If you already buy organic fruits and vegetables, avoid packaging, and recycle, then you’re well on your way to living a green life. Chances are, the more you do, the more you’ll realize that there are many things we can do as individuals to reduce our impact on Earth. For example, have you considered the food you feed your pets?

Our dogs and cats are an important part of our lives. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 38.4 million (nearly 34 percent) of American households have one or more cats, and about 43 million Americans have dogs. Pet care and feeding varies from owners who dress their animals in frilly tutus to owners who do little more than grab a bag of food from the supermarket.

By some estimates, Americans spend more than $40 billion on food for their pets in the United States. The variety of dog and cat food available ranges from the inexpensive to the ridiculous, but what’s the real difference, and what do you need to know about caring for your animal and the planet?

First, before making any changes to your pet’s nutrition, consult with your veterinarian or an animal nutritionist to determine if your pet has any special dietary needs. Your vet will be able to tell you if you need to avoid certain ingredients or make sure your pet is getting certain nutrients through his food.

Second, make sure that if you decide to change your pet’s diet, you do so gradually. Most pets take a while to adjust to new flavors and mixes. Most veterinarians recommend mixing new foods with familiar foods for a week or two, gradually increasing the ratio of new vs. old foods. familiar food for that period of time until you are 100% on the new food. By following this approach, your animal will be more likely to adjust to the new food.

According to the National Geographic Society, organic pet food is a better choice from an environmental standpoint than conventional pet food. This is based on similar reasons behind choosing organic food for your human family.

USDA Organic Certified foods are produced without the use of petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers. In addition, they are based on meat not treated with antibiotics and growth hormones, which have been shown to contaminate water sources such as lakes, rivers and the ocean. Genetically modified organisms, which reduce biodiversity, are not used in organic food. Finally, organic foods are not subjected to irradiation to kill bacteria.

In addition to your pet’s basic need for food, other products to consider when going green include supplements, fur and coat products, flea and tick control, shampoos and conditioners, and treats.

When looking for green alternatives for your pets, consider the following labels:

– USDA Certified Organic: This is the only official certification for organic products, which guarantees that the food has gone through a third-party certification process. Compared to “natural” or “holistic” products on the market, this process validates that at least 95% of the ingredients are organic.

– Free-range meat: Look for foods made from animals raised outdoors, cage-free, grass-fed, and other natural diets.

– Cruelty-free: Look for items that are animal-free and can show that animals raised for meat are treated humanely.

– AAFCO Certified: This certification, provided by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), guarantees that the food is formulated to achieve balanced nutritional levels and contain the necessary micro and macronutrients to keep your pets healthy.

There are many healthy, organic options available on the market for dogs and cats, but as with any organic product, it’s important to check the label and research the company to make sure you fully understand the claims and certifications.

Copyright (c) 2008 Virginia Ginsburg