Cancer Causing Dog Food Brands: What You Need to Know

Some dog food brands have been linked to cancer in dogs, and it's essential to know which ones to avoid. The FDA has identified certain ingredients in these brands that have been associated with increased cancer risk in pets.

As a responsible dog owner, it's crucial to choose a high-quality dog food that minimizes the risk of cancer. Look for brands that use whole, named ingredients and avoid those with fillers and by-products.

Some brands to be cautious of include Diamond Pet Foods, which has been recalled multiple times due to contamination and has a history of using low-quality ingredients.

For another approach, see: Dog Food Brands to Avoid

BHA is a chemical preservative found in many dog foods, and it's considered too risky for use in pet food by some because multiple studies have linked it to cancer and reproductive disorders.

Government regulations still allow the use of BHA in pet food, but it's considered safe in low doses.

The main advantage of using artificial chemical preservatives like BHA is that they extend the shelf life of dog food longer than natural preservatives.

The National Toxicology Program warns that BHA should be "reasonably anticipated" to be a cancer-causing chemical in humans.

BHA has been found to produce malignant tumors in laboratory animals.

The State of California includes BHA on its "Chemicals Known... to Cause Cancer or Reproductive Toxicity" report.

A class-action lawsuit was filed against Blue Buffalo in 2021, alleging that their dog food products contain potentially cancer-causing ingredients that weren't disclosed on the packaging.

The lawsuit claims that Blue Buffalo misled consumers by marketing their products as "healthy" and "natural", while failing to mention the presence of potentially harmful ingredients.

The plaintiffs in the case are seeking damages and demanding that Blue Buffalo change its labeling practices to accurately reflect the contents of its products.

Additional reading: Blue Buffalo Dog Food Killing Dogs

A potentially carcinogenic compound called 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) has been found in some Blue Buffalo products, including caramel color.

If you've been feeding your dog Blue Buffalo products and are concerned about the potential health risks, consider taking the following steps:

If you're looking for safer alternatives to BHA, you're in luck. Many pet foods are preserved with antioxidants like ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), which are super-safe natural preservatives.

Some pet foods use these natural preservatives, making them a safer choice for your furry friend.

You can find pet food brands that use these safer preservatives by checking out the "Best Dog Foods by Category" section.

If your pet is sick or has died, and you suspect the pet food to be the cause, please ask your veterinarian to file an Adverse Event report with the FDA.

Pet owners can file directly with the FDA, but it's recommended to prepare as much information as possible about your pet's symptoms, lab reports, and the specific product(s) you've fed your pet, including brand and variety names, lot code, expiration date, and bar code information.

The FDA relies heavily on reports from pet owners and veterinarians to alert them to safety issues with pet foods, as shown in the stories of pet owners who suspect their pets' illnesses were caused by Purina Pro Plan.

You can file a report by contacting the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator for your state by telephone, or by filing online using the FDA Safety Reporting Portal.

Pet owners who have reported adverse events, such as the ones who shared their stories on Saving Pets One Pet @ A Time, often have to wait for official diagnoses or lab results to confirm their suspicions.

To file a report, simply click on the "Report as Guest" button and follow the step-by-step directions on the FDA Safety Reporting Portal.

If you're concerned about BHA in your dog's food, there are safer alternatives available. Many pet foods are preserved with natural preservatives like ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and mixed tocopherols (vitamin E).

These natural preservatives are considered safe and effective for extending the shelf life of dog food. They're a great option for pet owners who want to avoid artificial preservatives.

Some pet foods even use a combination of these natural preservatives for added protection. This can provide peace of mind for pet owners who are concerned about the safety of their dog's food.

Here are some examples of natural preservatives used in pet foods:

By choosing pet foods that use these natural preservatives, you can help keep your dog safe from potentially hazardous ingredients like BHA.

Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are highly synthetic industrially manufactured creations made up of many non-food elements. They're designed to be convenient, eaten-on-the-go, and hyper-palatable.

These foods are formulated to disguise undesirable qualities of the final product, often using ingredients like hydrolysed protein, modified starches, and hydrogenated or interesterified oils. They're also loaded with additives like colorants, flavorings, and nonsugar sweeteners.

Our dogs chomp an awful lot of high carbohydrate, energy-dense snacks and 'fast food', which are essentially UPFs. We give them these names because they're not exactly what their nutritional labels claim.

The World Health Association and the World Cancer Research Fund concluded in 2014 that sugary drinks, energy-dense snacks, and 'fast food' are key drivers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers in humans. It's likely that our dogs are at risk for similar health problems from consuming UPFs.

For more insights, see: Dog Food for High Energy Dogs

If you're wondering if your dog food has expired, check the packaging for a "Best By" or "Use By" date. This is usually located on the back or bottom of the bag or can.

Most dog foods have a shelf life of about 12 to 18 months from the date of manufacture. However, this can vary depending on the specific product and storage conditions.

Dog food can go bad if it's exposed to heat, light, or moisture, so make sure you store it in a cool, dry place. I've seen dog owners store their dog food in the garage or basement, which can be a problem if it gets too hot or humid.

If you're unsure whether your dog food has expired, it's always better to err on the side of caution and check with the manufacturer or a veterinarian for advice.