Decoding Whole Food Supplements for Pets

by Katherine Khoo January 10, 2025 5 min read

We want the best for your furry companion—whether it’s their daily kibble, treats, or supplements. But when you enter the world of pet nutrition, you’ll often come across confusing terms like “whole food,” “natural,” or “functional food.” What do they really mean? And how do you make sure you’re picking a supplement that genuinely benefits your pet? This guide will help you clear up common misconceptions and provide you with the knowledge to choose the right product for your pet’s needs.

What’s in a Name? Understanding Key Terms

1. Whole Food Supplements

Whole food supplements are derived from minimally processed, natural food sources that retain their full nutrient profile. For example, a supplement made from dehydrated spinach and blueberries is considered a whole food supplement because it preserves the nutrients naturally found in these foods.These supplements provide vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients in their natural ratios. These supplements offer better nutrient absorption and synergy compared to synthetic alternatives.

2. Functional Foods

Functional foods are regular foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. For example, natural goat milk yoghurt, a probiotic-rich food, is a functional food because it aids digestion and boosts gut health. For pets, other functional foods include blueberries, green-lipped mussels, and mushrooms. Functional foods and whole food supplements overlap but are not the same; functional foods are consumed as part of a meal, while supplements are concentrated forms.

3. Natural Ingredients

The term “natural” simply means the ingredient is derived from a natural source, but it does not guarantee minimal processing or whole-food status. Natural does not always mean minimally processed. And a “natural” label doesn’t always mean the product is derived from whole foods. Supplements with synthetic vitamins may be labelled as “natural” if they come from a natural source. For instance, a vitamin C supplement made from corn-derived ascorbic acid is technically “natural” but far removed from its whole food origin.

4. Minimally Processed Foods

These are foods that have undergone minimal handling to preserve their original structure and nutrients. Most whole food supplements are minimally processed to retain their natural benefits. A good example is freeze-dried dog food or treats. These are minimally processed, retaining most of their original nutrients.

How to Identify Whole Food Supplements for Pets

With so many labels vying for your attention, how do you spot the true whole food supplements? Here’s what to look for:

1. Check the Ingredient List

Look for recognisable foods like carrots, spinach, or blueberries. A wholefood supplement would often list their ingredients as such: "Ingredients: kale, pumpkin, carrot, turmeric, flaxseed." On the other hand, a non-whole food supplement would often contain lab-made vitamins. You may see ingredients like Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (mixed tocopherol), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Methionine (an amino acid), and sometimes, natural flavour.

2. Look for Minimal Processing Claims

Whole food supplements often mention how they’re processed, such as freeze-dried, cold-pressed, or dehydrated, to retain nutrients.

3. Ask for Transparency

Reputable brands are often happy to share their product details. Some may even share their processing information. Ask questions like:

Are the nutrients naturally derived or fortified?
What is the processing method?
Is the product species-appropriate (for dogs, cats, etc.)?

Spotlight on 10 Whole Food Ingredients for Pets

Here are some powerful ingredients often found in high-quality whole food supplements for pets:

Kelp: Rich in iodine and minerals, it supports thyroid health and coat quality.
Spirulina: A superfood algae that promotes immune health and provides protein.
Bone broth: Packed with collagen, it supports joint and gut health.
Broccoli sprouts: A rich in a phytonutrient called sulforaphane, a potent antioxidant that activates Phase II liver detoxification, reduces inflammation, and protects against DNA damage.
Mushrooms: Contain a special polysaccharide called beta-glucan. This compound is well researched for its ability to modulate immune function and fight tumour cells.
Organic apple: A potent source of quercetin, an antioxidant for the brain.
Green-lipped mussel: Naturally rich in EPAs, DHAs & ETAs, which all play a supportive role in the normal function of joints.
Ginger root: Rich in the polyphenol gingerol that helps with joint inflammation and aids in digestion. Ginger root helps to reduce symptoms of nausea in dogs.
Turmeric root: Rich in curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps to reduce inflammation and maintain healthy mobility in joints.
Rosehip: A berry-like fruit that is rich in vitamin C. It helps to reduce skin and joint inflammation and improves symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

Myths About Whole Food Supplements

Myth 1: All Natural Supplements Are Whole Food Supplements

Fact: A supplement can be labelled “natural” even if it’s heavily processed or fortified with synthetic nutrients.

Myth 2: Whole Food Supplements Don’t Have Enough Nutrients

Fact: Whole food supplements may offer lower doses of isolated nutrients but provide a broader spectrum of nutrients that work synergistically.

Myth 3: All Whole Food Supplements Are Safe

Fact: Many pet supplements aren’t regulated, so choose brands that provide third-party testing and transparency. With whole food supplements, it’s highly recommended to get one that is made from organic ingredients. Organic whole food supplements don't contain toxic chemicals, and it’s a known fact that organic fruits and vegetables have higher levels of antioxidants and other nutrients than conventionally grown crops.

Checklist: How to Choose the Best Whole Food Supplement for Your Pet

If you are a pet owner that prioritises whole food supplements, ask these questions before making a purchase.

Does the supplement list whole food ingredients?
Is it minimally processed?
Does the brand provide processing transparency?
Are the nutrients naturally occurring?
Is it appropriate for your pet’s species, age, and health condition?

Are you ready to elevate your pet’s nutrition with high-quality whole food supplements? Explore our curated selection of certified organic whole food supplements by Australian Pet Organics. Australian Pet Organics is ACO Certified Organic. Every ingredient used is farmed in a more sustainable way, and every product is pre-tested on humans! Yes, you read that right! With Australian Pet Organics, you can be assured that your pup gets the best stuff.

Be aware that not all products labelled as “natural” or “functional” meet the criteria of a whole food supplement. Understand the differences between terms like functional foods, natural ingredients, and whole food supplements to make informed decisions that will truly benefit your furry friend. With this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the pet supplement aisle and choose products that align with your pet’s health and your values.