Is Organic Dog Food Worth It?
April 15, 2025 | By Ashleigh Tosh
Dog owners all over the United Kingdom are becoming increasingly conscious of exactly what goes into their dog's food.
Whether it's checking labels for hidden additives or researching protein sources, a vast majority are actively trying to choose better-quality foods.
One label that's gaining a lot attention lately is "organic."
It promises cleaner, more ethical ingredients - but with a premium price tag, it's fair to wonder, "is organic dog food really worth it?"
Just like with organic food for humans, the term "organic" carries significant weight.
It suggests fewer chemicals, more natural processes, and improved welfare standards - but what does that actually mean in the context of your pet's food? And, arguably more importantly, are the benefits tangible, or is it just another clever marketing ploy?
Here, we'll explore what the term organic really means for pet food in the UK, check out some of the pros and cons of choosing organic dog food, and help you decide whether it offers good value for you and your dog.
Table of Contents
What Does Organic Mean for Dog Food in the UK?
In the UK, the term "organic" is not just a marketing phrase. Rather, it's legally protected and strictly regulated.
Pet food products labelled as such must meet specific criteria to be classed as organic, and these rules are overseen by Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) and enforced through approved organic certification bodies.
Certification Requirements for Organic Pet Food
A pet food labelled as "organic" must contain at least 95% organic agricultural ingredients (excluding water and salt).
These ingredients must be grown and processed according to organic standards, which prohibit GMOs, synthetic pesticides, and artificial additives. The food must be produced by a company registered with a Defra-approved organic certification body.
If a product contains less than 95% organic ingredients, the word organic can only be used in the ingredients list, not in the product name or on front-of-pack branding.
This protects dog owners from misleading claims and ensures transparency - which here are All About Dog Food, we applaud!
Furthermore, it states on the UK Government website that any manufacturer or brand calling a product organic when it has not been inspected or certified are breaking the law.
Soil Association Certification
The Soil Association is the most recognised organic certifier in the UK. Products that carry their logo must meet not only the basic UK and EU organic standards but also additional criteria for quality, sustainability, and welfare.
In order to carry the Soil Association organic symbol, dog food must be:
- • Free from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers
- • 100% GMO-free
- • Made without artificial colours, preservatives, or flavourings
- • Using meat from animals raised to higher welfare standards, including free-range environments and natural diets
- • Manufactured with minimal processing and strict controls on cleaning agents and pest control in production facilities
The Soil Association also promotes environmentally sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, wildlife protection, and soil conservation.
For dog owners who care about how food is produced as much as what's in it, this certification certainly offers extra assurances.
Quick Facts
Organic dog food in the UK must meet strict certification rules, including at least 95% organic ingredients, no GMOs, no artificial additives, and high animal welfare standards. Certified by bodies like the Soil Association and regulated by Defra, organic dog food offers ethical and environmental benefits - but at a higher cost. Whether it's worth it depends on your dog's health, your values, and your budget.
The Pros and Cons of Organic Dog Food
Like many pet care decisions, choosing organic dog food comes with pros and cons, so to make it a little easier to navigate, here's the downlow on what you need to know...
 Benefits of Organic Dog Food
Fewer chemical residues
Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, potentially reducing your dog's exposure to chemical contaminants.
While direct health benefits in dogs are still being studied, some owners say they've noticed improvements in digestion and skin health.
No artificial additives
Certified organic pet foods exclude synthetic colours, preservatives, and flavourings.
This may be beneficial for dogs with food intolerances or sensitive stomachs.
Higher animal welfare standards
The livestock used in organic pet foods must be reared with access to pasture, proper housing, and without routine antibiotic use. For many dog owners, this lines up with their own ethical values around humane farming.
Environmentally responsible
Organic farming methods are designed to minimise environmental impact, enhance biodiversity, and protect soil and water quality. If sustainability is important to you, organic food can be part of a more eco-conscious lifestyle.
Reliable labelling and traceability
Certification safeguards that the ingredients and processes meet strict standards, providing clarity and peace of mind for dog owners when it comes to label claims and transparency.
Drawbacks of Organic Dog Food
Higher cost
Organic dog food often comes at a premium - sometimes 30 - 100% more than standard alternatives. For large and giant breeds or multi-dog households, this can make a sizeable dent in your monthly budget.
Fewer available options
While the market is growing, the selection of organic dog food in the UK is still really quite small. This may be a challenge if your dog has specific dietary needs.
Not automatically more nutritious
Organic doesn't guarantee better. A complete and balanced non-organic food may be just as effective for your dog's overall health. Always look for products that meet FEDIAF nutritional guidelines, you can do this by looking for the blue tick on products we list in the Dog Food Directory.
Limited scientific evidence
Although the environmental and ethical benefits of organic farming are well documented and indeed supported, there is limited peer-reviewed research proving that organic food provides long-term health improvements in dogs.
Is Organic Dog Food Worth the Cost?
Whether organic dog food is worth it ultimately depends on your personal values, your budget, and your dog's individual needs.
Before you dive in to buying organic for your dog, you may wish to consider:
Is your dog thriving on their current diet?
If they-re healthy, energetic, and have no skin or digestive problems, switching to organic may not provide noticeable improvements.
Does your dog have sensitivities or allergies?
Organic diets may help reduce exposure to potential irritants, particularly for dogs with ingredient sensitivities or chronic issues. But, as always, read the labels carefully in case of any additives that could lead to sensitivities in your pup.
Do you value sustainability and welfare in food sourcing?
If ethical sourcing, environmental protection, and higher welfare standards are important to you, organic food provides a clear advantage, but...
Can you afford to feed it regularly?
Consistency matters in dog nutrition. If organic food stretches your budget, it may be worth considering feeding it on occasion or choosing a high-quality, non-organic brand with transparent sourcing and minimal additives.
In Conclusion - Should You Make the Switch to Organic Dog Food?
It's undeniable that organic dog food offers some compelling advantages - fewer artificial ingredients, traceable supply chains, higher welfare standards, and environmentally sustainable farming.
Plus, when certified by a trusted body like the Soil Association, it gives you confidence that the product meets strict standards.
However, it's not the only path to a healthy diet for your dog. There are loads of non-organic foods that offer excellent nutrition at a more affordable price point.
At the end of the day, the best dog food is one your dog thrives on, and you feel confident feeding every day.
If organic supports your values and budget, it's certainly a worthwhile choice to consider. But, if not, it's probably better to focus on quality, balance, ingredient transparency and sourcing.
Have you ever tried organic dog food? We-d love to hear your experiences! Did switching to organic make a difference for your dog? What matters most to you when choosing your dog's food - ingredient quality, ethics, price, or something else?
Let us know in the comments...
About the author
 Ashleigh Tosh - Content Writer at All About Dog Food
Ashleigh's a professional writer with over a decade’s experience, including several years focused on human nutrition and the fitness industry. That extensive understanding of ingredients and health translated naturally into her passion for dog nutrition, sparked when her late Dogue De Bordeaux developed digestive issues. Now a Content Writer for All About Dog Food, she's delighted to help dog owners all over the UK make informed choices for their pups. She lives with Frank, her lively Rottweiler, and credits his energy and very shiny coat to a great diet, and plenty of play (he's a big fan of tug-o-war).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs really benefit from eating organic food?
While there’s limited direct research in dogs, organic food can reduce exposure to artificial additives, preservatives, and pesticide residues. Many owners also choose it for the ethical and environmental benefits, even if health changes are not always dramatic or immediate.
How do I know if a dog food is genuinely organic in the UK?
Look for the Soil Association logo on the packaging. Only products that contain at least 95% organic ingredients and meet strict processing and welfare standards are allowed to carry this certification under UK law. That said, individual ingredients can be classed as organic, so it's worthwhile checking the ingredients label.
Is organic dog food suitable for all breeds and life stages?
It can be, but availability is more limited than standard foods. Make sure any organic dog food you choose is labelled as complete and balanced, and formulated for your dog’s age, size, and activity level. If in doubt, consult your vet.
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