What’s With this “Holistic” thing?
The “holistic” word gets batted around a lot these days in the pet care world. There is no “scientific” or “legal” definition of the term particularly as it relates to pet nutrition. Several of the brands we carry do indeed use it in their names. Holistic of course generally means “of the whole” or focused on the whole. To us it means a few things of importance and in our opinion includes at the very least the following: 1. The use of natural ingredients and no chemicals or artificial ingredients. No antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, dyes, etc. 2. Grain-free does not necessarily constitute a holistic diet and a holistic diet does not have to be grain-free. 3. Fruits and vegetables contribute the lions share of non-protein supplementation and there are no processed “parts” or by-products of the meat/rendering industry. 4. The ingredients chosen are there to benefit the dog or cat….not to make for a least cost recipe to benefit the manufacturer’s profits…..(common among big box and grocery store brands.) 5. Fruits and vegetables provide a wide range of natural antioxidant protection and vitamins and minerals. 6. Zero potentially harmful ingredients. I would encourage you to visit the various websites of the brands we carry to learn about the natural/holistic ingredients that are used. Their websites are all linked on our nutrition page.
Does “holistic” mean “organic”? No. We do carry several foods produced with 100% certified organic raised meat protein and fruits and vegetables. Per the USDA Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.
Categories of USDA-Certified Organic Foods
Label statement and USDA requirements for organic certification of human foods*
100% Organic
Can be labeled “100% organic” and display a Certified Organic seal on the front of the package.
Organic
Must be 95% to 99% organic ingredients; can display the Certified Organic seal on the front of the package.
Made with Organic Ingredients
Must be 70% to 94% organic, can say “made with organic ingredients” and can list up to three such ingredients on the front, but cannot display the organic seal anywhere on the package.
Less than 70% Organic
Can list organic ingredients on the information panel, but cannot use the word “organic” on the front of the package or display the organic seal.
Source: USDA National Organic Program
