A HANDY GUIDE TO BUYING ORGANIC

There’s never been a better time than now for you and your pooch to go organic.

Growing research indicates that organic produce is superior in vitamins, minerals, nutritional content—and of course, taste! Organic farming methods are kinder to our planet while producing high quality fruit and vegetables free from harmful pesticides and artificial additives.

Yet buying organic produce can be expensive, so if you can’t switch over entirely, here’s a handy cheat sheet on the foods most contaminated (commonly known as the “Dirty Dozen”) and those that are less affected by pesticides (the “Clean Fifteen”).

For the recipes in this book, I have specifically not labeled fresh ingredients as organic/non-organic, yet where possible, I’d always recommend buying the organic version—for the health of you, your dog, and the planet.

Important Note: These lists feature some foods that are toxic for dogs. Use them as an organic reference guide only.

The Dirty Dozen
(in order of contamination)

Apples

Celery

Sweet bell peppers

Peaches

Strawberries

Nectarines

Grapes

Spinach/kale/collard greens

Lettuce

Cucumbers

Blueberries

Potatoes

The Clean Fifteen
(in order of least contamination)

Onions

Corn

Pineapples

Avocado

Cabbage

Peas

Asparagus

Mangoes

Eggplant

Kiwi

Rockmelon/cantaloupe

Sweet potatoes

Grapefruit

Watermelon

Mushrooms