What Is Holistic Dog Food?

You might think that “holistic” dog food is similar to the holistic approach in medicine, where the focus is on treating the mind and body as a whole. In pet food, though, “holistic” has a much less defined meaning. In fact, seeing “holistic” on a dog food label doesn’t guarantee anything specific about quality or health benefits.

So, what exactly is holistic dog food? The truth is, there’s no official definition or standard for it in the pet food industry. Dog food companies often use it as a marketing label rather than an indicator of health, leaving pet parents to question what’s actually in the food. 

We all want to choose the healthiest food for our pets, so with the help of DFA’s nutritionist, Laura Ward, we’ve written a guide on holistic dog food and what the term truly means.

What does “holistic’ mean on dog food labels?

Pet food companies often overuse words such as “natural” and “holistic” because they sound quite wholesome and healthy. Holistic dog food gives the impression that it’s made with a balanced approach that considers the pet’s overall well-being. Dictionary-defined as “relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems,”¹ holistic suggests it’s addressing not just nutritional needs but also promoting vitality, longevity, and harmony of the body and mind. 

However, in the dog food world, this term is not an agreed-upon definition by the pet food industry, so it can mean something different to every brand.

Is holistic dog food just a marketing term?

Holistic can be overused in the pet world (and the human world), so it’s critical to read dog food labels to understand what they mean.

Holistic dog food is not regulated by the FDA, AAFCO, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (which does regulate organic products). And since there is no official definition, it is really more of a marketing term.

Is holistic dog food good for dogs?

Benefits of holistic dog food

“As holistic isn’t a defined claim in dog food, it isn’t possible to provide the benefits that holistic foods provide as a category,” says Laura Ward, DFA’s nutritionist.

“The features of individual foods are likely to vary. However, we would expect foods claiming to be “holistic” would also meet the AAFCO definition of “natural”, as these terms seem to complement each other. This is not guaranteed, however, and it is possible that some foods using the “holistic” claim do not meet the requirements of the “natural” labeling claim. 

“Each holistic dog food should be assessed individually and conclusions drawn based on their merits.”

Is holistic different from natural dog food?

Natural dog food is defined by the AAFCO, whereas holistic is not. 

Natural dog foods must be made only from plant, animal, or mined sources. They cannot contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. However, even the industry definition of Natural dog food is vague and often overused in marketing. It’s more helpful to think of natural foods as those made with ingredients that closely resemble their natural state.

Again, this is why it’s important to read food labels beyond the big marketing print!

Is holistic different from organic dog food?

Again, organic dog food is defined by the AAFCO so is more reputable in dog food labeling.

Organic dog food is made from ingredients grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or ionizing radiation.

For organic meat, the animals must be raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviors. They are fed organic food, and must not have been fed antibiotics or growth hormones.

Certified organic foods will display a USDA organic seal and must be made of at least 95% organic ingredients. ² 

Because any dog food brand can label their formulas as holistic, it’s up to pet parents to conduct more research into ingredients and read food labels carefully.

Pet parents shouldn’t assume that all ingredients in holistic dog food are good or beneficial to their pets.

Choosing the best holistic dog food

Holistic dog food can be nutritious and beneficial to your dog, it’s just important to read beyond the term. Holistic food can come in a variety of kibbles, wet, raw, etc. but as with any diet, it’s important to consider a few things before buying the food.

Do your research

When selecting a holistic dog food, it’s crucial to research the brand and read the ingredient list closely. Since holistic dog food is not regulated by official bodies like the FDA or AAFCO, pet parents must rely on transparency from the company and third-party reviews. 

“Look for brands that prioritize high-quality ingredients and foods that are robustly formulated to be complete and balanced,” says Laura.

Make sure it meets AAFCO label

Even though the term “holistic” isn’t officially defined or regulated, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) still provides guidelines to ensure nutritional adequacy. 

“Choose a dog food that has the AAFCO statement indicating it is “complete and balanced” for your dog’s life stage. This ensures that the food provides essential nutrients in the right amounts and proportions. Without this label, the food may not meet your dog’s basic dietary needs,” adds Laura.

Speak to your vet

If you’re considering switching your dog to a holistic diet, consult your veterinarian first. Every dog has unique health needs, and what works well for one might not be ideal for another. Your vet can provide insight into whether a particular holistic dog food is appropriate for your dog’s specific health conditions, lifestyle, and dietary requirements. They can also recommend particular brands or formulations that are more likely to meet your dog’s needs and offer guidance on transitioning to a new diet safely.