Dog owners know the importance of a healthy diet for their pets. We rely on pet food companies to keep our furry friends safe from dangerous or unhealthy fillers, additives, and preservatives that would compromise their well being. Unfortunately, there are some common ingredients in dog foods that should be avoided because they can cause serious health problems. The most common harmful ingredients found in many dog foods include:
Chemical Additives And Preservatives
BHA and BHT – Both preservatives have been banned from human food due to their link to cancer. Small amounts may still be found in processed foods such as soft drinks, cereal, nut mixes and other dry goods.
Ethoxyquin – A pesticide derived chemical used as a preservative in fish meals. It is banned for human consumption in many countries, including Canada and Japan.
Sodium Nitrite – Used as a preservative, color retainer and flavor enhancer in cured meats such as bacon, ham, hot dogs and deli meats. The sodium nitrite used commercially is known to cause cancer in humans.
Other Chemicals And Additives To Avoid
Propylene Glycol – A type of anti-freeze that can be found in some brand name pet foods. It may also be found in other household items such as: antifreeze, deicing solution , hydraulic brake fluid and motor oil supplement . Ingestion may have short term effects such as vomiting or diarrhea but long term ingestion can cause kidney abnormalities or even renal failure.
Ethylene glycol – A more toxic form of propylene glycol that is commonly found in: antifreeze, deicing solutions and hydraulic brake fluid . Ingestion causes acute kidney failure.
Salt – More than 75% of table salt contains an anti-caking agent such as aluminum or magnesium silicate. These agents may cause health problems such as hypertension and congestive heart failure . Other additives such as sodium carbonate peroxide (whitener) and tricalcium phosphate (equivalent to bone ash) should also be avoided.
Bones – Cooked bones can cause obstructions, laceration and punctures in the intestinal tract which may require surgery for removal. Also, chicken bones may contain high concentrations of phosphorus which can contribute to the formation of bladder stones.
Raw Meat – Pet food that contains raw meat is another form of contamination by bacteria such as E-coli, Listeria, Salmonella and other parasites. There have been many reports of dogs becoming ill or dying after consuming raw pet foods.
Preservatives And Additives To Look For
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) – A natural preservative that prevents oxidation in fats and oils found in dog food . It is also known to enhance immunity in dogs while promoting healthy skin and coat . Vitamin C may be listed on a label as Ascorbic Acid, E300 or 250. Some excellent include: rose hips , acerola and hawthorn .
Biotin (Vitamin H) – Also known as vitamin B7, it is important for healthy skin and coat in dogs. Although this vitamin can be found in some vegetables such as: carrots , cauliflower and cucumbers; the best source of biotin is from animal protein such as: fish, liver or egg yolks .
Is BHA toxic to dogs?
BHA is considered to be primarily nontoxic to dogs, leading some manufacturers of dog food to use this preservative. There are ongoing studies that show BHA may be carcinogenic in high doses for both mice and rats.
Is BHA in food bad?
BHA is a preservative that has been linked to cancer in high doses. This additive should be avoided in dog food and any product consumed by dogs. Symptoms of BHA poisoning include: vomiting , diarrhea or lack of appetite.
What ingredients should you avoid in dog food?
BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin are harmful ingredients found in many dog foods. These chemical additives have been linked to cancer growth. Also consider the following harmful chemicals: propylene glycol , sodium nitrite , aluminum silicate , tricalcium phosphate and other additives that should be avoided.
What are the side effects of BHA?
BHA causes cancer in high doses. This additive should be avoided in dog food and any product consumed by dogs . Symptoms of BHA poisoning include: vomiting , diarrhea or lack of appetite.
What are some alternatives?
BHA is primarily nontoxic to dogs, leading some manufacturers of dog food to use this preservative. There are ongoing studies that show BHA may be carcinogenic in high doses for both mice and rats.
Good ingredients to look for in dog food include: Vitamin C, Biotin and other additives that should be avoided .
What is the best food for a dog with cancer?
The best diet for a dog diagnosed with cancer includes a highly nutritious diet that is low in carbohydrates. This diet is recommended by veterinarians and contains proteins , vegetables and healthy fats .
WHAT IS BHA?
BHA is short for butylated hydroxyanisole which is considered primarily nontoxic to dogs leading some manufacturers of dog food to use this preservative. There are ongoing studies that show BHA may be carcinogenic in high doses for both mice and rats.
BHA SIDE EFFECTS?
Symptoms of BHA poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea or lack of appetite.
BHA IN HUMAN FOOD?
Although this additive is considered to be primarily nontoxic to dogs leading some manufacturers of dog food to use it; studies show that BHA may be carcinogenic in high doses for both mice and rats.
BHA IN PET FOOD?
BHA is considered to be primarily nontoxic to dogs, leading some manufacturers of dog food to use this preservative. There are ongoing studies that show BHA may be carcinogenic in high doses for both mice and rats.
BENEFITS OF BHA?
Although this additive is considered to be primarily nontoxic to dogs leading some manufacturers of dog food to use it; studies show that BHA may be carcinogenic in high doses for both mice and rats.