What Is ACO Certification — And Why Does It Matter In Pet Food?
The word “organic” is everywhere today — including in pet food.
But not all “organic” pet food is actually certified organic.
That distinction matters more than many pet parents realise.
At Organic Paws, the ingredients are certified under ACO standards — one of Australia’s most recognised organic certification systems.
So what exactly does that mean, and why is it important?
What Is ACO Certification?
ACO stands for Australian Certified Organic.
It is one of Australia’s leading certification bodies for organic products and operates under strict standards surrounding:
- ingredient sourcing
- farming practices
- production processes
- traceability
- manufacturing integrity
For a product to carry ACO certification, it must meet rigorous requirements across the entire supply chain — from farm to finished product.
This means certification is not simply about adding the word “organic” onto packaging.
It involves ongoing verification, audits and compliance with strict organic standards.
Why Organic Certification Matters
When ingredients are certified organic, it means they are produced with stricter controls around what goes into the food — and what stays out.
Certified organic ingredients are produced without:
- routine synthetic pesticides
- genetically modified ingredients (GMOs)
- artificial growth hormones
- unnecessary chemical additives
For many pet owners, this offers greater transparency and confidence in ingredient quality and sourcing.
Not All “Organic” Claims Mean The Same Thing
One of the biggest misconceptions in the pet food industry is assuming that every product labelled “organic” follows the same standards.
In reality, some brands may use small amounts of organic ingredients without holding full certification standards.
Others may use the term more loosely in marketing.
That’s why third-party certification matters.
ACO certification helps provide an independent standard that verifies sourcing and production practices — rather than relying solely on marketing claims.
How Organic Paws Is Different
Organic Paws is one of the few raw pet food brands in Australia to carry certified organic ingredients under ACO standards.
Their recipes are thoughtfully formulated using:
- certified organic meats
- organic fruits and vegetables
- functional wholefood ingredients
- minimally processed raw feeding principles
The brand is also known for its commitment to biologically appropriate raw feeding, focusing on species-appropriate nutrition with carefully sourced ingredients.
For pet owners looking for greater ingredient transparency and higher sourcing standards, certification offers an added layer of reassurance.
A Cleaner, More Natural Approach To Feeding
Every pet is different, and there is no single “perfect” diet for every dog or cat.
But understanding what certification actually means can help pet owners make more informed feeding choices.
Because organic isn’t just a label.
It’s a standard.