SERIES: What's Really in Your Dog's Treats: Preservatives

by Paula Savarese January 24, 2019

Protect Your Dogs and Cats from Artificial Preservatives

Welcome to our New Series: What's Really in Your Dog's Treats

In our last post, we revealed the real story behind the by-products often found in many of the commercial treats (and food) for your family K9.

This latest post (below) pulls back the curtain on the common - but not so good - (and even controversial) artificial preservatives found in most commercial treats/foods for your dog (and cat)!

THE CONTROVERSIAL USE OF ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES

Do Your Dog Treats Contain Artificial Preservatives?

Preservatives are added to edible pet food products to prevent or slow down the spoiling which, on the surface, may seem like a positive thing. Unfortunately, these same artificial preservatives also have a darker and potentially dangerous side.

Even worse, they are legally allowed by the very government agencies we trust to protect both us and our pets. However, these agencies explain away the potential danger by focusing on individual servings and deeming the small/trace/minimal amounts of artificial preservatives as “acceptable” or “generally recognized as safe” (or GRAS).

But the reality is your pet is probably eating these edibles day-in-and-day-out. So, what might have been considered "acceptable," is now accumulating at a daily rate in your beloved dog's (pet's) body. Could the long-term, cumulative exposure to questionable and synthetic preservatives really be good for our pets?

THE TOP 3 COMMONLY USED ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES

Artificial Preservative Name		Why It’s Used in Dog Treats/Foods
Ethoxyquin		To preserve the energy source found in fats
Propylene Glycol		To preserve fats and oil To preserve the moisture content To prevent bacteria growth
BHT/BHA		To preserve fats

AT-A-GLANCE: THE FRIGHTENING SIDE EFFECTS

Artificial Preservative Name		Potential Health Issues for Your Dog (and Cat)
Ethoxyquin Also used as a pesticide and herbicide Originally developed by Monsanto Originally developed as a hardening agent to keep rubber from cracking Both Australia and the European Union have banned its use in dog foods Used directly (must be listed) and indirectly (does not have to be listed) by the manufacturer		Liver cell death Kidney and liver damage Cancer (liver, spleen, stomach, skin) Immune deficiency syndrome Blindness Leukemia
Propylene Glycol		Potential Health Issues for Your Dog (and Cat)
Related to ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) Typically used in soft dog food/treats Banned from cat food because of toxicity, but allowed in dog food (by the FDA) Labeled as a “GRAS” (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA		Destroys red blood cells Causes Heinz Animal Anemia (including in cats) Cancerous lesions in the intestines Potential intestinal blockages Seizures have been reported in dogs
BHT/BHA		Potential Health Issues for Your Dog (and Cat)
BHA is considered more dangerous Used in food, animal feed, cosmetics, rubber and petroleum products Labeled by the World Health Organization and the State of California as “suspicious cancer-causing compounds” The Department of Health and Human Services classifies these two preservatives as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” Labeled as a “GRAS” (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA BHA “may be harmful by ingestion or inhalation” (Oxford University)		Alters the function of the endocrine system Liver damage Kidney damage Behavioral changes Cancers/tumors (in both dogs and cats)

SO, ARE ALL "PRESERVATIVES" BAD?

In today’s busy world where we rely upon convenience and pre-made food Chemical or Synthetic Preservatives Pose Dangers

products, preservatives are a necessary additive to keep food from spoiling during manufacturing, transportation and shelf life at your favorite grocery store. So are they a “necessary evil” or are there safer options?

Health issues come into play when cheaper, synthetic/chemical/artificial preservatives are used (for humans and pets). There are natural preservatives that are much safer. But these raw, natural preservatives (like Vitamin C and Vitamin E) are higher in cost so manufacturers opt for the cheaper alternatives. Despite the heartwarming commercials that seem to indicate concern for your pet as their foremost goal, these companies are really focused on the bottom line.

Remember, your pet is relying upon you to protect him and give him the best quality of life, so follow the 3 steps below to protect them!

Give Your Dog The Best Life!

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR PETS

Read all labels thoroughly and carefully. Unsavory details are often buried in the fine print.
Use products containing limited, human-grade ingredients you recognize.
Learn and follow independent, non-biased experts including:

Our treats are always made in the USA with 100% all-natural, USA-sourced ingredients and absolutely no artificial/chemical/synthetic preservatives.

(Check out all the healthy Dogs Love Kale products at DogsLoveKale.com.)

Dogs Lvoe Kale cannot guarantee any health benefits

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ADDITIONAL READING

10 Worst Ingredients in Your Dog Food
www.eatthis.com/bad-dog-food-ingredients/

4 Dangerous Ingredients (According to Studies) Commonly Used in Dog Food
topdogtips.com/dangerous-dog-food-ingredients/

Misinformation About Ethoxyquin from Pet Food
truthaboutpetfood.com/misinformation-about-ethoxyquin-from-pet-food

Propylene Glycol - Dog Food Aid or Automotive Antifreeze?
www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/propylene-glycol-dog-food-aid-or-automotive-anti-freeze/

BHA - A Time Bomb in Your Dog's Food?
www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/bha-in-dog-food/

BHT, BHA and TBHQ - Oh My! Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid (with Infographic)
www.dogfoodinsider.com/bht-bha-tbhq-oh-dog-food-ingredients-avoid/