Explore the truth – A deep dive into unsafe dog food ingredients and how to protect your pup
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Providing the best nutrition for your dog is crucial but challenging, especially with the influence of marketing and economic factors. Making informed choices becomes essential amidst the flashy packaging and potentially misleading marketing. This article highlights unsafe pet food ingredients, empowering you to make choices that contribute to a healthy life for your furry friend.
BHA and BHT
- BHA and BHT are chemical preservatives used to extend the shelf life of fats in human and pet foods. These ingredients are banned in certain countries, while others, such as Canada, the US, and Europe, permit the use of BHA and BHT in limited quantities. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a common chemical preservative, slows the oxidation of fats and oils, preventing spoilage.
Although regulatory agencies approve its use, some studies suggest potential health issues in dogs, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and developmental problems. Ideally, selecting dog foods without BHA/BHT is advisable. These preservatives are also present in human foods, such as dry cereals, butter, beer, margarine, chewing gum, and various processed products. Checking food labels for BHA or BHT is crucial, and if found, avoid feeding it to your pet.
White Flour
- White flour is a simple carbohydrate lacking most if not all, essential nutrients. It acts as an undesirable filler that causes a rapid blood sugar spike followed by a drop, leading to increased hunger shortly after consumption. Excessive white flour intake can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes in dogs.
Read the food label to identify white flour additives before purchasing to prioritize only the nutritious choices for your pet. Opting for healthier alternatives such as whole grains or grain-free options is beneficial. Nutrient-rich whole grains like quinoa, oats, or brown rice are excellent ingredients for human and pet diets.
Meat Meals
- Meat is a crucial component of a pet’s diet. It should form the majority of their meals. However, be cautious of vague terms like “meat,” “meat meal,” or “meat and bone meal” on dog food labels. These items often indicate inferior meat sources from rendering plants in processed foods. Avoiding dog foods containing such processed items is advisable. Examining the food label can help identify and avoid feeding toxic ingredients. Meat meal ingredients can range from diseased or expired meat sections, including plastic packaging, to animals with tumors.
The extensive heating process employed to eliminate pathogens also strips away most nutrients, making the meat meal nutritionally deficient and challenging for dogs to digest. Opt for dog foods with quality protein ingredients. Seek out brands that feature named meats like deboned chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, salmon, or meals derived from these meats. Such ingredients in certain brands undergo less processing, ensuring better consistency and providing more natural nutrients and usable protein for your pet.
Artificial Colors
Artificial colors are often added to enhance the visual appeal of dog food. However, these artificial colors have been associated with hyperactivity and various biochemical effects within the body. Dogs typically enjoy foods based on aroma and flavor, irrespective of their visual appeal. For instance, red 40, or Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring commonly used in dog food to create a visually appealing bright red or pink color.
Despite being considered safe by regulatory agencies, it offers no health benefits or nutrition and may pose potential harm, leading to hyperactivity and other long-term ailments in dogs. It’s crucial to recognize that dog foods don’t need vibrant visual appeal to be healthy. Numerous brands avoid artificial food dyes and focus on being rich in nutrients. Choosing dog foods without artificial colors ensures your dog consumes healthier kibble, prioritizing overall well-being over visual aesthetics.
Gluten
- Gluten can be present in grains like wheat and barley. Wheat gluten acts as a binder to shape and texture the kibble. While dogs are generally more tolerant to gluten-containing grains than cats, many still develop allergies or experience digestive issues due to excessive grains in standard processed kibble. Common indicators of gluten sensitivity or allergy in pets include smelly ears, chronic ear infections, itching, and hot spots.
If your pet displays symptoms or shows signs of an allergy, seek veterinary assistance and opt for gluten-free dog foods. If you’re uncertain about the ingredients, review the food label. Some brands even provide helpful feeding tips on dog food bags, offering valuable insights into the food composition and the best way to nourish your pet.
Nitrites or Nitrates
- Nitrites and nitrates are commonly present in prepared meats like sausages, bacon, ham, hot dogs, and deli meats. They act as preservatives to increase the shelf life of meat products. It’s advisable to steer clear of feeding them to your furry friend. Sodium nitrite is also added as a preservative in animal foods. It can be harmful in high doses, leading to a serious blood disorder called methemoglobin.
The accumulation of sodium nitrite in the system has also been associated with cancer, particularly when combined with common natural vitamin sources like added ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E). Avoid buying pet food with sodium nitrite whenever possible. Opt for dog food packages that do not contain sodium nitrite to ensure the safety of your beloved pet.
Vegetable Oil
- Vegetables and fats are undoubtedly essential components of a pet’s diet, but the key lies in their quality. Vegetable oil is often derived from inexpensive corn and soybean oils. This can lead to the accumulation of high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6 fatty acids are necessary, pets consuming processed commercial diets tend to ingest excessive amounts, which can be unhealthy.
Access to omega-6 fatty acids can cause inflammation and aggravate arthritis and hip and joint problems. Provide fat from sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as specific fish oils like salmon, olive oils, or flaxseed oils. Opt for oils that promote well-being. Chicken fat and pork fat are also healthier options.
Corn
- While corn is technically a whole grain, there are several reasons why it may not be the best choice for pet food. Digesting dry dog food can be challenging, leading to digestive sensitivities in many pets. Corn is commonly added to dog food ingredients to boost protein percentages.
However, this protein lacks essential amino acids and is not as easily absorbed by the body as from animal sources, such as chicken or eggs. Consider dog foods with meat proteins or grain-free options for a healthier alternative. Checking the food label for comprehensive nutrition information is key to making informed decisions about your pet’s health.
If your dog has developed food poisoning or allergies, consult the vet. At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we provide the best urgent care services that keep your pets healthy and comfortable. We offer veterinary services in Charlottesville, VA. Contact us at (434) 971-9800 to book an appointment.
