Our companions mean a lot to us, so it isn’t surprising that we want to feed them the best food money can buy. Organic cat food is full of natural alternatives to the additives in conventional pet foods.
We discuss what “organic” means when it comes to cat food as well as how to understand the labels on food packaging. We also look at the benefits of organic cat food and what to look out for before purchasing.
Finally, we review our 6 best organic cat foods for 2021:
- Purina Beyond Organic Dry Cat Food
- Purina Beyond Organic Wet Cat Food
- Tender & True Organic Chicken and Liver Recipe
- Castor & Pollux Organix Organic
- Castor & Pollux Organix Canned
- Evangers Organic
What Does Organic Mean?
The term ‘organic’ refers to how the ingredients have been created, prepared, and raised. Organic cat food must be free from synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and any other chemicals.
The AAFCO state organic pet food production must meet the standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA is responsible for food quality and safety, as well as nutritional labeling. If a manufacturer claims that their product is organic, manufacturers must have harvested the resources for that product while:
- Maintaining and improving soil and water quality.
- Promoting ecological balance.
- Minimizing the use of artificial materials.
- Conserving biodiversity.
- Nutrient cycling.
An authorized certifying agent from the USDA National Organic Program must monitor all manufacturing. All products must use permitted substances, and the manufacturer should not employ any excluded or prohibited production methods.
The Labeling of Organic Products
To be labeled “organic,” the product must contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and meet manufacturing standards. Meeting these conditions will allow the manufacturer to use the USDA organic seal on their packaging. This is an official stamp that the National Organic Program, part of the USDA, manages.
If the product contains between 70-95 percent organic ingredients, they’re entitled to state “made with organic <three specific ingredients>.” Manufacturers can label organic ingredients as organic in the ingredient listing, but they cannot display the USDA organic seal on the packaging.
Any lower than 70 percent, and the manufacturer can only label the organic ingredients in the ingredient listing. They must not display the USDA organic seal anywhere on the packaging.
Other Certifications
There are a few other seals you may come across when looking for organic pet food they are:
- Oregon Tilth – Another organic certification body that is accredited by the USDA national organic program.
- Non-GMO Project Verified – If a product has this certification, it means they’ve had extra tests for GMO residue at multiple production levels.
- Animal Welfare Certified – This certification means that the treatment of animals has been monitored and approved. There are several steps to this certification. The higher the step, the better the quality of life the livestock are living.
Benefits of Organic Cat Food
There is very little evidence suggesting that organic pet food is any more nutritious than conventional food. However, organic food does tend to contain higher-quality ingredients that are not full of preservatives, growth hormones, and antibiotics. They often contain carefully sourced ingredients like real meat, vegetables, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, all beneficial for our cats.
Organic foods usually contain slightly higher amounts of omega-3 and -6. This is because they often have natural ingredients such as flaxseed as well as good-quality protein sources. These fatty acids are highly beneficial for your cat’s skin and for giving your cat’s coat a glossy shine.
What to Look For in Organic Cat Food
When looking to purchase organic cat food, look for:
- High-quality protein: Cats are obligate carnivores; therefore, meat is essential in their diet. Make sure the protein is from a high-quality source like real meat or fish. Meat-based proteins are necessary to provide essential amino acids such as taurine, which cats can’t produce. Taurine promotes healthy vision, digestion, and heart muscle function.
- USDA Organic Seal: Is it really organic? Look for the USDA organic seal. Labels such as “natural” and “holistic” may trick you into thinking it’s an organic product.
- AAFCO complete and balanced: Check that the food meets the guidelines set by the AAFCO. Complete and balanced means the food contains all the nutrients needed in the correct ratio.
- Avoid artificial additives: Organic pet foods contain natural ingredients and leave little room for artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
- Fatty acids: Check the product contains the essential fatty acids omega-3 and -6 to help keep your feline’s skin and coat healthy.
Reviews of the 6 Best Organic Cat Foods in 2021
Purina Beyond Organic Dry Cat Food
Purina Beyond Organic chicken, egg, and sweet potato recipe provides 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for your adult feline. Purina sustainably sourced all the ingredients in this five or 12-pound bag in the US.
This fancy feast provides your kitty with high-quality proteins which release the essential amino acids your furry friend needs. The number one ingredient is organic free-range chicken, raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones.
The packaging displays the USDA organic seal, indicating they used no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers during production. This delicious food is free from artificial additives but rich in natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health.
It also contains ingredients such as eggs and canola meal which are natural sources of omega-3 and -6. According to consumers, cats really enjoy the taste of this kibble; however, their owners aren’t as keen on the price.
Pros
- Displays USDA organic seal.
- High-quality protein source.
- High protein content.
- Contains amino acids and omega-3 and -6.
- Complete and balanced.
- Free from artificial additives.
Cons
- Expensive
Purina Beyond Organic Wet Cat Food
Purina Beyond’s rich and highly hydrating pate provides your adult cat with 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition. There are six 3-ounce cans in this variety pack, in two flavors, chicken and carrot, and chicken and sweet potato.
Beyond’s production facilities take the extra step to make sure they’re reducing waste and improving soil and water quality. It boldly displays the USDA organic seal, so we know that they used no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers during production.
They’re also Non-GMO Project verified, which means Beyond produced this without genetic engineering.
This food is free from artificial additives, antibiotics, and hormones. This high-protein diet’s number one ingredient is free-range organic chicken which keeps your feline active and supports overall health. At the same time, it provides them with essential nutrients, amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals.
You probably won’t need to place any leftover canned food in the refrigerator, as this chow won’t get a chance to go stale. With many cats licking their bowl clean.
Consumers’ main complaint is that this isn’t the most affordable of diets to keep their pets satisfied.
Pros
- High moisture content.
- High protein content.
- High-quality protein.
- USDA approved.
- Non-GMO project verified.
- Free from artificial additives.
- Contains essential amino acids and fatty acids.
Cons
- Expensive.
Tender & True Organic
Tender & true are pioneers in the organic pet food industry, so they know a thing or two about sourcing great ingredients. They’re USDA approved as well as step three Animal Welfare certified, meaning their livestock has enhanced access to outdoor space.
This food is not just organic; it’s also grain-free. This is fantastic for felines with an intolerance to grain. It’s complete and balanced for all life stages and comes in two great flavors, chicken and liver, and turkey and liver. All contained in a three or 7-pound resealable bag.
This chow is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as well as hormones and antibiotics. The number one ingredient is real meat, providing the amino acids your four-legged buddy needs to stay in top condition. Added omega-3 and -6 fatty acids give your cat’s coat a glossy shine while keeping their skin healthy.
Most consumers say their cats love this food, although some fussy felines won’t eat it. If you’re determined to go organic, this food ticks all the boxes.
Pros
- Displays USDA organic seal.
- High-quality protein.
- High protein content.
- Animal welfare certified.
- Contains omega-3 and -6.
- Grain-free.
- Free from artificial additives.
Cons
- Some cats won’t eat it.
Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Dry
Castor and Pollux Organix is a complete and balanced diet for your adult cat. Bag sizes range from three to 10-pounds. They also have an organic range for kittens, only supplied in 3-pound bags. This food comes in two flavors; chicken and brown rice, and a grain-free option, chicken and sweet potato.
Castor and Pollux produce this great kibble without using artificial additives, hormones, and antibiotics. The number one ingredient is organic free-range chicken which is highly digestible. It’s a great source of protein that provides your cat with essential amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals.
A rich superfood blend consisting of cranberries and flaxseed helps support digestion. Consumers say although it’s expensive, this food is ideal for cats who suffer from digestive issues. However, customers suspect a change in the recipe as some cats have started to dislike this food.
Pros
- Complete and balanced nutrition.
- Provides a grain-free option.
- Displays USDA organic seal.
- Contains omega-3.
- High protein content.
- High-quality protein.
- Free from artificial additives.
Cons
- Some cats dislike the suspected recipe change.
- Expensive.
Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Canned
Castor and Pollux Organix provides a fantastic range of poultry flavors for your adult cat, even offering a kitten option. It’s 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition, so no need to worry about supplementing your cat’s dinner. You have a choice between 24, 3-ounce, or 5.5-ounce cans.
This affordable canned food always contains high-quality organic free-range poultry as the number one ingredient. This ensures your cat gains the amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals they need for a healthy lifestyle. It’s also Non GMO Project verified, so we can be sure all the ingredients are natural.
This grain-free, nutrient-rich formula is full of ingredients such as flaxseed, cranberries, and coconut flour, which all aid digestion. The USDA organic seal takes pride of place—they used no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers on this product. It’s also free from artificial additives, antibiotics, and hormones.
Consumers are generally happy with the quality of this product and say their cats love the taste. However, some cats refuse to eat it.
Pros
- USDA approved.
- Non GMO Project verified.
- Complete and balanced.
- High-quality protein.
- High moisture content.
- Grain-free
- Free from artificial additives.
- Contains essential amino acids and fatty acids.
Cons
- Some cats refuse to eat it.
Evangers Organics
Evangers Organics is a complete and balanced diet in recyclable 5.5-ounce cans for all life stages of your feline. It comes in three great meaty flavors that your cat will adore, braised chicken, turkey and butternut squash, and beef. The recipes are grain-free
This product has two organic certifications from the USDA and Oregon Tilth, showing how committed to providing organic pet food. Evangers Organics have used no artificial additives, hormones, or antibiotics, and it’s rich in natural nutrients. The number one ingredient is always real meat, great for an active healthy lifestyle.
There are limited ingredients in this simple food, but all serve a purpose. Added omega-3 and -6 give your cat’s skin and coat that extra glow and shine, and essential vitamins and minerals support overall health. The included amino acids aid digestion, vision, and heart function.
Consumers describe this product as a juicy pate with a pleasant aroma, expensive but worth it. However, some reviewers said the texture was inconsistent, and they found that occasionally their cat wouldn’t eat it.
Pros
- High-quality protein.
- Complete and balanced.
- Grain-free.
- USDA and Oregon Tilth certified.
- Contains amino acids and omega-3 and -6.
- No artificial additives.
Cons
- Expensive
- Some cats didn’t approve of texture inconsistencies.
FAQs
Are natural and holistic pet foods the same as organic?
No, natural and holistic pet foods are not the same as organic. The AAFCO defines the term “natural” as having to be “derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources.” They then list several ways the product can be processed.
In comparison, the term “organic” is much more heavily regulated. Livestock must be raised on organic feed and given outdoor access; they must not be treated with antibiotics or hormones.
The term “holistic” has no definition set by the AAFCO. This term can be used on packaging regardless of ingredients.
Final Verdict
It would make life much easier if we could give our cats the benefits of both a wet and dry diet in one food. While felines need the hydration that wet food offers, they also need the dental care given by a dry kibble. So we’ve provided you with both options in our final verdict.
Our favorite wet food is Castor and Pollux Organix. It’s a tasty grain-free food that has several flavors to offer. Not only does it boast the USDA organic seal, but it’s also Non GMO Project verified. Its other plus is that it’s the most affordable canned food on our list.
Tender & True Organic is our number one dry food. It’s USDA-approved as well as Animal Welfare Certified. This grain-free recipe will keep your cat in prime condition and leave their taste buds wanting more.