5 reasons why you should look for the "organic" seal on dog food

12. March 2022 — von F. D.

"Organic is better for animals and the environment" - that's something we've all heard. But is it really true? And what can animal owners expect from organic food?

Not all "organic" is the same

The term "organic" is commonly used to describe products with different seals, for example Demeter, EU-Bio and Bioland. What all these labels have in common is that they have higher requirements with regard to environmental protection, animal husbandry and processing is legally prescribed as a minimum standard. What exactly these requirements look like and how they are implemented, however, differs from seal to seal.

Animal husbandry

The so-called "stocking density" indicates how much space must be available per individual animal in the barn. This is significantly higher in the EU organic label than in the conventional minimum standards. In conventional stables, five large fattening bulls may be kept in an area of 15 square metres - in an organic farm, you will find only three bulls in the same area and an additional running space. This makes a big difference for the animals! Not only can they move around more, but there are always fights in a group of bulls. The larger area allows the animals to get out of each other's way and relax.

Broiler chickens are also given much more space in the barn and must have constant access to the open air, where they can be chickens to their heart's content - this includes running around, scratching, pecking and also hiding under bushes.

The construction of organic barns should also ensure animal welfare: for example, cattle barns must not only consist of slatted floors, but must have comfortable and dry lying areas, and chicken coops must be equipped with sufficient perches for each animal.

Use of antibiotics and other medicines

A major difference in organic animal husbandry compared to conventional intensive animal husbandry is the use of medicines, especially when it comes to antibiotics. Organic husbandry focuses more on the prevention of diseases by changing the husbandry conditions - diseases can already be contained by hygienic conditions, more space per animal and an open air area. If an animal does have to be treated, herbal medicines should be preferred - in the case of severe bacterial infections, antibiotics are also allowed in organic husbandry. However, much more time must pass before an animal can be slaughtered after such treatment than in conventional husbandry.

Organically-grown plants

Surely, our aim must be to grow plants in a way that protects the soil and biodiversity. For example, mineral nitrogen fertilizer is prohibited in organic farming - this quickly leads to increased nitrate levels in the soil and depletes the humus layer, making the soil poorer in nutrients in the long term. The use of pesticides is also severely restricted in the organic sector; just as in animal husbandry, the focus here is on prevention by adhering to sensible crop rotations and using plant varieties that are suitable for the climate.

Food processing

In production, agricultural products are turned into processed food. Here, too, the principle of the EU organic label is "naturalness" – organic, physical and mechanical processing techniques – should primarily be used and, if possible, without any chemical techniques. At least 95% of the ingredients must be of organic quality; non-organic additives may only be used in exceptional cases. Overall, organic products contain fewer or no artificial additives and the risk of residues, for example from pesticides, is significantly lower.

Of course, the requirements described are only small excerpts from the organic farming regulations. However, all other regulations, just like those listed, are intended to help maintain and work with nature's cycles, conserve resources, preserve biodiversity and produce in an environmentally friendly way overall. Organic is usually a little more expensive, but animals and the environment will thank you for it! If you want to find out more, you can find out more here.

Inuvet organic feed from the veterinary practice

Inuvet-BIO feed bears the organic seal in accordance with the EC Organic Regulation and therefore meets the standards set by the EU for organic products. In products with this seal, 95% of the ingredients must have been produced organically - what this means is laid down by the European Commission in the EC Organic Regulation and covers a wide range of areas from animal husbandry and the use of pesticides to the ban on the use of genetic engineering. Inuvet organic feed is available online at inuvet.store.

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