Best Organic Dog Foods: Reviews & Top Picks

The best organic dog foods must meet specific guidelines that are established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This certification communicates that food is really healthy as its labels claim it to be.

Producing organic foods requires specific regulations, which is why they are hard to find in stores.

Organic foods are usually divided into two groups:

• Certified organic foods which must contain at least 95% organic ingredients, and have the official “USDA Organic” seal on their packaging.
• Partially organic dog foods across the States are mostly partially organic, and their ingredients are specific on the label.

Here, on this page, we will share most recommended organic dog food brands and provide in-depth information on the most common questions related to organic dog foods.

How we chose

Because choosing the right food for your dog can be confusing and overwhelming, we reviewed all dog foods.

Every product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Barking Royalty’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:

• adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements
• is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs)
• is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
• is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust

Additional factors we considered included:

• Ingredients. We looked for supplements that are free of unnecessary ingredients such as fillers and artificial
• sweeteners and colors.
• AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile. We checked if the food meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO.
• Price. We included products to suit a range of budgets.

Here are the top-rated organic brands that dogs will adore.

Best Overall

1. Tender & True Organic Grain-Free Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic tapioca starch, organic dried pea, organic chickpea

• Price: $$
• Energy: 350 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Organic chicken is the first ingredient for better taste and great nutrition, followed by an organic chicken meal, organic tapioca starch, organic dried pea, and organic chickpea.

This formula is carefully prepared in the States and uses humanely raised chicken to form this dry dog food formula.

This formula is certified organic by the USDA and certified humanely raised by Global Animal Partnership.

As a grain-free formula, this food contains no artificial color or preservatives and offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all stages.

This formula is carefully blended to provide enough protein and fibers to help dogs thrive.

For a richer taste chicken fat is added, while pea protein provides additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

To help dogs have a strong coats and shiny hair, this formula contains menhaden fish oil.

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Best Budget

2. Purina Beyond High Protein Organic Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic cassava root flour, organic pea starch, organic canola meal

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3705 kcal/kg, 439 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Organic dog food aims to deliver a high protein percentage which is why it often contains chicken.

This formula is no exception as organic chicken is the first ingredient in this formula, followed by an organic chicken meal, organic cassava root flour, organic pea starch, and organic canola meal.

Cassava root flour isn’t an ingredient that is often seen in dog food.

Little is known but cassava root actually delivers a source of carbohydrates for energy, and manganese and zinc at the same time.

This root is similar to yams, potatoes, and plantains, and is often included in the daily human diet in some parts of the world.

Next to cassava root, this formula contains organic dried egg for an additional protein boost, and sweet potatoes to enrich energy levels.

Organic pea protein provides additional vitamins and minerals, while organic pea hulls serve as antioxidant and ingredient that is rich in fiber.

Food that is rich in fiber supports dogs’ intestinal tracts and keeps the gut strong.

The chicken used in this Purina formula is a free-range chicken raised without antibiotics or growth hormones.

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Best Grain-free

3. Gather Free Grain-Free Organic Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Organic chicken, organic dehydrated chicken, organic peas, lentils, chicken fat

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3628 kcal/kg or 399 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Organic chicken is the first ingredient in this formula to provide enough protein and great texture, followed by organic dehydrated chicken, organic peas, lentils, and chicken fat.

The first five ingredients are carefully selected and blended to provide enough protein and fiber to keep the dog’s overall health in great balance.

Chicken fat provides not only a better flavor, but also provides the dog with energy, and helps the dog’s organs function properly.

As animal-sourced fat, chicken fat can also support healthy skin and coat, and immune system.

Blueberries and cranberries are present in this formula to serve as antioxidants and enough vitamins and minerals.

Eggshell meal is present to provide enough calcium and protein, which will support bones and healthy teeth.

Plus, calcium will provide joint, muscle, and heart, and can enhance overall a stronger immune system.

This free-run chicken formula is certified organic and completely free of any antibiotics and minerals to provide balanced nutrition for adult dogs.

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4. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic sweet potatoes, organic potatoes, organic peas

• Price: $$
• Energy: 3,660 kcal/kg, 387 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Protein is what keeps a dog’s body running smoothly. Dogs thrive on food that is packed with protein and keeps their joints strong and active.

This is why the first ingredient in this formula is organic chicken which provides not only enough protein but also great taste and nutrition.

Organic chicken is followed by an organic chicken meal, organic sweet potatoes, organic potatoes, and organic peas.

Organic sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, while at the same time they promote healthy skin, coat, eyes, nerves, and muscles in dogs.

Organic peas are added to this formula to provide enough vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Great food for dogs should contain just enough fiber to keep the dog’s intestinal tract and gut strong and clean.

Not only that peas provide enough fiber, but they also boost energy levels in dogs and are gentle on the digestive system.

Another not-so-common ingredient in dog food is tapioca which can be found in this formula.

It serves to enhance bone density and improve cardiovascular health. Plus, tapioca helps create a satisfying and uniform texture and shape for dog food.

Organic blueberries are included in this formula to serve as great antioxidants while providing enough fiber, and vitamins C and K.

Overall, this formula provides a complete and balanced dog diet without corn, wheat, or soy.

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5. Primal Grain-Free Organic Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Beef hearts, beef livers, ground beef bones, organic carrots, organic squash

• Price: $$
• Energy: 144 kcal/oz
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Beef hearts are used in this formula as the first ingredient to serve as a great energy booster, followed by beef livers, ground beef bones, organic carrots, and organic squash.

Beef hearts, livers, and bones are used to provide enough protein, while carrots, squash, kale, and organic apples are added to provide enough fiber.

Organic broccoli is also used in this formula to provide enough vitamin K, calcium, and potassium.

Organic pumpkin seeds are also present to act as an omega-3 fatty acids booster, as well as serving as fiber-rich ingredients.

In dogs, just like humans, fiber content should improve and regulate digestion to prevent constipation.

Since too much fiber can lead to complications, such as diarrhea, food rich in fiber should be served in moderate portions.

Organic quinoa is packed with vital nutrients and can protect muscles while increasing muscle growth.

This formula was crafted in the States with high-quality ingredients and contains no grain, gluten, corn, wheat, or soy.

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6. The Honest Kitchen Organic Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Dehydrated turkey, organic oats, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, dehydrated carrots

• Price: $$
• Energy: 4,140 kcal/kg, 470 kcal/cup, 207 kcal/1.75-oz cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Dehydrated turkey is the first ingredient in this formula to provide high-quality protein and support joint health.

Protein-based turkey is followed by organic oats, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, and dehydrated carrots.

Organic oats are great for dogs who may be of more sensitive health.

Plus, organic oats are great for dogs who may be naturally sensitive to wheat or grains.

Organic potatoes are a source of vitamins and minerals that include potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium.

To keep a dog’s skin healthy and coat shiny dogs need fatty acids, which is why flaxseed is present in this formula next to carrots, cabbage, kelp, and apples.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe formula offers complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes.

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7. Castor & Pollux Grain-Free Organic Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Organic turkey, organic chicken broth, water sufficient for processing, organic chicken, organic chicken liver

• Price: $$
• Energy: 928 kcal/kg, 334 kcal/12.7 oz can
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

The first ingredient in this formula is organic turkey to provide nutrients such as protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous.

Organic turkey in this formula is followed by organic chicken broth, water sufficient for processing, organic chicken, and organic chicken liver.

This formula is crafted n small batches and enriched with fruits and vegetables.

Organic carrots, sweet potatoes, and organic blueberries are included in this formula.

This formula is packed with omega fatty acids that enable healthy skin and a rich coat.

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8. Tender & True Organic Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Organic chicken, water, organic pea Flour, organic chicken liver, organic chicken heart

• Price: $$
• Energy: not disclosed
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Organic chicken is the first ingredient in this formula to provide enough protein, followed by water sufficient for processing, organic pea flour, organic chicken liver, and organic chicken heart.

These ingredients are carefully mixed to make a strong protein base and richness in flavor.

Organic sunflower oil is added to this formula to deliver antioxidants and vitamins, making the coat and skin healthy or healthier.

Organic pea flour delivers iron and calcium, while organic pea protein enables additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Prepared in the USA, this formula is grain-free and as such contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

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9. Castor & Pollux Organic Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Organic chicken, organic chicken broth, water sufficient for processing, organic chicken liver, organic spinach

• Price: $$
• Energy: not disclosed
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

To deliver to dogs high-quality protein this formula offers organic chicken as the first ingredient, followed by organic chicken broth, water sufficient for processing, organic chicken liver, and organic spinach.

For an additional protein boost, this formula contains organic pea protein, while organic quinoa protects muscles and even reduces fatigue.

Real and organic fruit and vegetable are present to provide enough fiber. Together, all ingredients provide up to 95% of the organic background.

This formula aims to provide balanced nutrition to your dog via every meal.

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Now that you have a list of the best organic foods, you need to choose the food that your Fido will adore.

Don’t stress if your dog refuses any kind of new food at first. They may need some time to adjust to the new diet.

To make this transition easier, think about introducing a new diet step by step.

Mix new food in small quantities until your dog adjusts to the new diet completely.

Not sure if your dog needs organic food? If so, keep on reading to learn more about organic food in general.

What Is Organic Dog Food?

Organic dog food is very similar to human organic food. The idea behind organic dog food is similar to the principles of human organic food.

It is made from specific ingredients that are healthy and safe.

In fact, organic dog food is made from specific ingredients that are grown without any sort of pesticides, sewage sludge, or any sort of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or any sort of chemicals.

Organic dog food contains no fillers and aims to contain ingredients that are healthy for your dog.

For organic food to be made it must go through specific requirements, processes, and specific handling that is free of any kind of chemicals.

Know that there is not only one type of organic dog food but three.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) recognizes 3 categories of organic products:

• 100% Organic. This food is made with 100% organic ingredients
• Organic. This food comes with at least 95% organic ingredients
• Food made with organic ingredients. This type of food minimums of 70% of organic ingredients. The rest of the 30% comes with strict restrictions without any sort of GMOs

Still, to know for sure how organic a certain dog brand is, it is important to read dog food labels. Always check the label to learn about the ingredients.

Is Organic Dog Food Expensive?

Just like human organic food, dog organic food also tends to be more expensive compared to regular food.

According to The Dog Food Advisor, the average organic dog food is priced about 23% higher than a comparable size package of regular dog food.

You can always expect organic dog food to be more expensive than food that isn’t labeled as organic and there are several reasons for that:

• In general, organic farming is more costly than regular farming
• Conventional farmers do receive some kind of federal subsidies while organic farmers do not
• Organic farms tend to be smaller in size and production

Is Organic Dog Food Better Than Regular Dog Food?

Various studies claim that the difference between organic food and other types is minimal.

Still, no one can deny that ingredients in 100% organic foods are healthy, or healthier, for both dogs and humans.

So, in the short term, it is safe to say that organic dog food is better than regular dog food.

At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide if you want to switch your dog to organic food or not.

Ultimately, the decision of whether organic dog food is good for you or not depends on how your dog will react to it and how much you are ready to invest in organic meals.

If you want eventually to switch to organic dog food, but your budget doesn’t allows it, start small.

Buy a bag of organic dog food, mixed it with commonly used kibble or wet food, and make a slow transition.

In the meantime, you can serve your dog a healthy snack of real fruit and vegetables.

For example, carrots and cucumber are great and safe human foods to share with your Fido.

Just make sure that you learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided.

For example, carrots are safe for dogs as well as eggs, while onion and human chocolate should be off-limits.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid When Buying Dog Food?

If feeding your dog organic food isn’t something that you are ready to invest in, but you still want to provide better nutrition you can still do it.

You may focus on choosing food that is rich in the right nutrients, and avoid food that is bad for dogs.

That being said, you should know that some ingredients are just bad for dogs.

Just like in the human diet, certain ingredients can lead to unhealthy outcomes when used excessively.

Here are the most controversial ingredients that may be found in dog food that you actually want to avoid:

• BHA
• BHT
• TBHQ
• Ethoxyquin
• Menadione
• Artificial dyes
• Propylene glycol
• Generic ‘meat’

Each of these listed ingredients may lead to certain health issues, or diseases, including cancer, liver pigmentation, and food allergies.

To help your Fido live a long and healthy life, do your best to master reading pet food labels first.

Then, know how much your dog should eat on a daily level, and how often dogs should eat.

Giant size dogs need frequent meals in smaller portions to avoid bloat, for example.

Knowing feeding basics will help you keep your dog on track when it comes to proper nutrition.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing the best dog foods you should invest some time in research, and know that dogs thrive on the right nutrition that helps them live a more profound life.

When it comes to dog food you should focus on ingredients rather than flavor.

Of course, if your dog prefers chicken to turkey you should stick to food that offers chicken as their first ingredient, otherwise, you will have a dog who refuses to eat and may even become unhappy.

Think of balance – flavor and ingredient richness should be two factors to help dogs have a great meal, do your best to provide that.