Organic Shampoo, NOT NATURAL, Is The Best For Dogs

By Mariana Burgos

You may be used to using all-natural or organic shampoo on yourself or other members of your family, but what about your dog? Are these types of shampoos also beneficial for our canine family members?

As a pet parent, you want the best for your furry family member, which includes keeping them clean and healthy. Using the appropriate shampoo is one approach to keep your dog's coat clean and healthy.

While typical dog shampoos may appear to be the most convenient and cost-effective choice, they can include harsh chemicals that might hurt your pet's skin and coat. This is why natural, all-natural, and organic grooming products are now being offered in the market.

What are the differences between natural, all-natural, and organic dog shampoo?

Heather Fukumoto, in "The benefits of using all-natural formulas of dog shampoo on your dog," said goods labeled both "natural" and "all-natural" are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S.

The main distinction is that those with the label “natural” may be chemically-based and hence not truly natural. Products labeled “all-natural” do not include any synthetic chemicals.

Organic dog shampoo is a little different from all-natural dog shampoo, despite the fact that the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires a product to satisfy specific standards in order for it to be certified organic, said Fukumoto.

A dog shampoo must be manufactured with organic materials farmed without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers to be eligible for USDA organic certification. Fukumoto said it must also NOT include any artificial color or perfume, and all processing must take place in a facility that has been certified.

Here, in the Philippines, more often than not, the three words (natural, all natural, and organic) are used interchangeably. Although, just like in the US, certification is only given to products labelled as “organic.” Hence, it should meet a certain criterion for it to be certified.

According to the RA No. 10068 (An act providing for the development and promotion of organic agriculture in the Philippines and for other purposes), in section 3 ( the definition of terms), “organic” refers to the specific agricultural and processing technique outlined in the standards, rather than the traditional chemical understanding. It is a labeling phrase that identifies items that are organic according to the Philippine National Standards for Organic Agriculture.

Organic agriculture encompasses all agricultural methods that encourage the environmentally sound, socially acceptable, economically viable, and technically possible production of products.

The benefits of using organic shampoo on your dog

Fukumoto provided four very good reasons why it is most beneficial to use organic dog shampoo:

1. It gives you peace of mind knowing that your dog is not being exposed to synthetic chemicals or hazardous components.

2. Farmers that use organic, sustainable farming techniques are supported.

3. Because these compositions are often quite delicate, they may be more effective for dogs with sensitive skin.

4. You may be confident in the purity and cleanliness of the components since organic shampoo must be certified.

What to look out for when buying shampoo for your dog

Search for shampoos that contain natural, plant-based components such as coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera. Shampoos with synthetic perfumes, preservatives, or harsh chemicals should be avoided. This is especially important for pet owners who have sensitive pets.

The pH balance of your dog's skin differs from that of human skin. To prevent aggravating your pet's skin, search for shampoos particularly made for dogs that are pH balanced.

Your pet's skin and coat should be moisturized and nourished with a decent organic dog shampoo. To help soothe and moisturize your dog's skin, look for natural shampoos that contain jojoba oil, hemp oil, or chamomile.

Now you know how to choose wisely in buying your dog’s shampoo.  

This article also appears in the Manila Standard

About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist. She has been a solo parent for 16 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.