The term "natural" on a pet food label is often used to suggest that the food contains ingredients that are closer to their original, unprocessed form, and that it does not contain artificial additives, colors, or preservatives. However, it's important to note that the term "natural" is not strictly defined by any regulatory body in the same way that terms like "organic" or "grain-free" are. This can make it somewhat vague and open to interpretation by different pet food manufacturers.
What "Natural" Generally Means:
In general, when a pet food is labeled as "natural," it may mean:
No Artificial Additives: The food doesn't contain artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. This includes ingredients like artificial dyes, synthetic antioxidants (like BHA or BHT), or other artificial chemicals that may be used to enhance the appearance or shelf life of the product.
Whole or Minimal Processing: The ingredients are more likely to be closer to their natural state, with minimal processing or alteration. This could mean whole meats, vegetables, and grains, as opposed to highly refined or heavily processed ingredients.
No Artificial Ingredients: Natural pet foods usually avoid added synthetic nutrients like artificial vitamins and minerals that aren't derived from natural sources.
What "Natural" Does Not Mean:
While "natural" is meant to imply certain qualities, it's not a guarantee of:
High Quality: "Natural" doesn't automatically mean that the ingredients are of the highest quality. For example, it may still contain low-quality meat by-products or fillers that are considered "natural," even though they are not ideal for your pet’s nutrition.
Human-Grade Ingredients: Pet food labeled "natural" may still contain ingredients that are not suitable for human consumption. For example, rendered meat meal or other lower-grade animal products.
Complete Nutrition: While the food may not contain artificial additives, it could still lack the balance of nutrients necessary for your pet’s health. Natural foods can vary widely in terms of how well they meet your pet’s nutritional needs.
Regulatory Standards:
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which helps regulate pet food labelling in the U.S., does not have a specific definition for "natural" on pet food labels. AAFCO requires that pet foods meet basic nutritional standards, but the term "natural" itself is a marketing claim that is self-regulated by manufacturers, so it’s essential to consider other labels and product details when evaluating food.
How to Evaluate "Natural" Pet Foods:
When shopping for natural pet food, here are some tips to help you make a more informed decision:
Check the Ingredients List: Look for whole, recognisable foods like real meat (chicken, turkey, beef), vegetables (carrots, peas, sweet potatoes), and grains (rice, oats) that are minimally processed.
Look for Certification: If you want a more defined standard, you might want to look for certifications such as “Certified Organic” (which has stricter standards) or "USDA Organic" to ensure the food is not only natural but also free from pesticides and synthetic chemicals.
Look for "No Artificial Additives": Ensure the food is free from artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. If you're concerned about the presence of preservatives, look for ingredients like vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or vitamin C as natural preservatives, which are typically safer.
Check the Nutritional Adequacy Statement: Even natural foods must meet AAFCO's basic nutritional standards. A food label should include a statement that the product is "complete and balanced" for your pet's life stage (puppy, adult, senior, etc.).
Summary:
While "natural" on a pet food label indicates that the food is free from artificial ingredients and may contain more minimally processed, whole-food ingredients, it doesn't necessarily mean the food is of the highest quality, balanced, or the most nutritionally complete for your pet. Always evaluate the specific ingredients, the overall quality of the food, and whether it meets your pet’s individual health needs. If in doubt, consult with your veterinarian for recommendations that best support your pet's health.