When buying dog food or comparing dog food to feed your pet, take the time to read the list of ingredients. Knowing the lack of regulation, you can not rely on the requirements of labels. You can only rely on the ingredients panel to know if the dog food is healthy. When reading the label, avoid certain important ingredients. Below is a list of six chemicals to avoid when choosing a dog food:
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are inexpensive chemical preservatives used to preserve fats and oils. These are synthetic versions of vitamin E, and some manufacturers will use them to improve their nutritional needs. BHA and BHT are extremely carcinogenic and in many countries, it is forbidden to use food. These preservatives have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and have been associated with renal and hepatic impairment in dogs.
Ethoxyquin has been developed as a chemical pesticide for fruits. It is used as a dog food preservative commonly found in highly processed dog foods that contain fish products to stabilize fat. Ethoxyquin is also used to preserve the color and taste of dog food. Studies have shown that dogs consuming food with ethoxyquin have higher levels of kidney and liver damage, hyperthyroidism, reproductive problems, cancer, blindness, and immunodeficiency syndrome. The FDA is currently studying the negative effects of ethoxyquin in dogs and may soon ban the ingredients.
Medium Sodium Bisulfate is a synthetic vitamin K, also called "vitamin K3". Vitamin K is an important nutrient for dogs. This chemical is therefore used to enhance the vitamin effects of poor quality dog food. Sodium bisulfate Menadione actually damages the absorption of natural vitamin K and calcium, which causes various health problems. Menadione has also been associated with many health problems in dogs, such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, eczema, and weakened immune system.
Propyl Gallate will also be listed as gallic acid or propyl ester used as a fat stabilizer in dog foods. It also has antioxidant properties that prevent oxygen from entering food and making it rancid. Propyl Gallate is often used with BHA and BHT to preserve dog food. Studies in rats have linked propyl gallate to cancer as well as kidney and liver problems. It has also been known to cause allergic reactions, breathing problems, abdominal pain and skin irritation in dogs.
Propylene glycol is an inexpensive chemical ingredient found in antifreeze that is primarily used as a moisturizer to prevent dry dog foods from losing moisture. Propylene glycol is also used as a preservative and antibacterial in dog foods because it adds sweetness to the taste. Propylene glycol significantly disrupts digestion and can cause intestinal lesions and blockages. Dog food is banned in the EU but is still allowed in other countries.
Sorbitol is a synthetic chemical sweetener added to make the taste of dog food more appealing. Like all sweeteners, you should avoid feeding the dog's sorbitol, as it causes various health problems, such as hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, tooth decay, and allergy. Sorbitol is also associated with arthritis and is known to cause a variety of digestive problems including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloody stools. Sorbitol is particularly problematic because it gives a sweet taste to foods. Dogs eat too much and refuse healthier and less sweet foods.
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