Holistic food: what it is, types, composition, properties and reviews

If you have at least once chosen ready-made food for your four-legged friend, or even just looked at a store window with food, then I can bet that you have come across holistic food.

As a rule, this food group stands apart from all premiums, super-premiums, and even more so “economy” ones, standing out on the shelf with its beautiful packaging and – alas – most likely its price.

Natalya Gridchina, an expert at the online publication BelNovosti, talks about this in more detail.

Well, if you go online and want to delve into the differences between holistic foods and other foods, you will read a lot of interesting, and often very contradictory, information. Some consider holistic food to be a panacea for all the problems of their animal, including a show career and the quality of the offspring produced, while others also sincerely believe that holistic is just a marketing ploy to pump money out of our already thinner wallets after the coronavirus.

Let's try to figure out today what kind of animal this holistic animal is and what it is eaten with (sometimes literally).

What is holistic dog food?

This name can often be found on the packaging of expensive dog food. Unlike popular opinion, this is not a brand, not the name of a manufacturing company. This is a new approach to balanced nutrition.

Holistic is a derivative of the word “holism”. The literal translation is integrity. Derived from the latest ideas in medicine about a holistic approach to treating the body (body, soul, mental images).

A little vague, but there is a bit of rationality in it. The physiology and anatomy of pets directly depends on both the diet and many factors: breed, age, development conditions, upbringing, families where the pet is kept.

The term was first used by Innova to refer to all-natural food without chemical additives. It is believed that holistic nutrition is based on the rational use of only natural ingredients.

What is the difference between holistic and other foods?

Considered from a marketing point of view, the price of holistic food is high. Despite this, they are increasingly promoted by economics and veterinary medicine, convincing consumers to use only this type of food. There is a share of rational decision in this approach and is explained by several reasons.

1. The composition includes natural ingredients. All components (vegetables, root vegetables, meat or fish fractions, berries, fruits, grains) correspond to the quality indicators of products suitable for human consumption. Manufacturers claim that people can eat holistic food without experiencing any problems, and it is safe for children. This concept was defined as “human grade” - a revolutionary approach to nutrition.
2. All components are balanced and tested by food and drug control associations in the USA, which guarantees the complete absence of chemical derivatives.
3. The holistic food recipe is based on the needs of pets depending on age, breed, category. It is based on 70 percent protein food and 30 percent protein. In feeds of a lower class, the same proportion is observed, but the source is by-products and meat processing residues. The pet receives protein without protein. To satiate you need a much larger portion. The choline approach guarantees satiety due to the complete absorption of components.
4. This type of food provides a varied diet in taste characteristics. If you do it yourself, you will have to spend a lot of effort creating a menu, selecting components daily, and calculating the ingredients.
5. Cholines use poultry, lean beef and lamb. Particular attention is paid to Omega-3 acids and phosphorus by extraction from the salmon and cod fish families.
6. Vitamin supplements are obtained from fresh berries, fruits, vegetables, seaweed, which affects hair growth and strengthening bone tissue.
7. Holistic food can be stored for up to a year. Vitamins E and C and rosemary oil act as preservatives. This approach increases appetite and increases the ability to quickly and efficiently digest food. Allergies are excluded in animals, as is often the case with cheaper feed options.

Owners complain that holistic treatments are too expensive. Due to the all-natural ingredients, the price seems overpriced. If you prepare a complete diet for your beloved pet yourself, it will cost much more. It is necessary to take into account many factors that influence the absorption of nutrition, its characteristics, dependence on the dog’s age, breed, size, and daily routine.

What to look for when choosing products?

Holistic-class dry food is balanced and made taking into account the physiology and age of pets. The use of such products significantly saves the owner’s time. The food can be stored for a long time; you can take it with you on the road, which is very convenient, according to reviews. And, most importantly, using such products, you don’t have to worry about the proper diet of your pet.

However, when purchasing food, it is recommended to carefully read its composition. You need to choose products taking into account the physiological characteristics of a particular animal, its taste preferences or intolerance to any food. You can find out a lot of useful information about holistic food in advance: what it is, what benefits it has and what it consists of. Of course, the components from which any product of this type is made include meat, fish and poultry. When purchasing food, you must take into account such nuances as:

• Pet size and weight.

• Features of the breed.
• Age category.
• Physiological characteristics (pregnancy, castration).
• Presence of diseases.

This determines which product is best to choose and in what quantities the animal should be given it.

Types of Holistic Dog Foods

The naturalness of food is distinguished by specifications for the characteristics of pets, so there are separate types for each category.

For puppies

During the dog’s intensive growth, the musculoskeletal system, musculoskeletal system, and hair quality are formed. With age, the coat changes, puppy fluff falls out, the coats and undercoat of long-haired pets become stronger. In short-haired breeds (for example, boxer, dachshund), it is important to pay attention to the adherence of the hair to the skin.

Activity ensures the formation of a toned body contour. During this period, it is important to pay attention to intensive training and training, allowing you to raise an obedient pet with excellent exterior qualities.

Holistic food for puppies includes all the necessary components that support growth: collagen, proteins, microminerals.

For adult dogs

Photo: wikimedia.org
With age, eating behavior develops, the dog acquires a special appearance characteristic of the breed, and reproductive features appear. Holistic food includes a large amount of protein fractions and vitamins that help maintain healthy teeth, muscles, grooming, and active life.

For older dogs

Aging is accompanied by various diseases, ranging from arthrosis to cancer. During this period, it is important to provide a balanced diet to avoid disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system. It is important to maintain the possibility of motor activity, despite the gradual decline of physiological functions. Holistic food for older dogs is selected based on health and behavior problems.

For small breeds

Small dogs often suffer from problems with digestion, urolithiasis, and joints. Fractures of the extremities often occur due to the specific structure. For such dogs, food is produced in small granules that are easy to chew and do not spoil the composition of tooth enamel. They are better absorbed and enable the dog to show greater endurance and resist dangerous viral diseases.

For large breeds

Depending on the size of the dog, holistic foods are tailored to the breed's characteristics. The larger the dog, the more nutrition is needed to maintain energy balance. Holistic food granules are large and help clean the oral cavity and maintain strong bone tissue.

Wet

This type is more suitable for those dogs that experience dental problems: caries, periodontal disease, habitual dislocation of the jaws. This type of holistic medicine is intended as an additional therapy after infectious diseases. It has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and normalizes peristalsis. It is recommended to give it periodically to all breeds, regardless of problems.

Hypoallergenic

Allergies are a common cause of inconvenience for both dogs and owners. Bulldogs, a short-haired breed, are especially prone to this. Scratching, pimples, and wounds that take a long time to heal appear. Holistic food is completely hypoallergenic and helps dogs resist allergenic factors such as flowering plants, city dust, and violations of their usual diets. It eliminates itching and swelling, normalizes the microflora of the mucous membranes.

For sterilized dogs

Sterilization disrupts hormonal levels, so small doses of natural substances are introduced into this type of food to help normalize metabolic processes. These can be estrogens, testosterones, prolactins, which eliminates diseases of the endocrine system and normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Males become more active and resilient, females do not experience syndromes associated with false pregnancy.

For weight loss

Some dog breeds, such as pugs, French bulldogs, and Labradors, are prone to obesity. This occurs due to overeating, problems with the absorption of nutrients, reduced activity due to a phlegmatic or melancholic character. Holistic foods of this type contain substances that activate the hormonal system and normalize weight.

For gastrointestinal diseases

It is difficult to predict what exactly will affect the disruption of the gastrointestinal tract: improper diet, past infectious diseases, antibiotic treatment. Each factor leads to disruption of the entire system. This manifests itself in the form of constipation or diarrhea, excessive gas formation, indigestion, cholecystitis. Substances are added to the food to promote better absorption of nutrients, normalizing the functioning of the liver, pancreas, and stomach.

Grain-free

This type of food is effective in cases of allergies to cereals. They are difficult to digest, despite the source of formation of ATP acids for muscles. The functioning of the intestinal tract and cerebral circulation improves. There are no poorly digestible carbohydrates, which helps in the fight against obesity.

Attention! Only a veterinarian can tell you which food to choose. It is necessary to take into account the breed, character, behavioral characteristics, age and previous diseases.

Rating of the best holistic dog foods

Here are the best foods based on a holistic approach, which will help you decide on the composition and features.

Go! Natural

Feed Go!
Natural Manufacturer: Canada

Food based on turkey meat. Suitable for adult dogs of large or medium breeds. Gluten free. According to veterinarians, it is an excellent addition to the main diet when it needs to be diversified. Low-temperature technology is used to process the components, preserving all the benefits of vitamins and proteins. Supplemented with pro- and prebiotics that normalize intestinal function, including antioxidants.

Dog food GO!: analysis of ingredients, reviews from owners and veterinary specialists

Allergic reactions are excluded, recommended to support the dog during the diet. Sold canned or dry in packages starting from 230 g. up to 11.35 kg.

BLEND

Food BLEND
Manufacturer: Canada

Holistic Blend – balanced nutrition with different tastes. For example, lamb with rice contains young lamb, wild salmon, whole brown rice and barley, sunflower oil, alfalfa, cinnamon, garlic and rosemary extract. Vitamins B, A, C, E, choline chloride and folic acid were added as microelements. The source of protein is meat, not offal. Chicken and Rice is a mixture of rice cereal and chicken.

Suitable for all dog breeds, regardless of age. According to the owners, the price is affordable; the food can be purchased in large centers or ordered from an online store. Dogs tolerate the transition from one species to another well.

Grandorf

Grandorf feed
Manufacturer: Italy, Belgium, Russia

Belongs to the low-grain class of holistic diet, containing a minimal amount of grains. The line includes flavors with rabbit and lamb.

Grandorf dog food - full review of the line and reviews from experts

The composition is based on 60% natural meat, 26% proteins and only 15% fats. Contains no: by-products, eggs, chicken fat, sugar, dyes, soy and GMOs. Suitable for medium breed dogs with highly sensitive digestion. The granules help remove plaque from teeth. The taste is natural, without enhancers. The dog gets full quickly. Veterinarians recommend this for those with pets who are picky about food or who have problems with indigestion. Packaged in packages from 1 to 12 kg.

Go

Manufacturer: Canada

The Go brand has become known since the late 90s of the last century. This is a series of “holistic” products, which exclude artificial additives and dyes, enhancers, and sugar. The owner can choose the most optimal option based on the breed and conditions of detention.

1. Go FIT plus Free is recommended for nutrition at all ages, including puppies, if there is a tendency to obesity. There are no grain crops. The composition affects the intelligence and abilities of young animals.
2. Go NATURAL is the most popular among owners. A high level of animal protein fractions is guaranteed, with minimal proportions of plant proteins added. To satiate, 50% of the usual portion of other brands of food is enough.
3. Go SENSITIVITY SHINE is intended for dogs with digestive problems: constipation, diarrhea, nausea. Enriched with Omega complex to improve coat quality, prevent alopecia and hair loss. The color becomes more intense and bright.
4. Go REFRESH PLUS RENEW with high animal protein content: lamb, chicken, turkey. According to veterinarians, they are suitable for dogs undergoing serious physical activity (working, hunting) regardless of age and size.
5. Go DAILY DEFENSE is ideal for feeding puppies and older dogs. Contains brown rice, fruits, turkey, beef, and root vegetables. Easily digestible, promote cell renewal and regeneration.

Pronature

Manufacturer: Canada

Pronature is a proven line of food that provides a complete diet based on holistic ideas about the balance of components. Completely natural, excluding GMOs, flavor enhancers and dyes.

All ingredients go through the stages of extrusion - uniform distribution of components inside the granules. When eating Pronature Holistic the following are excluded:

• fatty meats (pork, beef);
• a large number of grain crops.

All of them are a source of allergies and obesity.

The protein chosen is lamb, fish or chicken. Additional vitaminization occurs due to extracts of cranberries, spinach, carrots and beets.

There are several series: 21 is suitable for aging dogs, increasing life expectancy; 22 – the best food for adult dogs; 26 - for large breeds, 28 is designed for puppies.

Now

Feed Now
Manufacturer: Canada

Nau food is one of the top 10 leaders in balanced nutrition for dogs of all breeds. It is based on poultry fillets (turkey, duck), wild animals (deer), fish (trout, salmon). Vitamin E was chosen as a preservative, enriching the cellular composition and promoting rapid regeneration. The volume of the coat increases, it becomes thick and pleasant to the touch.

Now Fresh dog food – owner reviews, pros and cons

Designed for dogs prone to allergies and obesity. The wealth of fruit and berry extracts (banana, raspberries, mango, carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes, papaya) makes it possible to maximally vitaminize the dog’s diet and create conditions for an active motor mode. According to the owners, the disadvantage is that the price is too high. The advantage is seen in its versatility. High quality is ensured by the complete absence of grains that cause allergic reactions.

Summit

Summit food
Manufacturer: Canada

Balanced food that does not contain corn, gluten, or wheat. Chemical derivatives are completely excluded. Based on extracts of dried lamb and chicken. The high protein content (28%) ensures rapid growth of musculoskeletal tissue, joint strength, and length of time for walking and activity.

Fractions of flour from eggs, trout and meat make it indispensable for young and adult dogs of different breeds. Potassium, choline and sodium chlorides serve as a source for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems.

Disadvantage - it is difficult to buy in Russian stores.

Acana

Acana food
Manufacturer: Canada

All ingredients for Akana food are caught in the Pacific Ocean or grown in Canada.

Everyone distinguishes 4 types.

“Classic”, which includes 45% meat from turkeys, ducks and chickens. Only 5% by-products. Almost a quarter of an oat grain. About 20% vegetables and fruits. Suitable for dogs leading a sedentary lifestyle.

“Heritage” contains seafood (herring, flounder), 70% meat, 35% fresh vegetables and fruits. Recommended for those prone to obesity and overweight as the main diet, regardless of temperament.

“Regional” consists of 70% poultry, and the rest is fruits and vegetable fractions. Best suited for aging dogs prone to diabetes and shortness of breath.

“Singal” is similar to the classic one, but contains extracts of plants that stimulate immunity and cell growth (lily of the valley, burdock, lavender) to increase the activity of medium-sized dogs (height at the withers does not exceed 40-50 cm).

When choosing Canadian food, you need to take into account both the high price and the specificity of production and its shortage. It is considered ideal for older dogs that have difficulty moving.

FARMINA

Manufacturer: Italy

Completely hypoallergenic food, in which the composition is as close as possible to the diet of predators. Some of the products are produced in Serbia, Norway, and Brazil. The ingredients do not contain grains, GMOs or dyes. Potatoes, vegetables, and fruits are used instead.

Several options are presented from the holistic series:

• for puppies and young dogs (up to 3 years old) food with chicken and pomegranate;
• for adults, combinations: fish-orange, boar-apple, lamb-blueberry.

Farmina - dog food from an Italian manufacturer

The composition is enriched with prebiotics, extracts of medicinal herbs, fatty acids for digestion and hair growth. Recommended as the main diet, regardless of the dog’s age, breed, or behavioral characteristics.

Abba

Abba food
Manufacturer: Germany, Netherlands

The Holistic series contains up to 80% natural meat and is considered the best among its analogues in terms of composition and owner preference. Based on dehydrated lamb or poultry meat, the pellets contain only muscle structures and no by-products. The composition is enriched with wild rice, peas and corn - sources of plant proteins.

To grow muscle tissue, fish meal and salmon oil are added. For the first time, the effectiveness of the components was noticed on dog breeds called “herding” (collie, mini-collie). They ate fish with pleasure, and the wool became much better. The productivity of the gastrointestinal tract is ensured by beet juice, carob, dried grapes and apples. Fortification with iodine, copper and zinc helps to form strong immunity.

ABBA brand dog food: composition analysis, reviews from owners and veterinary specialists

Regardless of age and breed, Abba products are highly valued by veterinarians; they are recommended as the main diet after illness, injury, or infection. It increases energy and endurance.

HILL'S

HILL'S food
Manufacturer: USA

The invention of the Hill's feed formula has a centuries-old history. The products are constantly being improved and are popular all over the world. The basis of high-quality holistic food is the following components:

• high content of animal protein from dietary meat breeds (up to 30%);
• sources of carbohydrates are corn and wheat;
• beet and carrot pulp help with digestion;
• fish, chicken fat, flax seed and vegetable oil are sources of easily digestible fats;
• fortified supplements and microelements to nourish cells.

Hill's dog food - complete review of the line

Despite the recognized quality, the holistic product of this company does not deserve due attention due to the large number of grains. These are sources of allergies and gastrointestinal problems.

Artemis

Artemis food
Manufacturer: USA

Belongs to the “6 star” category of food. It is considered unusual in composition, as it includes:

• lactobacilli for digestion;
• there are no cereals, instead potatoes, carrots, and fruits are added;
• Indispensable components for the diet are blueberries, cranberries, rosemary extracts, green tea, yucca plants, chicory root and brown algae.

It has a minimal protein content and is therefore suitable for dietary nutrition and weight loss programs in dogs.

Orijen

Orijen food
Manufacturer: Canada

It occupies a leading position among similar products. Does not contain cereals. The diet includes 70% animal proteins, excluding by-products. Instead of cereals, potato starch, carrot substrate, and other root vegetables are used. Crushed bone meal and chicken eggs are used to build bone tissue cells. In order to prevent problems with the gastrointestinal tract, probiotics are included in the composition.

Orijen dog food - complete review of the line

Suitable for large breeds prone to active movement and thick coats.

Wellness

Wellness food
Manufacturer: USA

The term “wellness” means good health, care for health. Feed manufacturers adhere to the same concept. For best quality, highly effective components are selected:

• no vegetable protein is used;
• animal protein is obtained from poultry, lean beef and lamb;
• Potatoes and legumes are used instead of carbohydrates;
• tomatoes are used for fiber;
• cranberries provide prevention of urolithiasis;
• chicory extract helps cope with cardiovascular problems, normalize heart rhythm, and cleanse the pancreas;
• sources of fatty acids are flaxseed oil and salmon fish oil.

Wellness Kore food is perfect for all breeds without exception. Useful for those who are prone to urolithiasis after castration.

Now Fresh

Now Fresh food
Manufacturer: Canada

Considered a universal holistic treatment for all dog breeds. Does not contain chicken or gluten, which cause allergic reactions. Manufacturers are proud of the possibility of human consumption, since each granule contains the maximum balance of nutrients.

NOW Natural holistic is formulated for puppies up to 15 months of age. No soy, meat and bone meal, corn. The pet will receive the highest quality protein with a high rate of absorption. A balanced composition of fats, probiotics, and omega acids ensures intensive growth and improves blood supply to tissues and internal organs. Ideal proportions (70% meat, 20% vegetables and fruits, 10% vitamins and minerals) help grow a puppy into a strong, healthy, active and cheerful dog.

Canidae

Canidae food
Manufacturer: USA

The food is recommended by veterinarians as the main diet and daily nutrition of large breed dogs. Advantages:

• protein of animal origin only;
• mineralized supplements are completely natural;
• There are no chemical components in the form of odor enhancers.

Plant oil and vitamin extracts (C, E, PP) are used as a preservative.

It is not very common in Russia. Due to the high price, it is not in wide demand.

Almo Nature

Almo Nature food
Manufacturer: Italy

AlmaNature is a leader among European producers of high-quality feed. Meat and fish are used as protein.

There are several lines of food on the market designed for the age, breed, and health of the pet.

Rice, which is presented as a side dish, is an anti-allergenic component, being an antioxidant. Among the products you can find canned fish, lamb, and chicken. They serve as a supplement to the main diet and promote better absorption of substances.

Based on the breed and size of the dog, dry granules are different. They help clean the mouth and remove plaque. The dog is quickly satisfied due to the carefully selected composition of ingredients.

Now Fresh

Now Fresh food contains the optimal amount of protein and fat. It contains fresh meat of duck, turkey and salmon, as well as potatoes, eggs, a variety of vegetables and fruits. Nova Fresh food does not contain by-products, bone meal and gluten, but it contains all the necessary prebiotics, probiotics and antioxidants. Sources of carbohydrates include potatoes and peas, as well as potato flour, tapioca, sweet potatoes, and lentils. All these ingredients are better absorbed than wheat and corn, which are often added to premium foods. Sources of fiber include flax seeds, pea fiber, apples, alfalfa, carrots, pumpkin, bananas, broccoli, spinach, dried chicory root, etc.

Variety of assortment:

There are 3 types of dry food for puppies: Now Fresh Puppy dry food with turkey, duck and vegetables, Now Natural Holistic for large breed puppies with turkey, duck and vegetables, and Now Fresh for small breed puppies with turkey, duck and vegetables.

Pros:

• Grain-free composition
• The food contains a large amount of meat ingredients
• Vitamins, minerals, berries, fruits and vegetables included
• Widely spread

Minuses:

High price

FAQ

When switching to holistic nutrition, owners have many questions and anxiety about how much the costs are really justified. We do not take into account economy class.

The difference between super premium and holistic food for dogs

Among high-quality diets there are: premium, super-premium, holistic. The table clearly shows the main characteristics.

Holistic nutrition excludes artificial additives. It can be called "organic", natural, akin to how a person would prepare high-quality food for himself.

Features of the transition to holistic

Having decided to use holistic food to feed your dog, you should not make sudden transitions. This is especially true if the diet included premium mixtures. The body will begin to experience stress, and eating disorders are possible. Veterinarians recommend gradually adding some holistic food to your usual food, first once a week, then every day. This lasts from a week to 10 days.

Attention! If you experience loose stools or constipation after changing your diet, administering probiotics can help. They help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Features of the transition to holistic

It is not enough to simply decide to switch your dog to a more nutritious diet. The main thing is to do it correctly, because with any change in diet the animals experience stress. An excessively abrupt transition can cause serious digestive upset.

The transition to expensive formulas is also complicated by the fact that they do not contain taste and smell enhancers that are so attractive to dogs.

Therefore, if the dog is accustomed to premium or economy-class mixtures, then at first he may refuse the new food. You need to be patient and persistent. After some time, the dog will appreciate the new food.

The transition may take one to two weeks. Gradually reducing the amount of the previous food, introduce holistic food into the diet. The transition pattern could be as follows:

If the dog ate natural food, dry food can be soaked in warm water during the first month. If you notice blood in the stool, diarrhea or constipation, slow down the transition and additionally give your pet probiotics.

Feed the animal twice a day, dividing the daily norm into two times. Remember that the dog must have constant access to fresh, clean water. Change it at least once a day.

Sometimes, in connection with a new diet, dogs experience not only short-term digestive upset, but also skin itching, watery eyes, and dark discharge from the ears. Typically, such an allergic reaction occurs to low-grade feed. But it can also develop holistically. In this case, you may have bought a fake, because foreign products are often counterfeited. Or the mixture is not suitable for your dog, and you need to look for another one.

If an elderly dog ​​has been eating natural food from the owner’s table all his life, and it was decided to transfer him to a holistic diet, it may be better not to put unnecessary stress on the pet and leave him on his usual diet.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Holistic food is high-quality rational nutrition for dogs.
2. It is necessary to gradually transfer dogs to holistic nutrition, adding small portions to their usual diet.
3. This class of food contains only natural ingredients that promote longevity, active growth, and development of the pet.
4. Cereals, dyes, enhancers, and genetically modified products are excluded.
5. Protein base - meat of birds, wild animals, lambs. Source of fiber - vegetables, root vegetables. Fortification occurs due to the addition of plant extracts, berries, and medicinal herbs. Useful additives in the form of omega fatty acids, flax seeds, and vegetable oil allow you to achieve the ideal combination of components.

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conclusions

So, the article talks about such products as holistic food: what it is, what it consists of, what its features and advantages are. To summarize this topic, we can say the following:

1. Foods of this class contain a lot of protein, as well as meat and fish of various types.
2. They are produced without the addition of preservatives, flavorings or dyes.
3. These products largely replicate the diet of predators in the wild.
4. They are distinguished by a high price and good quality.
5. The choice of products must be approached carefully, and the characteristics of the animal must be taken into account. It is recommended to read the composition of the food before purchasing.