Is Organic Cat Food Better for My Cat?

Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS
By Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS
Updated: 5/15/20241-2 minutes
Cat and owner

Organic Cat Food

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program defines and regulates the term "organic" for pet food and human food. "Organic" refers to the way a crop or animal is grown or raised and handled. Organic crops must be grown on land free from pesticides for three years. Organic livestock is fed organic feed, is not given antibiotics or hormones, and has access to the outdoors.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines and regulates the term "natural" for pet food and animal feed. The term "natural" means a feed or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources that have not been produced by a chemically synthetic process.

The inclusion of natural or organic ingredients in cat food may be important to you. Selecting a commercial cat food that fully complies with the regulations published by the USDA and AAFCO is of the utmost importance in order to ensure that your cat is being provided with a safe, healthy, and nourishing food.

Healthy Cat Food

Cat food that meets your cat’s nutritional needs for a particular life stage is considered complete and balanced. Commercial cat foods, including foods made with organic ingredients, are closely regulated.

It is important that the food you select for your cat is nutritionally complete and balanced for her particular life stage. Purina complies with all regulations, and uses the AAFCO regulations as a starting point for healthy cat food formulas, always meeting and often exceeding the nutrient profiles.

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