Top Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food

When it comes to keeping our furry friends healthy and happy, the food we provide plays a significant role. Unfortunately not all dog foods are created equal, and some ingredients can do more harm than good.

When it comes to keeping our furry friends healthy and happy, the food we provide plays a significant role. Unfortunately not all dog foods are created equal, and some ingredients can do more harm than good. Let’s discuss the top ingredients you should avoid when selecting a dog food to guarantee your best friend stays happy and healthy for many years to come.

Artificial Preservatives

If it is something you avoid in your own diet, chances are it’s not the best for your dog either! Many commercial dog foods contain artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin to help extend their shelf life. These preservatives have been linked to a number of health problems in dogs, including cancer, kidney damage, and liver dysfunction. To keep your dog safe, look for dog foods that instead use natural preservatives like Vitamin E or rosemary extract.

Corn, Wheat, and Soy

Corn, wheat, and soy are cheap, commonly used fillers in many commercial dog foods. While they may provide some nutritional value, they are also some of the most common allergens in dogs. Many dogs have trouble digesting these ingredients, which can manifest as skin irritations and other health issues. Look instead for dog foods that use high-quality sources of protein and complex carbohydrates, like chia, sweet potato or quinoa.

Rendered Meat or Meals

Rendered meat has been cooked and processed to remove the moisture and fat, leaving behind a dry, high-protein product. Meat meals are made by grinding up meat and bone, and then cooking and dehydrating the mixture to remove the moisture. Both processes are commonly used in the pet food industry to convert low-cost protein sources into products that read well on the label or nutritional data table.

While rendered meat and meat meals can provide protein for dogs, it is difficult or impossible to know the quality of the source ingredients. For example, some meat meals may contain low-quality ingredients like beaks, feet, and other animal parts that are not fit for human consumption. Additionally, some rendering processes use high temperatures and chemicals that can destroy the nutritional value of the meat and may even result in the formation of harmful substances like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Artificial Flavours and Colours

Many commercial dog foods contain artificial flavours and colours to make them more appealing to pets and their owners. These additives offer no nutritional value and have been linked to allergies, digestive problems or even behavioural issues. Instead of artificial flavours and colours, look for dog foods that use natural ingredients.

Glycerin

Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that is sometimes used as a sweetener and moisture preserver in dog food. While it is not necessarily harmful to dogs in small amounts, some dogs may have adverse reactions including digestive problems like diarrhoea, vomiting, and flatulence.

Glycerin is also a highly processed ingredient that provides little to no nutritional value for dogs. In fact, it is often used as a filler to add bulk to dog food products without providing any meaningful nutrients. Glycerin can also contribute to the formation of dental plaque and tartar in dogs, as it is a sticky substance that can adhere to the teeth and gums. This can lead to dental problems like cavities and gum disease over time.

Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a thickener and stabiliser that is commonly used in canned dog foods. However, it has been linked to a variety of health problems in dogs, including digestive issues and even cancer. To keep your dog safe, look for dog foods that do not contain carrageenan and that use natural thickeners and stabilisers instead.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a synthetic compound that is commonly used as a preservative and flavour enhancer in some commercial dog foods. However, it has been linked to a variety of health problems in dogs, including anemia, liver damage, and even death. To keep your dog safe, look for dog foods that do not contain propylene glycol and that use natural preservatives and flavor enhancers instead.

Excessive Salt and Sugar

Salt and sugar are common ingredients in many commercial dog foods. However, excessive amounts of salt can lead to dehydration and kidney problems, while too much sugar can lead to obesity and dental problems. To keep your dog healthy, look for dog foods that are low in salt and sugar.