Holistic Dog Nutrition: Debunking 5 Common Myths!
What is holistic dog nutrition and why does that word keep showing up on dog food? If you’re beginning to wonder what the difference is between holistic versus all the other adjectives to describe dog food, you are not alone. We’ll dive into all this, from debunking common misconceptions to popular brands to choose from.
As always, we try to include up-to-date, research-based information on dog diet, health, and nutrition. To give you and your best friend the long life together you both deserve. <3
This post is all about holistic dog nutrition, holistic dog food, and holistic medicine for dogs.
What is Holistic Dog Food?
This has become a popular term recently, though what does holistic really mean? The term first became popular with human medicine, when scientists and researchers found out that other lifestyle factors can play a big factor in one’s overall health. What you feed your body, and how you move your body are all components of your overall health and wellness.
Naturally, this would then prompt similar goals for your pup’s health and nutrition.
For a dog’s life, this would mean that exercise, nutrition, and other lifestyle factors can play a big role in their overall health. In dog nutrition terms, this would mean their food would have natural ingredients of human-grade quality, no by-products of fillers, no chemicals, and filled with easily digestible foods for your dog. Each ingredient would be formulated for maximal nutrient uptake, each complimenting all other ingredients for balance.
However, this clearly goes against MANY of the traditional dry dog food options on the market, which raises a lot of questions and concerns as to whether dog food brands are truly ‘holistic’.
Debunking Common Myths
#1 Food labeled ‘holistic’ is regulated, as much as other terms like ‘natural’
There are two big organizations at play here when it comes to defining guidelines for dog food. They are the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Unfortunately, when it comes to holistic dog food, there are been no regulations or laws regarding what the term ‘holistic’ means…
For example, the term ‘natural’ is defined as any ingredient derived from plants, animals, or mined sources, without chemical synthetic processes and ingredients. If you market dog food as ‘natural’, it must comply with the AAFCO guidelines stated above.
Since there are no regulations for the use of the term, any and all food can be labeled ‘holistic’ without any consequences. It could be entirely a marketing scheme, with nothing holistic about the ingredients.
Although, it doesn’t mean that food brands labeled ‘holistic’ are entirely bad. The idea could be there, and the ingredient list can be balanced with loads of nutrients. It all comes down to the ingredient list, and seeing what is best for your dog’s nutrition.
#2 Holistic labeled food means healthier formula
Because it is not regulated, you can’t derive that a food brand is healthier than the other by just seeing the ‘holistic’ labeling.
Here are some things to look out for on the ingredient list:
- High protein levels
- Good name meat proteins as the first few ingredients => good protein quality
- No fillers like wheat or soy
- More whole foods for vitamins, instead of synthetic vitamins => better nutrient uptake
- Less weirder the words the better!
#3 ‘Holistic’ and ‘Natural’ are the same thing
These two are often used together and sometimes interchangeably. Though this is a common practice, they should not be used interchangeably. As mentioned above, ‘natural’ dog food is not considered ‘holistic’, and ‘holistic’ dog food is not considered ‘natural’ dog food. Don’t fall for them saying that it is ‘holistic’, and assuming that it is a good product with good nutrients!
#4 Synthetic Nutrients are an equal alternative to whole foods
False. Research shows that the majority of the nutrients, added as a synthetic version, are lost during the high-heat cooking process. These vitamins are called heat-labile vitamins and include Vitamin C and all of the B vitamins. This can be reduced by adding more nutrient-dense whole foods.
#5 Holistic Medicine and Nutrition is a Scam
This one I hear too often. Human medicine has come a long way. Over the years, holistic medicine has become known as this hippie treatment that scientists sometimes consider a scam. However, traditional medicine is not an end-all, cure-all. Though traditional medicine has changed how we live, holistic medicine does have a time and place.
For example, for years, scientists looked for ways to deal with obesity and fat loss. Though there are medications and surgeries out there, you can also use physical exercise and diet changes, as a component of your treatment plan.
The same goes for your pup. A holistic treatment plan can be extremely helpful for your dog’s fitness, health, and wellness. Don’t let others fool you into thinking that you need the most up-to-date medications for your dog’s symptoms.
Nutrition & exercise play a big role in your dog’s overall health
Nutrition can play a big factor in their treatment. It’s known that feeding your dog a balanced, homemade diet can increase their lifespan by up to 3 years, compared to those fed “canned industrial food”. There have also been many testimonials of dog owners who see an increase in energy levels when giving homemade fresh food, instead of dry or pre-made dog food when done properly to create a balanced and complete diet (often formulated with their veterinarian or a dog nutritionist).
These nutrition and food changes do make a huge difference in your dog’s health and should not be ignored, just because the term ‘holistic’ gets a bad rep among us humans.
Once holistic medicine and nutrition became popular among humans, it was only time before we started applying this to dog food. Though the idea is sound, there are definitely some misconceptions to know before giving your dog ‘holistic’ food.
Holistic Food Brand Options + Reviews
When reviewing these dog food brands, we often reference the Dog Food Advisor, which has a much more detailed analysis of each ingredient, as well as, their opinion on the level of protein, fat, and carbohydrate amount. It is a great resource to reference for all dog foods.
Below are the top 4 most common dry dog food brands labeled as ‘holistic’ food, with a summary of their nutrient profile:
Earthborn Holistic Pet Food
- When looking at the ingredient list, the Earthborn Holistic Grain Free Great Plains Feast had a high protein amount and good ingredients overall.
- Price: $66.99 for a 25 lb bag ($2.67/lb)
- Learn more with this detailed review from Dog Food Advisor who gave them 5 stars.
Halo Holistic Dog Food
- This one had a good amount of protein, but a high amount of carbohydrates as well. The protein comes from less nutritional protein sources.
- Price: $79.99 for a 10 lb bag ($7.99/lb)
- Learn more with this detailed review from Dog Food Advisor who gave them 4 stars.
Solid Gold Pet Food
- They have lovely packaging! There is ample protein, and there are very few controversial ingredients when looking at the ingredient list.
- Price: 65.99 for a 25 lb bag ($2.63/lb)
- Read their review here. Dog Food Advisor gave them 5 stars.
Holistic Select
- There are a few controversial ingredients, explained more below, but with high protein levels and average fat levels!
- Price: 87.99 for a 30 lb bag ($2.93/lb)
- Learn more with the review from Dog Food Advisor here, which gave them 5 stars.
Conclusion
Holistic dog nutrition is not so straightforward after all. It’s not quite what it sounds like most of the time.
Now knowing the common misconceptions, hopefully, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether you should choose that holistic dog food brand you were eyeing.
