Natural Pet Food

Natural and Organic Pet Food

At Sprouts, we know pet nutrition is just as important to you as your own—which is why we carry the leading brands in natural and organic pet foods and treats including Blue Buffalo, I and Love and You, and Castor Pollux. From grain free, to high protein, your furry friends can enjoy a delicious meal with all the right nutrients without unnecessary fillers. Just as the Paleo diet suggests, eating whole foods like our early ancestors did, has health benefits. The same is true for our pets. While not all pets struggle with conventional foods, they do have very little natural digestive support to break down and metabolize complex carbohydrates. These may remain undigested and may damage the lining of the digestive system over a long period of time.

Organic Pet Food

Containing all-natural ingredients like chicken, fish and eggs, organic pet food does not contain any animal by-products, gluten or fillers. With chemical-free additives, an organic pet food diet may reduce the risk of ailments and allergies. You may also see an overall increase in the quality of your pet’s life. With cleaner sources of nutrients and protein, your pet will spend less time digesting the foods and more time benefiting from the powerful nutrients they are receiving.

Healthy Dog & Cat Treats

Whether you want to reward good behavior or just show your cat and dog some extra love, healthy treats are the way to go. Grain-free, organic or made from healthy options, you’ll feel good about giving them purr-inducing, tail-wagging nutritious treats.

Supplements to Keep Pets Healthy

If you’re looking to take the extra step with your pet’s health, we offer a diverse assortment of supplements for dogs and cats too. You’ll find probiotics, flax oil, multivitamins and supplements to support hip and joint health, regularity, stress, and a healthy skin and coat as well.

Find these healthy dog and cat food brands at your local Sprouts!

SHOP NATURAL & ORGANIC PET FOOD

Air-chilled Chicken Recipes

We are now proud to carry air-chilled, organic chicken in all stores! With better flavor and texture, our organic air-chilled chicken is tender. The skin is crispy while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy. The air-chilling process is kind to the earth, saving thousands of gallons of water a day.

Easiest Roasted Chicken

The Easiest Roasted Chicken 6Roasted over a bed of root vegetables for extra flavor, this recipe couldn’t be simpler or more foolproof. Recipe provided by our blogger friend, Molly, at Spices in my DNA. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 80 minutes Serving size: 4

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3.5 lb. Organic Sprouts Whole Chicken
  • 2 tsp. Sea salt
  • 1 tsp. Ground black pepper
  • 1 Lemon, halved
  • Several sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 cup Red potatoes, cubed
  • 1 cup Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup Parsnips, cubed
  • 1 cup Celery root, cubed
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Olive oil
  • 3/4 cup Chicken broth

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Rinse your chicken under cold water and dry very well with paper towels. You want the chicken to be as dry as possible so it develops a crispy crust!
  2. Season the inside of the cavity with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Rub the outside of the chicken generously with the salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the halved lemon and thyme. I like to stuff in half of the lemon, a couple sprigs of thyme, the other half of the lemon, and then the remaining thyme.
  3. Truss the chicken using butcher’s twine. Check out this video on how to truss. Trussing will ensure your chicken cooks evenly.
  4. Place the root vegetables in a heavy, large, oven-safe skillet, like a cast iron. Alternately, you can use a shallow roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet. Toss the vegetables in the olive oil and a couple pinches of salt and pepper.
  5. Arrange vegetables in a single, even layer. Place the trussed chicken on top of the vegetables and pour the chicken broth over the vegetables. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until outside of the chicken is golden brown and crispy, the meat feels firm when pressed, the juices run clear. If you have a thermometer, the meat near the inner thigh (between the leg and the breast, reads 165°F.
  6. Let chicken rest for 10–15 minutes or so before carving. This ensures a super juicy bird! At this point, I discard the root vegetables. They really serve just as a bed to roast the chicken on, and they provide a lot of flavor to the bird.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Topped with a delicious and easy gravy, this recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly, with Paleo and Whole30® options. Note: You’ll also need aluminum foil, kitchen twine and a pastry brush. Recipe provided by our blogger friend, Cheryl Malik, at 40 Aprons.

Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken with Gravy Pour

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 300 minutes Serving size: 4

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley
  • 3 Garlic cloves, peeled
  • 4 Tbsp. Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1+ tsp. Salt
  • 1 Garlic head, sliced in half crosswise
  • 3-4 lb. Sprouts Organic Whole Chicken, giblets removed
  • 1 Tbsp. Avocado or olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp. Cassava flour
  • 1/2 cup Chicken stock

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. For the garlic butter: In a food processor, combine parsley and garlic. Pulse until chopped. Add softened butter and salt and pulse until well combined. Scrape out of food processor into a bowl
  2. For the chicken: Place chicken on a cutting board and pat dry. Remove giblets if necessary. Loosen skin by inserting fingers between the skin and meat, breaking any membranes connecting the skin to the meat.
  3. Stuff garlic butter mixture evenly under skin. Working with 1–2 tablespoons at a time, stick a little mixture under the skin then spread out by pressing on top of the butter with your fingers under the skin or another hand on top of the skin. Repeat until all mixture is evenly used under skin over breast and legs.
  4. Place one half of the garlic inside the chicken cavity.
  5. Tie chicken legs together. Place a long piece of kitchen twine, about 3-feet long, on a surface. Place chicken in the center of the twine right at the top of the thigh. Take both pieces of twine in your hands and bring them down along the seam between the leg and breast. Loop twine inside the end of the leg and around, bringing both ends together and tying very tightly.
  6. Sprinkle chicken with a bit more salt. Create a foil rack and place in the bottom of the slow cooker. Twist a long piece of foil into a rope then shape into a circle, or ball up 3–4 pieces of foil and place in a triangle or square shape in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place remaining half of garlic head in bottom of slow cooker.
  7. Place chicken breast down on top of foil rack and cover. Cook on low heat 4–5 hours or until internal temperature registers 160°F.
  8. Remove ceramic cooker from heating element. Carefully flip the chicken from breast down to breast up. Brush the 1 tablespoon oil all over chicken skin and preheat broiler. Place ceramic cooker in oven about 10 inches from heating element. Watching carefully, broil until skin is evenly browned, then remove from oven.
  9. Remove chicken from cooker and place on a cutting board. Loosely tent with foil to rest. Replace cooker in slow cooker heating element and turn heat to high.
  10. For the gravy: Remove the garlic head from slow cooker. Sprinkle drippings with cassava flour and whisk well until smooth. Add in stock and cook 10–15 minutes. If the mixture does not thicken to your liking, transfer to a saucepan and cook a couple minutes over medium heat, whisking constantly.
  11. Carve chicken and serve with plenty of gravy.

Flavorful Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken on PlatterWe love tasty chicken, and we especially love tasty chicken done in under an hour! Grab your instant pot multicooker and have dinner ready in a flash. *Note: for every pound add 6 minutes, for every half a pound add 3 minutes to total cooking time for whole chickens. Recipe provided by our blogger friend, Kate, from Root Revel. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Serving size: 4

Putting Chicken into Instant Pot

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 lbs. Sprouts Organic Whole Chicken
  • 1 Garlic head
  • 1/2 Sweet onion
  • 1/2 Lemon
  • 1 bunch Thyme
  • 1 bunch Rosemary
  • 1 bunch Sage
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 6 Tbsp. Butter
  • 1 1/2 cups Chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp. Salted white-truffle ghee

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Stuff chicken with 1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise, onion, lemon, thyme, rosemary, sage and bay leaves.
  2. Gently loosen the skin from the chicken breast, lifting it from the meat with your fingers and rub about 3 tablespoons of butter under it. Rub 3 more tablespoons of butter all over the chicken surface and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add a trivet with handles to the instant pot and add chicken broth. Place the chicken on top of the trivet and cover with the lid, lock it, point valve to sealed, press high pressure and set the timer for 20 minutes.
  4. Let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, followed by a quick release of the remaining pressure. Remove the chicken and test temp to ensure it’s cooked to 165°F. and place it on a baking sheet, breast side up. Brush 2 tablespoons melted truffle ghee over top of chicken.
  5. Broil for 5–8 minutes, or until skin is golden-brown and crispy. Serve and enjoy!

What is Regenerative Agriculture?

Farmer on Tractor Regenerative Agriculture 640x640Caring for the health of our soil has become an increasingly important endeavor as we better understand the role nutrient-rich soil plays in the quality of our food and ecosystem. Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming that works to progressively improve the soil, water and the environment. These farming methods can help take CO2, a powerful greenhouse gas, out of the atmosphere and put it back where it can do the most good—under our feet—and that’s where this story begins, with soil.

Carbon Sequestration

Green plants naturally take carbon out of the air as part of photosynthesis and turn it into simple sugars. The sugars are exuded from the plant’s roots into the ground, where it feeds microorganisms that live around the root base. Those microorganisms use the carbon-based sugars to build topsoil—capturing, or sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. When a thin layer of compost is added to this system, it sets up a cycle where the plants are able to capture more and more carbon each year.

Cover Crops

Thoughtfully planted between other crops, cover crops can help to remedy soil shortcomings, keep weeds down, retain water and enrich the soil. This means the next crop will require less fertilizer, have a greater tolerance to drought and yield more.
Another big plus to cover crops is they help to manage soil erosion.

No Till

Tilling the soil can lead to soil erosion, kill off the microorganisms necessary for healthy soil, encourage weed growth and can pack the soil making it harder for a crop to grow. Not tilling helps to create long-term soil fertility—organic soil that’s not tilled holds nutrients like a sponge, helping to create nutrient-rich food.

Feed and Seed Program

Today, food waste accounts for 24% of all landfilled material. And, about 7% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions come from food waste. But together, we can be part of the solution to start to heal the planet. In partnership with Ancient Nutrition, we collect 10,000 lbs. of food scraps per week and deposit them on Regenerative Organic CertifiedTM farms to feed animals and regenerate topsoil.

Coming soon …

Regenerative Organic Certified logo Be prepared to start seeing more of this logo in the future. This certification will be used in tandem with the USDA Organic seal. The pilot program companies already produce USDA Certified Organic goods. Working towards Regenerative Organic Certification, they will be utilizing the additional regenerative agriculture practices of soil health and land management, as well as animal welfare, and farmer and worker fairness practices.

Regenerative Agriculture Products at Sprouts

START YOUR SHOPPING LIST

Best Organic Produce

a variety of fruits & vegetables on a tabletop

Best Organic Produce

One of the benefits of choosing organic produce, is knowing it was grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides which are used in conventional farming to reduce or eliminate the detrimental effects of pests, whether they’re of the plant or insect variety. Additionally, anything organic is also free of GMOs, or genetically modified organisms. If you’re looking to avoid pesticides in your diet, read on!

Every year, the Environmental Working Group tests over 35,000 samples of produce in order to discover how much pesticide residue is present on certain fruits and vegetables. They create a list of the produce that has the most and least pesticide residues on them.
Best non-organic produce, kiwi, avocado, snap peas, broccoli

Conventional Produce

When conventionally grown, these fruits and veggies have the least amount of pesticides on them:
  • Avocados
  • Sweet corn
  • Pineapples
  • Cabbages
  • Onions
  • Sweet peas
  • Papayas
  • Asparagus
  • Mangoes
  • Eggplants
  • Honeydews
  • Kiwis
  • Cantaloupes
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli
Best Organic Produce, pears, apples, strawberries

Organic Produce

Avoiding pesticides? These fruits and veggies are great organic options. Their conventionally grown counterparts had the highest amounts of pesticides on them. Start with these options:
  • Strawberries
  • Spinach
  • Nectarines
  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Peaches
  • Cherries
  • Pears
  • Tomatoes
  • Celery
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet Bell Peppers

Did you know?

We think of the organic food movement as something recent, but really, it began in the 1940s as a response to the introduction of high-yield varieties and the use of pesticides.
SHOP ORGANIC PRODUCE

Choosing Non-GMO

bunch of carrots pulled from the ground with soil and red shovel in background  

What Is a GMO?

A GMO is a genetically modified organism—a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism—whose genetic makeup has been modified in a laboratory and does not occur in nature. There are two ways to avoid GMOs in your food, both include looking for specific labels on the products you purchase.

USDA Organic label/logoChoose Organic

A great way to avoid GMOs is to buy organic! The USDA Organic standards prohibit the use of GMOs in farming and food processing. Products with the USDA Organic seal are also free from growth hormones and antibiotics, as well as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. You’ll find thousands of organic products at your local Sprouts.

Visit the USDA Organic website.

 

Non-GMO Project Verified LogoLook for the Butterfly

You can also look for the Non-GMO Project Verified logo. Since its inception in 2010, this non-profit has been committed to preserving and building the non-GMO food supply, educating consumers and providing verified non-GMO choices. There are now over 43,000 products that are Non-GMO Project Verified. You can find thousands of products with this label at your local Sprouts—just look for the butterfly!

Visit the Non-GMO Project Verified website.

Organic Certified Food Labels

Organic certified food labels: agricultural field with tractor and barn in background Whether you regularly shop organic, or looking to learn more, this article will shed some light on a variety of common and not-so-common logos you see on products you purchase at Sprouts. A product is deemed organic if it is free of synthetic additives including pesticides, chemical fertilizers and dyes. The USDA Organic logo has been in use for nearly two decades, but other logos are new and emerging. It’s an exciting time in the organic field!  

USDA Organic label/logoWhat is USDA Organic?

When you purchase a product with the USDA Organic label on it, you can be assured it’s made with at least 95% organic ingredients and is non-GMO (does not contain genetically modified organisms). The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 established the National Organic Program, but the use of the logo was not implemented until the early 2000s. You can find thousands of organic products at Sprouts!

Visit the USDA Organic website.

 

transitional certified by QAI logoTransitional Organic Certified by QAI

You might not have seen or noticed the QAI certification logo before—that’s because it’s relatively new. In 2016, this program, certifying at least 51% of the contents are transitional organic, was rolled out. It allows small- and medium-sized farms to transition to organic over a three-year period. The benefits of the QAI certification are three-fold: for those smaller farms, it helps to off-set the cost of transitioning their farm to organic. For you, it means more better-for-you choices are available. And for the world at large, this certification is helpful to the organic movement.

Visit the Transitional Organic Certified website.

 

Regenerative Organic Certified logoROC Regenerative Organic Certification

The newest label to the organic family, this certification builds upon the existing USDA Organic seal you’re likely familiar with. In addition to meeting the USDA Organic standards, farmers must also work to increase soil health, animal welfare and worker fairness. Three levels of certification—Bronze, Silver and Gold—ensure progressively more rigorous organic standards. Learn more: Check out our article about regenerative agriculture and visit the Regenerative Organic Certified website.

Did you know?

Farmers are struggling to keep up with the growing demand for organic products—less than one percent of U.S. farmland is certified organic. Interested to learn more? Check out this history of organic farming!

C2O, Pure 100% Organic Coconut Water Recipes

Not all coconut waters are created equal. C2O’s pure coconut water is fresh from the inland groves of Thailand, and they pride themselves in providing a rejuvenating beverage that is fresh, fragrant and full of naturally occurring electrolytes. The young green coconuts used in C2O’s Pure 100% Organic Coconut Water are hand-picked by co-op farmers. Each coconut is picked between six and seven months to ensure C2O’s coconut water is naturally sweet and delicious. Best of all, the farms C2O partners with are 100% organic! What are you waiting for? Snag a bottle of C2O Pure 100% Organic Coconut Water today, and while you’re at it check out these refreshing coconut water recipes. Nom!

Video Description: Facebook live with C2O Coconut Water and @Cori_Fit.

 

Peanut Ginger Lime Lettuce WrapsPeanut Ginger Lime Lettuce Wraps:

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of Iceberg lettuce
  • Grilled chicken, chopped
  • Hot House or English Cucumber, finely chopped
  • Chopped peanuts, for garnish
  • Cilantro, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup Chunky peanut butter
  • 2 Tbsp. C2O Turmeric Ginger Lime coconut water
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1/2 Tbsp. Rice wine vinegar
  • 1/2 Tbsp. Honey
  • 1 Tbsp. Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a sauce pan or a microwaveable bowl heat the coconut water, Tamari, Vinegar, and the honey until warm. Add the peanut butter and whisk until smooth. Add cilantro.
  2. Chop the desired amount of chicken and cucumber for your lettuce wrap. Peel a leaf from the head of lettuce to create a “wrap.” Add in the chicken, cucumber, and drizzle with desired amount of peanut sauce. Top with chopped peanuts and more cilantro. Enjoy! Recipe by Cori from corifit.com
C2O Acai Smoothie Bowl Tropical C2O Acai Bowl:

Ingredients:

  • 1 Frozen Pure Acai Packet
  • 1/2 large banana, frozen
  • 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1/4 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/3-1/2 cup C2O Pineapple coconut water
  • Desired toppings such as granola, fresh bananas or coconut shreds

Instructions:

  1. In a high powered blender add the Pineapple C20 (start with 1/3 cup), acai packet, frozen banana, frozen berries, and frozen pineapple. Blend on high until you reach a smooth consistency throughout. If the mixture is too thick, add the rest of the coconut water. Pour into a bowl and top with desired toppings. Recipe by Cori from corifit.com

Coconut Water & Kiwi Popsicle:Coconut Water & Kiwi Popsicle:

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle C2O Pure 100% Organic Coconut Water
  • 3 Kiwis, peeled and sliced
  • Popsicle mold and popsicle sticks

Instructions:

  1. Place sliced kiwis into popsicle mold and pour C2O Pure 100% Organic Coconut Water over kiwis.
  2. Insert popsicle sticks and let freeze for 4–5 hours. Quick tip, use the kiwi slices to help keep the popsicle sticks upright!
Sparkling Citrus Coconut Water: Sparkling Citrus Coconut Water:

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle C2O Pure 100% Organic Coconut Water
  • 2 cups Sparkling soda, flavored if desired
  • 1 Fresh orange, sliced
  • 1 Fresh grapefruit, sliced
  • 2 Fresh limes, sliced
  • 2 Fresh lemons, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Add fresh, sliced citrus to a large pitcher. Quick tip, squeeze some of the citrus juice into the pitcher to speed up the infusion!
  2. Pour C2O Pure 100% Organic Coconut Water over fresh citrus slices and top off with sparkling soda. Serve immediately.
 

Why Does It Matter to Eat Organic?

As the editor of a national green-lifestyle magazine, I get a lot of questions from readers. But without a doubt, the number one question I’m asked is, “Why does it matter to eat organic?” It can be a tough question to answer. And the reality is, even I don’t eat organic 100% of the time, because of one simple fact—it’s not always easy. But eating organic does matter and it is important to incorporate it into your and your family’s life whenever possible. So, when does it really matter to make the organic choice?

Starting Children with Organics

Child holding blueberries We’ve all seen it, new parents franticly attempting to feed only organics to their little ones. And it makes sense. Pesticides and herbicides can harm the developing brain and nervous system of babies and toddlers. But once children start running and talking, the thought becomes bye-bye Plum Organics fruit and veggie pouches and hello conventional apple sauce. The reality is, organic still matters. For instance, conventional apples have the highest pesticide residue of all commercially grown fruit according to the Environmental Working Group. And the risk of harm to children is higher than adults since they eat more fruits and vegetables, relative to their body weight.

Carton of eggs and milkMake Your Switch Easy

List the foods you buy on a regular basis when shopping at Sprouts, and slowly start to transition these items to organic. This list probably contains items like milk, cereal, eggs, and salad mixes. Going organic on these items means they’re not only free of pesticides, but for items like milk, meat and poultry it means they have no hormones or antibiotics added.

Salmon with SaladKeeping Your Options Open

In the US, there are no standards for certified organic seafood. So, I look for sustainably caught canned tuna from brands like Wild Planet. These brands use pole and line fishing methods (so no turtles are harmed) to catch smaller and younger fish. Smaller fish accumulate less mercury than larger fish, making it a winner in my book.

Strawberries and KaleBuy in Season

Buy in Season. When your favorite fruits and vegetables are in season, buy in large quantities. Sprouts has weekly deals, making it easy for you to stock up. Save time and money by freezing your fruits and veggies. I like to freeze berries on a parchment lined baking sheet and then store them in containers. This way I always have fruit on hand and can make smoothies in a snap by tossing in a handful of berries and enjoying a burst of summer (even if it’s cold and dreary outside).

Sprouts organic salad dressingYou Can Trust the Certified Organic Seal

When you see the USDA Certified Organic seal on packaging, you can be assured it’s the real deal. The seal is regulated by the U.S. Government and every brand, grower, manufacturer from certified organic skin care to certified organic juices follow the same standards and practices to earn (and use!) the seal.

Danny Seo, Editor in ChiefAbout Danny Seo, Editor in Chief

Naturally, Danny Seo

Through his best-selling books, television programs, products, and syndicated column, environmental-lifestyle expert Danny Seo shares the creative ideas that have made him America’s leading authority on modern, eco-friendly living. His magazine “Naturally, Danny Seo”, looks at living the healthy, natural and good-for-you life with a fresh, authoritative voice that covers everything from food, beauty, travel, home, and entertaining all through Danny’s unique point-of-view as America’s leading guru of green living. Naturally, Danny Seo is where style and sustainability meet.  

Surf Sweets

Surf Sweets Whether you are filling Easter baskets, lunch boxes or packing a picnic, there is always room for a sweet snack. And Surf Sweets candy is the best kind! Packed with delicious fruity flavors, Surf Sweets gummy candies and organic jelly beans have clean ingredients and are allergen friendly. Here are just a few reasons to love Surf Sweets:
  • Made with organic fruit juice and organic sweeteners.
  • Each candy serving has 100% daily value of vitamin C.
  • Made without corn syrup.
  • No artificial colors or flavors.
  • Free of the top 10 food allergens.
  • (Most importantly) Surf Sweets taste great!
Bring them to a school party, sweeten your movie nights or treat somebody for a job well done. However you like to snack, you can enjoy the sweet satisfaction of having delicious treats everyone can enjoy. Try one in every flavor! Follow us on social media for new items and giveaways: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SurfSweets/ Twitter: @surfsweets Instagram: @surfsweets Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/surfsweets/  

Stonyfield Organics

Stonyfield Organic yogurtWhen cows are 100% grassfed, they eat all grass (no grain, no corn), all the time, all year long! Because of this, the milk has a rich, unique taste. It’s simple, and it’s simply delicious. As a matter of fact, it is certified 100% Grassfed by the PCO*. There are four delicious flavors in the six-ounce singles. Plain and vanilla flavors are available in a convenient 24-ounce size. So whether you are snacking, cooking or adding your own fresh fruits, there is an option for you. Stonyfield Organics takes the time to support family farms and strives to be good citizens of the planet by taking environmental concerns seriously. That’s what makes Stonyfield products more than just delicious. *The PCO 100% Grassfed certification program establishes an optional additional certification scope for operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program regulations. To learn more about PCO’s 100% Grassfed standards, visit www.paorganic.org/grassfed. Learn more about them @Stonyfield on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, or visit Stonyfield.com to find out more.