by Castor & Pollux and sold exclusively at Petco.
- The above information is posted for its nutritional information only, I do not approve of, nor endorse, the "Dog Whisperer's" outdated training methods.

Timberwolf Organics

The line of food has been renamed to "Timberwolf", since it does not contain organic ingredients.




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