If our dogs are what they eat, then one of my friend’s late childhood dogs was a white-almond paint bucket mixed with Miracle-Gro and cat poo. (I promise my friend’s dog lived for years after tasting these items at different intervals.) Anecdote aside, it is essential for dogs, especially Yorkies, to receive the best nutritional value possible from their diet.

Now more than ever, natural and organic dog foods seem to be on pet owners’ minds as various stories surface in the news about unhealthy and downright sickening products that are finding their way into various commercial brand dog foods (i.e., waste, blood, and other matter, according to the AAFCO). So with stories like this surfacing, why not examine the organic dog food scene and see what it has to offer?

One comforting thought is that the dog food brands that profess “organic” on their labels must meet certain USDA regulations, explaining how the product is organic. (That’s worth an extra $10 to me right there.) But be attentive to the label and read carefully, as the word “natural” isn’t a synonym for organic.

You see, dog food that is natural doesn’t necessarily indicate that it is organic; the term “natural” isn’t regulated by a governing body within the industry, which allows for greater definitions by all dog food providers.

I believe that purchasing organic dog food really comes down to how you feel about eating healthy in general. If you eat a steady diet of potato chips, fast food, candy, and soda, are you really going to be inclined to spend a little extra on health food for your dog? I would have to say ‘no’.

But, if you’re conscientious about what goes into your body, then perhaps you’re more willing to provide something more nutritious for your little Yorkie. This notion would be especially beneficial to a young pup, as certain companies have formulated organic puppy food (with different nutrients or a little extra fat) to help promote a healthy start for a Yorkie’s delicate bone structure.

Ultimately, you want a nourished, vigorous Yorkie that you can pal around with. Be selective of what your pet will eat as you would with your own diet, namely sticking to whole food products and avoiding processed ingredients. Your reward will be that waggly tail for years to come.