Pet owners have plenty of important decisions about caring for their beloved furry (or scaly or feathered) friends. From dietary choices and which leashes to trust for a walk to ideal bathtime products, each decision matters. One hotly debated topic revolves around the choice between “natural” and commercial pet products.
Of course, each pet has specific needs, and every home has its own approach to pet care. What works for one pet might not be a good fit for the other. Both natural and commercial pet products have advantages and drawbacks, and staying informed is an owner’s best option for making the right choices for their beloved companions.
Is Natural Better?
Many owners assume that anything labeled “natural” must be better for their pet, but the reality is not so simple. Neither natural nor commercial products are inherently better than the other, and many homes use a mixture of the two depending on their needs. The best way to decide is to consider the pros and cons of commercial and natural products.
Commercial Pet Products: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Widely available: Commercial products are highly accessible and easy to find, which is helpful for pet owners who need to restock frequently. Many online stores also sell these commercial items, so owners may not even need to leave home to acquire them.
- Frequently reviewed: It is much easier to compare other people’s experiences with commercial products. These products typically have hundreds or even thousands of ratings and reviews, which can help owners make an informed decision.
- Variety: Commercial facilities have a greater capacity to make multiple types of related products. This variety results in numerous flavors for meals and snacks (which is helpful for picky pets), vast arrays of shapes and sizes for toys, or specific bath products aimed at particular needs.
Cons
Quality concerns: Some companies may sacrifice quality to minimize costs and streamline production. Recalls are more likely to occur when quality assurance over a vast number of products misses something important.- Lack of personalized support: Commercial facilities with many products and a large customer base may struggle to provide individualized attention. Owners who contact a commercial brand are likely to receive scripted responses rather than personalized resolutions when an issue or question arises.
Natural Pet Products: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fewer additives: Natural pet products typically contain fewer additives, which can spare pets from unnecessary exposure to chemicals and other unwanted substances. However, this is not always the case, so it is important to read labels.
- More substantive foods: Natural pet food contains a higher proportion of nutrient-dense ingredients, such as whole meats. Commercial food often lacks this nutritional balance, relying on rice and other fillers to cut costs.
- Local or regional support: Owners can feel proud that they are supporting a smaller business by choosing natural products. Many companies that provide natural pet items operate only in a single location!
Cons
- Cost: Because providers of natural products tend to be smaller and their items more curated, they produce and maintain lower stock than big-name companies. This can increase costs, making each product notably more expensive than the commercial equivalent.
- Clarity: The word “natural” does not have any federal regulatory weight behind it, so any product can claim to be “natural” without changing its formula. Do not hesitate to look up ingredients on a food or cleaning solution label, as some companies may call the same ingredient something different to make it seem natural or organic.
- Accessibility: A smaller inventory not only drives up cost; it also makes these products harder to find. Natural products might pose stock challenges for those who need easy, quick pickups at any time.
Book Northern Virginia’s Top Pet Sitters
Every pet owner should make decisions based on the health and well-being of their pet rather than convenience. However, the choice between natural and commercial products is not always clear-cut.
No matter which variety you choose (or a combination of both!), Paw Pals’ pet sitters are happy to use the treats and products you decide are best for your pet during our visit. Contact Paw Pals to set up daily walks, dog sitting, and more to help your pet live their best life.
