As a responsible pet owner, you want to provide the best nutrition for your furry friend. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to understand what is in your cat's food, vitamins, and supplements too. In particular, terms like "organic" and "natural" can be confusing when it comes to your pet's food, supplement, and vitamin labels.

In this blog, we will explore what these terms mean and how to determine if a cat vitamin or supplement is truly organic or natural. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of what to look for when purchasing natural pet vitamins for your kitty or feline friend.

Government regulations for cat food label

There are many state and federal laws that cats and pet food manufacturers must follow. These laws have an effect on what you'll find on the label of your cat's canned food.

The following must be on the labels of all pet food:

• What's in the Food: Just like with human food labels, cat food labels must list the ingredients in order of decreasing weight (not considering water or moisture.)
• The Guaranteed Analysis shows the minimum amount of crude protein and crude fats, as well as the maximum amount of fiber and moisture. Keep in mind that a food manufacturer doesn't have to tell us how many carbs it has. This is something I really want to know since cats aren't really made to eat carbs. So any cat food company that tells me that gets extra points from me.
• Other nutrients: Manufacturers can include information about other nutrients like ash, magnesium, omega-3, and taurine, but they don't have to.
• Reduced Fat Claims: If a product says it is low in fat, it must give a maximum for crude fat.
• Feeding Instructions: Suggestions for how to feed the product. Don't forget about your cat. If your 10-pound cat is older, stays inside, and doesn't do much, he will need a different amount of food than a 10-pound cat that is young and active.
• Calories: Kilocalories per kilogram of food as fed and per familiar unit are how AAFCO wants calories to be written (cup, can, treat, etc.)
• Statement of Nutritional Adequacy: Is the food full and balanced, or is it just a supplement? For what stage of life?

Claims on Cat food labels

When it comes to cat vitamin labels, manufacturers best cat supplements may make certain claims about their products to appeal to consumers who are looking for specific features or health benefits of cat supplement. Here are some of the claims that may be made on cat vitamin labels:

Nutritional adequacy

Cat vitamins may claim to meet the standards for nutritional adequacy for cats set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This means that the product has been formulated to provide cats with the nutrients that cats need to maintain good cat health.

Natural

The term "natural" implies that the product is made from natural ingredients and does not contain any synthetic or artificial ingredients. However, the term is not regulated by the FDA or AAFCO, so it can be used by manufacturers even if the product contains some synthetic or artificial ingredients. Some manufacturers may use the term "natural" instead, which is also not regulated but may indicate a healthy product that contains fewer synthetic or artificial ingredients than other products.

Organic

The term "organic" implies that the product meets certain standards for organic certification, such as being produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, artificial additives, or fertilizers. The USDA regulates the use of the term "organic" on food labels, so products must meet certain requirements to use this claim. Look for products that have the "USDA Organic" seal, which indicates that they meet these standards. Keep in mind that the term "organic" may only apply to certain ingredients in a product, not necessarily the entire product.

Not sure if your cat should be having natural or organic cat vitamins? Check out our FREE guide that will help you choose the best fit for your furry friend. 

Non-GMO

The term "non-GMO" implies that the product does not contain genetically modified ingredients. However, the term is not regulated by the FDA or AAFCO, so it can be used by manufacturers even if the product contains some genetically modified ingredients. Some manufacturers may use the term "GMO-free" instead, which is also not regulated but may indicate a product that contains fewer genetically modified ingredients than other products.

Other claims

Other claims that may be made on cat vitamin labels include the use of high-quality ingredients, the absence of common allergens, and the use of specific types of ingredients, such as fish oil or probiotics. It's important to note that these claims are voluntary and may not necessarily indicate that a product is of higher quality or nutrition than other products.

When choosing cat- vitamins and supplements, it's important to read the ingredients list and choose products that meet AAFCO standards for nutritional adequacy. Additionally, if you're looking for natural or organic cat vitamins or dietary supplements for pets, look for products that have third-party certifications, such as the "USDA Organic" seal or the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal. These certifications indicate that the product has met certain standards for natural or organic ingredients.

How to Tell if cat supplements and vitamins are Organic or Natural?

If you're looking for organic or natural cat foods, vitamins, and supplements, there are a few things to look for on the product label:

• Look for the "USDA Organic" seal: This indicates that the product meets the USDA's standards for organic certification, which include being produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Keep in mind that the "organic" claim may only apply to certain ingredients in a product, not necessarily the entire product.
• Check the ingredients list: Look for ingredients that are derived from natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Avoid products that contain synthetic or artificial ingredients, such as preservatives or flavorings. They are good for maintaining healthy skin, digestive health, coat health, and immune system.
• Look for third-party certifications: Third-party certifications, such as the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal, indicating that the product has been independently verified to meet certain standards for natural or organic ingredients.
• Read the label carefully: Keep in mind that the terms "natural" and "natural" are not regulated, so they can be used by manufacturers even if the product contains some synthetic or artificial ingredients. Similarly, the term "non-GMO" is not regulated, so it may not necessarily indicate that a product is natural or organic.

By paying attention to these factors, you and your vet can make a more informed choice when selecting organic or natural cat vitamins, minerals. Additionally, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before adding any new supplements to your cat's diet.

The Best Natural Cat Vitamins

If you are looking for a high-quality vitamin for your cat, look no further than Balanced Breed. Our vitamins are loved by both cats and their parents, plus we package and source all of our vitamins within the USA. Balanced Breed is the leading name in cat vitamins and there is a reason why so many pet parents vote Balanced Breed as their top choice in feline health. Our vitamins have many benefits, such as supporting a healthy immune system, digestive system and joints, fur and skin. Check out BalancedBreed.com to learn more and help provide the best care possible for your cat.