This is a question many pet owners have been asking lately. As the debate over holistic dog food continues, more questions than answers seem to be raised as to whether holistic dog food is better than processed kibble or canned food. Major manufacturers of dog foods naturally claim that their dog foods are superior because they use special formulas to promote shiny coats, strong bones, and keep your dog healthy. But more and more people are beginning to see that holistic dog food is perhaps the best choice available on the market today.

And holistic foods are no longer difficult to find. A growing number of pet stores and organic food stores now prepare holistic dog foods, often using only the fresh, organic ingredients. This is food that would be fit and healthy for human consumption. But even so, the nutritional value of holistic dog food is still being hotly debated.

Some independent veterinarians are cautious about using holistic dog food. While it might be nutritious when fed in controlled quantities, too much could cause problems. The danger of overfeeding holistic dog food to your dog may lead to an overdose of certain vitamins. Like with humans, an overexposure to vitamins such a Vitamin A and B12 can lead to dangerous side effects. These side effects can even be fatal to dogs.

Also, major dog food manufacturers are quick to point out that holistic dog foods don't have the same controls on vitamins, fats, or calories that are put into the food. These controls on ingredients are used by the pet food manufacturers to create blends designed to be safely given to a dog in prescribed quantities. They say the same can't be said about organic food.

Not only that, pet food nutritionists say that there is no evidence that the organic food makers are providing pet owners with high quality ingredients. The major dog food manufacturers are adamant that they have high quality control standards to ensure that the food they are producing will provide the dog with a safe and nutritious diet.

That argument about safety is a point of contention, especially after the dog food mass recalls a couple years ago, in which hundreds of brands were recalled due to poor quality control that resulted in poor produce used in the food, contaminating the food with bacteria that killed dozens of animals. Because of this, many pet owners have switched permanently to holistic dog food.

Though the arguments against holistic dog foods continue, no dog has died as a result of eating a holistic dog food in the United States in recent years. Dog owners are finding that holistic food is nutritious for their dog. And there are controls placed on the holistic dog food market. All holistic dog food must be tested by nutritional experts to prove they meet USDA guidelines and to certify that they are safe for dogs to eat.

Ultimately, the consumer needs to be aware of the nutritional content of the foods that they feed their dog, and how safe that food is. Organic foods are still proven to be the safest alternative on the market for dogs to eat, although bagged kibble is still fairly safe to feed a pet. The consumer needs to use their discretion, and possibly the advice of a veterinarian or animal nutritionist, in choosing food for their dog.

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