Sticking to a diet of mostly organic food is a decision many consumers make for a host or reasons: it may be health-related concerns, a desire to remain pesticide-free or the choice to stick to foods that are as natural as possible. The latest trend has seen consumers pass their organic tendencies to their household pets. The organic pet food food industry is still a relatively new one, but as more consumers switch to organic food in their own lives, they're taking a second look at what their family members are eating - and that includes pets. In 2006, organic pet food sales were up 63% and after the massive pet food recall in 2007, sales in the natural pet product industry rose once again, experiencing a growth of 22% in 2007. But is it the right choice for your pet?

To go organic...

OrganicAuthority.com outlines five reasons to choose organic food for your pet. 

Allergies and skin irritations become less prominent -  If your animal suffers from these conditions and medication, shampoo and creams haven't helped, some feel switching your pet to a diet free from artificial colors and flavors, chemical additives and pesticides could help, since those could potentially be the source of the allergies.

Say goodbye to your overweight, lazy pet? - The same way excess weight and lack of exercise negatively impacts the health of humans is true for dogs, who may experience health complications such as diabetes, organ failure or hip dysplasia as a result. Because organic food doesn't contain bulk fibers and uses nutrient-dense food, it is believed that your dog will eat less of it and therefore, be able to maintain a healthy weight and energy level.

Minimal digestive problems - Organic pet food is supposed to contain high quality proteins, grains without any chemicals or artificial substances, which some believe makes the food more digestible. This can eliminate issues such as vomiting after meals, gas, bloating or diarrhea.

Improved overall health and immunity - Organic food is also claimed to be more digestible than even premium brands of non-organic dog food, which means your pet will absorb more nutrients and possibly help prevent infections and illness.

Longer life - Organic pet food also carries the claim that "A luxurious shiny coat, energy to run and play, a healthy weight and a strong immune system can maximize your dog's life expectancy and quality of life into old age."

To not go organic...

While organic pet food should not contain pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or antibiotics, there is no conclusive evidence that confirms the aforementioned benefits and the United States Department of Agriculture have a disclaimer on their site stating the organization "makes no claims that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food." If you already eat mostly organic food in your own diet, it may be natural to seek the same for your pet, but experts say it all boils down to what you are most comfortable with.

Tony Buffington, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D, Dip.A.C.V.N., and professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Services at The Ohio State University, laments the lack of any scientific studies. "It really comes down to exactly which food is right for exactly which dog. I think people should do what makes them happy and what makes their animal healthy. If someone wants to buy a food just because they like to see the word "organic" and they take it home and feed it to the dog and the dog does great, then they ought to keep feeding it."

Another consideration in your decision to go organic with your pet food will be cost. Organic pet food will inevitably be more expensive and the quantity is likely to be smaller. For example, the biggest bag of Karma Organic dog food sold is 15 pounds instead of the traditional large bag weighing 30 pounds. The 15-pound bag is sold for $49.99 and a rep from Natura, the producer of Karma, admitted the reason a 30-pound bag is not sold is because it would be priced at $100 and most consumers would find that a stretch.

There isn't one clear-cut decision with respect to organic pet food. If you've already done organic in other areas of your life, the decision may be a little easier and it may just make sense to do so with your animal. Otherwise it comes down to deciding if the lack of scientific proof for pets eating organic - and the cost that goes with it - is really worth it and that's a decision only you can make.

» OrganicAuthority.com

If you just don't have enough time to cook for your cat or dog and have decided organic food is the best option, Newman's Own Organics has good news for you They produce a premium pet food line that will hep ease the worry over what exactly your pet is eating.

What you are feeding them includes natural, human-grade chicken, organic brown rice, peas and carrots, and vitamin E. What aren't aren't giving them are artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, poultry by-products, chemical fertilizers, wheat or corn. The line includes dry and canned food for both dogs and cats, as well as treats. The wide range of flavors should ensure you can find the perfect one for your furry friend no matter how discerning their tastes are.

The canned variety is 95% certified organic by the USDA and the facility in which it is produced has been inspected for cleanliness, manufacturing procedures and record keeping.

The late Paul Newman started his Newman's Own line with homemade salad dressing and eventually expanded to include foods such as cookies, coffee, popcorn and pasta sauce. In 1993, his daughter Nell established the Newman's Own Organics division on the company. Proceeds from both divisions go to charities, with the pet food line generously donating to animal-related eucational and charitable organizations.

Hit the jump to learn all about Newman's Own Organics premium pet food.

» Newman's Own Organics

That cute 11-year-old in the photo is one Marissa Milliron: sixth-grader, dog lover, and proprietor of Marissa's Organic Doggie Treats. 

Both Marissa and her mother are into organic food and they developed recipes for their dog treats from simple, organic ingredients.  Their four dogs were the lucky test subjects and some of their products bear the names of their beloved pooches: Pugs-Alicious Peanut Butter Muffies, Zee-Tacular Apple-Cinnamon Drops and Bo's Bodacious Chicken Biscuits.

Marissa donates 5% of her profits to Humane Ohio and another 5% to the Toledo Area Humane Society.  How cool is that! 

If you live in Ohio, look for Marissa's Organic Doggie Treats.  You can bet your dog will love a bag of "Pugs-Alicious Peanut Butter Muffies"!

» Toledo Free Press

According to the market research firm Packaged Facts, te spring 2007 pet food recalls will help propel organic and natural pet food sales to a record $1.3 billion by the end of this year.

The report, "Natural, Organic and Eco-Friendly Pet Products in the U.S." shows a 200% increase in natural pet product sales last year, following by a 300% increase at the beginning of 2007.  The reports concludes that by year-end sales will be up 500% over 2006 numbers.

So if you're wondering why your local per food retailer is always out of stock of your dog or cat's favorite organic eats, now you know why.  Now the big question is: do we care as much about what we eat as we do about what we feed our pets?

» Progressive Grocer

Of the $15 billion spent on pet food in the US last year, $14 million was spent on organic pet food.  According to the Organic Trade Association, that's an increase of 63% over the previous year.

The testing for regular pet food, conducted by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, requires that 6/8 trial animals remain "healthy" for 6 months while using the tested food.  In other words, as long as 75% of the animals don't get sick, lose weight or die, the food is deemed safe for your pet.  Combine these kinds of testing standards with the recent pet food scares with ingredients from China and it's no wonder so many people are choosing organic pet food.

Hit the jump for a great primer on organic pet food from Organic Nature News.

» Organic Nature News