What Is Holistic Pet Food?

Holistic pet food has become increasingly popular among dog and cat owners who want to pay closer attention to the quality of the ingredients and their pet’s nutrition.

But what exactly is holistic pet food?

The term can be used in different ways by manufacturers, so it is important to look at what the food actually contains rather than relying only on the word “holistic” on the package.

What is holistic pet food?

The term holistic refers to an approach that considers the animal as a whole. In pet nutrition, this generally means choosing food made with quality, clearly identified ingredients selected to contribute to a complete and balanced diet.

Holistic pet food does not refer to one specific type of food. It can take different forms and can be suitable for different dogs and cats.

However, it is important to understand that the term “holistic” alone does not guarantee that a food is better suited to every animal. The recipe, ingredients, nutritional analysis and your pet’s individual needs should also be taken into consideration.

What is different about holistic pet food?

Foods described as holistic generally place an emphasis on clearly identified ingredients and on a formulation designed to provide the nutrients a dog or cat needs.

Depending on the recipe and manufacturer, you may find:

• clearly identified sources of animal protein;
• ingredients selected for their nutritional quality;
• fats from identified sources;
• fruits, vegetables or other sources of fibre, depending on the recipe;
• vitamins and minerals needed for a complete and balanced diet;
• fewer ingredients added simply to fill out the recipe or improve its appearance.

It is important, however, not to choose a food solely because it carries the word “holistic.” Two foods using this term can have very different compositions.

How can you find your way among holistic pet foods?

There are now many foods presented as holistic, and it can be difficult to know where to start among all the brands and recipes available.

At Heidi & cie, we have already done part of the work for you. Over the years, we have selected dog and cat food brands that we consider interesting for the quality of their ingredients, their formulations and the different options they offer. Here are some suggestions depending on the type of food you are looking for.

What are the different types of holistic pet food?

Dry food (kibble)

Holistic kibble offers a good balance between convenience and nutritional quality. It allows you to choose from different protein sources and formulations depending on the needs of your dog or cat.

See the kibble brands we carry in our stores.

Raw food

Raw food is inspired by the natural diet of carnivores and is appreciated by many dog and cat owners. It allows you to choose recipes made with different sources of meat and other ingredients.

Examples of brands available at Heidi & cie:

• Aliments crus 5 étoiles
• Big Country Raw
• Faim Museau
• Healthy Paws
• Karnivor
• Pür Evolution

Dehydrated or freeze-dried food

Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods are another way to provide quality nutrition while retaining many of the characteristics of the ingredients used. They are also convenient to store and serve. Depending on the product, water is generally added before serving.

Wet food and canned food

Wet foods can be particularly interesting for cats, picky eaters or animals for which you want to increase water intake. They are available in different recipes and textures.

• Acana, Boréal, Care+, Fromm, NOW, Nutrience, Orijen, Oven-Baked Tradition, RAWZ

Treats and raw bones

Quality nutrition does not necessarily stop at regular meals. To reward your pet, we also offer different treats and suitable options:

• Treats: Cloud Star, Crumps, Formula Raw, Oven-Baked Tradition, PureBites, Orijen
• Biscuits: Darford, Todd & Paul, Old Mother Hubbard
• Raw bones: Big Country Raw, Faim Museau, Pür Evolution

Dietary supplements

Depending on your pet’s needs, certain supplements can complement their diet. We offer different fish oils, including herring, salmon, pollock and seal oils, as well as supplements from Omega Alpha and Thrive.

Is holistic pet food better for all dogs and cats?

Not necessarily. Every dog and cat is different, and a food that works very well for one animal may not be suitable for another.

The choice should take several factors into account, including age, activity level, physical condition, preferences and tolerance to certain ingredients.

A quality food should therefore be chosen according to your pet’s actual needs, rather than simply because a food carries the word “holistic.”

How do you choose food for your dog or cat?

Before choosing a food, we recommend looking at the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and the types of protein used. You should also consider which type of food best suits your pet and your lifestyle.

Some animals may also have specific needs, for example because of digestive sensitivities, food intolerances or their age.

Our experience at Heidi & cie

For nearly 20 years, at Heidi & cie, we have been selecting food and products for dogs and cats and helping our customers choose what works best for their companion.

Over the years, we have had the opportunity to compare many different foods, discuss our customers’ experiences with them and see that the best choice is not always the same from one animal to another.

That is why we take an approach based on the needs of each dog or cat rather than automatically recommending one particular brand or type of food.

Solutions for specific needs

We can help you find holistic pet food suited to your dog or cat when they have specific needs, including:

• Food allergies and intolerances
• Digestive sensitivities
• Weight management
• Skin and coat concerns
• Puppies and kittens
• Adult or senior pets

Shop online or visit our stores

Find our dog food and cat food in our online store.

You can also visit us at our stores in Montreal or Longueuil.

Key takeaways

Holistic pet food refers to an approach to nutrition that considers the animal as a whole and generally places an emphasis on the quality of ingredients and formulation.

Holistic pet food is available in several forms, including kibble, raw, dehydrated, freeze-dried and wet food. The most important thing is to choose a complete and balanced diet that meets the specific needs of your dog or cat.

If you have questions about your dog’s or cat’s food, come visit us. We’ll be happy to help!