Dog Food Brands to Avoid with Unhealthy Ingredients

Some dog food brands are more about making a profit than providing a healthy meal for your furry friend. Diamond Pet Foods, for instance, was recalled in 2005 due to contamination with melamine.

The brand's lack of quality control is a red flag for pet owners. Purina's Dog Chow, on the other hand, contains fillers like corn and wheat, which can cause digestive issues in dogs.

Purina's Dog Chow also contains artificial preservatives like BHA, which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts.

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If your pet has become sick or has died due to a pet food issue, it's essential to report the problem to the FDA and your State Department of Agriculture.

Save all pet food, don't return it for a refund, as this can be crucial evidence in investigating the cause of the illness.

Chemical preservatives in dog food, including ethoxyquin, have been linked to kidney failure in dogs.

The FDA has identified several dog food brands linked to canine heart disease. These brands include Grizzly, Evolve, and Blue Buffalo.

Grizzly and Evolve were both found to contain high levels of a type of taurine called L-carnitine, which can lead to heart problems in dogs.

The FDA specifically mentioned that Grizzly's Chicken & Sweet Potato recipe contained 0.75% L-carnitine, while Evolve's Shrimp & Sweet Potato recipe contained 0.83% L-carnitine.

Blue Buffalo's Freedom and Wilderness lines were also found to have similar issues, with some recipes containing up to 0.6% L-carnitine.

Dogs that eat these brands may be at risk for developing dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition.

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The melamine controversy in the pet food industry is a stark reminder of the importance of choosing high-quality dog food. In 2007, a significant scandal occurred when melamine was found to be present in pet food, particularly in dog food.

Melamine was added to the wheat gluten in dog kibbles to artificially inflate the protein content. This substance has no nutritional value and can cause health problems when ingested.

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Dogs that consume food contaminated with melamine can suffer extensive harm, including kidney damage, kidney failure, and even death. Thousands of pets were affected by the contaminated food.

The contamination occurred because some Chinese dog food producers added melamine to their products to make them appear higher in protein than they actually were.

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BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are artificial preservatives commonly used in dog food to extend shelf life, but they've been linked to potential carcinogenic effects and skin and eye irritation.

Some pet owners prefer to avoid these preservatives and opt for natural alternatives like vitamin E and rosemary extract.

Chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT have been associated with health concerns, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and developmental problems in puppies.

Regulatory agencies have deemed BHA and BHT safe for use in pet food, but many pet owners prefer to avoid them.

If you want to avoid preservatives completely in dry dog food, consider switching to canned dog food, which eliminates the need for chemical preservation.

Some natural preservative options for dog food include nitrogen, which removes oxygen to prevent bacterial growth, and tocopherols, which are a safer alternative to ethoxyquin.

Here's a list of some preservatives to avoid in dog food:

These preservatives have been linked to health problems, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and developmental problems in puppies.

BHA and BHT are artificial preservatives used to extend the shelf life of dog food and treats. They're approved for use in small quantities in Canada, the US, and Europe, but have been linked to health problems in humans, including child hyperactivity and cancer.

BHA works by slowing down the oxidation of fats and oils in dog food, which can help prevent spoilage. However, it's been the subject of controversy due to concerns about its safety and nutrition.

BHA and BHT have been linked to health problems in dogs, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and developmental problems in puppies. Some pet owners opt for dog foods that use natural preservatives like vitamin E and rosemary extract instead.

These artificial preservatives are found in many brands of dog food, as well as in human foods like dry cereals, butter, and margarine. Always check the food label to determine if it contains BHA or BHT, and consider avoiding it if it does.

Here are some human foods that contain BHA and BHT preservatives:

The toxicity of BHA and BHT should always be factored in when considering preservatives in dog food recipes. Look for medical studies that show how these artificial preservatives impacted mice and rats to get an idea of their toxicity.

Nitrites or Nitrates (Sodium Nitrite) can be found in prepared meats like sausages, bacon, and hot dogs. These preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of meat products.

Prepared meats are high in fat and salt, making them occasional treats for you, but it's best to avoid them for your furry friends. High doses of sodium nitrite can cause a blood disorder called methemoglobin, which is extremely dangerous for young or senior dogs.

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It's not just human foods to worry about, as sodium nitrite can also act as a precursor to cancers and other physical problems. The accumulation of sodium nitrite in the system over time has been linked to cancer.

Sodium nitrite is an approved preservative in animal foods, but it's essential to use it responsibly.

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Animal digest is a non-descript meat source produced by the chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean animal tissue that has not undergone decomposition.

It's essentially a mixed "meat" broth that's heavily processed. This broth is used as a flavouring to cover up unsavory flavours in dog food.

According to FDA experts, only a small amount of a "chicken digest" is needed to produce a "Chicken Flavored Cat Food", even though no actual chicken is added to the food.

Dog food manufacturers use animal digest to make up for a lack of actual meat flavor.

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Artificial colours are added to foods to enhance their appearance, but they can have unintended consequences. Some artificial colours have been linked to hyperactivity in children.

Tartrazine, a common artificial colour, is used in many foods and drinks, including soft drinks and sweets. It's a synthetic version of a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables.

The use of artificial colours in foods can be traced back to the 19th century, when manufacturers began adding them to products to make them more appealing to consumers.

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Artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin can be found in some dog foods and may lead to health problems in dogs.

Paying attention to the ingredient label is key to identifying bad ingredients in dog food. Look for specific names of ingredients and avoid foods that contain artificial additives, low-quality fillers, and by-products.

Corn syrup, wheat, soy, and excessive amounts of salt or sugar are also common bad ingredients found in dog food.

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If your pet becomes sick or dies and you suspect it's linked to a pet food, report the issue to the FDA and your State Department of Agriculture.

It's crucial to save all pet food, as returning it for a refund may compromise any potential investigation.

Organic dog food must meet the USDA's National Organic Program to be considered organic, which is the same standard as organic human food.

The FDA doesn't regulate the labeling of organic foods for pets, so be cautious of claims that may not be entirely accurate.

Natural dog food could mean free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, but there's no standard to hold manufacturers to.

Arsenic occurs naturally in many foods, and some "chemical-sounding" names are simply the technical name for essential vitamins and minerals.

Human-grade dog food is highly regulated by the FDA and USDA, requiring all ingredients to be human edible and manufactured, packed, and held by the Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food.

Only a few pet food brands have met the standards for human-edible food, and these foods tend to be more expensive.