With more pet parents seeking cleaner, more responsible pet nutrition, the market for organic dog food brands is growing fast. But the term “organic” on a label doesn’t always mean the product lives up to your expectations.
Not all dog foods labeled “organic” meet the same standards. Some include only a few organic ingredients. Others follow strict USDA guidelines and go the extra mile with sustainability and animal welfare certifications. The difference matters—for your dog and for the planet.
In this guide, we’ll help you evaluate organic dog food brands based on five essential criteria. Whether you're making a first-time switch or double-checking your current brand, this is the framework you need to make confident, informed choices.
1. Look for Meaningful Certifications
Certifications are the foundation of organic credibility. Without them, “organic” is just marketing language. The most important ones to look for include:
- USDA Organic: The gold standard in organic labeling. To use this seal, 95% or more of the ingredients must be organic. That means no synthetic pesticides, no chemical fertilizers, and no GMOs.
- Global Animal Partnership (GAP): A step-rated certification that measures animal welfare practices on farms. The higher the step, the better the living conditions.
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC): A certification ensuring that fish used in dog food are sustainably sourced from fisheries that protect ecosystems and avoid overfishing.
Brands like Tender & True build transparency into their product lines with all three of these certifications. For example, their dry dog food collection features USDA organic recipes made with GAP-certified chicken and MSC-certified fish.
When evaluating brands, verify that their certifications appear on both packaging and their website—and that they’re current and specific to each formula.
2. Understand What “Organic” Really Means in Pet Food
Unlike human food, pet food labeling can be more confusing. A product can say “made with organic ingredients” if just 70% of its ingredients are organic. That’s not the same as a fully certified organic product.
To be confident you're buying from top organic dog food producers, look for labels that clearly state:
- “USDA Organic” (not just “organic ingredients”)
- Named protein sources (e.g., “organic chicken,” not just “meat”)
- Full disclosure of the source and treatment of each ingredient
Some brands focus on one or two ingredients being organic while ignoring others like oils, grains, or supplements. Truly trustworthy organic dog food brands use organic ingredients across the board.
3. Review the Ingredient List Like a Nutritionist
Organic or not, a high-quality dog food starts with clean, thoughtfully selected ingredients. The best natural organic dog food options:
- Use real, named proteins as the first ingredient (e.g., “organic turkey,” “wild-caught salmon”)
- Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, or soy
- Steer clear of by-products and mystery meat meals
- Do not use artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
Beyond the basics, quality brands often incorporate functional ingredients—like pumpkin for digestion or flaxseed for omega-3 support.
Tender & True’s organic recipes, for instance, feature balanced nutrition without unnecessary additives. Their ingredient panels are short, simple, and clearly listed—traits that help dogs with food sensitivities and picky appetites alike.
4. Consider Brand Philosophy and Transparency
It’s not just about what’s in the bag—it’s also about who’s behind it. When researching organic dog food brands, take time to understand the company’s values and sourcing practices.
Key questions to ask:
- Do they name their ingredient sources and farms?
- Are they upfront about how and where the food is made?
- Do they discuss animal welfare and sustainability openly?
- Do they formulate to AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition?
Transparency is a hallmark of a great brand. In Tender & True’s organic natural dog food guide, you’ll find insights into how sourcing, certifications, and ingredient integrity come together to support cleaner nutrition. This level of openness is essential when choosing food for a pet who depends on you for every meal.
5. Don’t Overlook How the Food is Processed
Even organic ingredients can lose nutritional value if not handled properly. Pay attention to how the food is cooked and packaged.
Dry food (kibble) is the most common format, but not all dry food is equal. Look for:
- Low-temperature cooking, which helps retain nutrients
- Minimal processing to preserve ingredient integrity
- Avoidance of extrusion shortcuts that sacrifice quality for cost
This is another area where natural organic dog food brands can stand out. Brands that are transparent about their processing methods are often more committed to preserving nutritional integrity—not just ticking the organic box.
Real-World Example: Why Pet Parents Trust Tender & True
As a brand that was first to bring USDA-certified organic dog food to national retail, Tender & True has continued to push the industry forward. Their commitment goes beyond the organic label:
- Their proteins are humanely raised, meeting GAP-certified animal welfare standards.
- Their fish formulas are MSC-certified for ocean sustainability.
- Every recipe is veterinary-formulated to meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional standards.
- Their organic lines avoid unnecessary fillers and prioritize digestibility and functional nutrition.
Pet parents seeking clean nutrition and ethical sourcing appreciate this full-spectrum approach. For dogs with dietary sensitivities or families prioritizing sustainability, Tender & True is one of the few organic dog food brands offering both transparency and variety.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right organic dog food brand is about more than picking the first product with “organic” on the label. It's about verifying certifications, reading ingredients closely, and aligning with brands that lead with integrity.
The best organic dog food brands are transparent, certified, and consistent. They understand that every ingredient tells a story—about your pet’s health, the planet, and how we feed the ones we love most. Tender & True is one of those brands—committed to organic integrity, ethical sourcing, and clean nutrition you can trust with every bowl.