The prevailing belief is that harsh chemical preservatives and low-quality ingredients in many commercially available dog foods are the leading cause of various canine health issues. From illnesses to skin irritations, periodontal disease, and premature death. These are all linked to the food they consume.
As a responsible dog owner, you have the power to make a difference. That’s why following the Raw Meaty Bone Diet, which primarily consists of raw meat, bones, and organs, free from preservatives, is strongly recommended. This diet provides essential nutrients in their natural form, promoting better health and longevity for your dog.
As a pet owner, you play a crucial role in your dog’s nutrition. Recognising that the dog food industry is highly competitive, with numerous companies vying for market share, is vital. Their marketing strategies often make pet owners feel like they are not providing their dogs with optimal nutrition. However, by acquiring the correct information, you can make informed decisions about your dog’s diet and take control of your pet’s health and well-being.
In today’s dynamic technological landscape and fiercely competitive market, dog food contamination has increased significantly. As a responsible and caring dog owner, you must be cautious when purchasing dog food and related products. We will soon delve into specific products to avoid and foods that are unsuitable for dogs.
Unlike the human food industry, the dog food sector is self-regulated. Manufacturers use large quantities of chemical preservatives to extend shelf life without refrigeration.. Some of which can be harmful to dogs and are even banned for human consumption.
Manufacturers add these chemical preservatives to raw products before they reach the factory, resulting in products that often contain low-quality proteins and an abundance of grain fillers.
Furthermore, the manufacturing processes used to create these foods can destroy the natural goodness of the raw ingredients. For this reason, companies then add synthetic vitamins and minerals, known as Premix. These artificial additives can interfere with a dog’s natural vitamin absorption, potentially leading to serious health issues. This should raise significant concerns about the potential harm these additives can cause your dog’s health.
Animal fats play an essential role in dog food; however, they are susceptible to spoilage and can become rancid shortly after their manufacture date. Dog food companies prolong their shelf life by adding specific chemical preservatives. It is important to note that preservatives can vary significantly, falling into different categories, whether artificial or natural.
Only vitamins E and C are used as natural preservatives. In dog boxes, you will notice words like ‘ascorbic acid’ or ‘tocopherol’, meaning they have vitamins C or E. The good news is that natural preservatives are safe when used in moderation.
Sodium (Salts) are also deemed a natural preservative and are used in high amounts in most commercially produced dog treats and food products. So, they suggest having a bowl of water nearby for them to quench the thirst caused by the salt they just consumed. Dogs will get enough salt requirements from fresh meat and do not need added salt in their diet.
Understand that every dog is a captive audience that will consume what you present. Therefore, avoid artificial chemical preservatives entirely. The typical chemical additives you must watch include:
Pet Food Companies use the chemical preservative, sulphur dioxide, in pet meat products, especially raw meat products, with impunity because there are no rules about labelling or how much. Clinical studies have shown that sulphur dioxide can deplete Vitamin B (thiamine) levels in food, which is essential for animal health. This is why the packet will sometimes state Now with added Thiamine, Scientists have warned that thiamine deficiency can cause neurological breakdown in cats and dogs.
‘Ethoxyquin’ (E324) is a label to watch out for in the dog food box. It is a very hazardous preservative, and if it is present, you must treat the product as if it contains a harmful chemical. It is a harsh element that is not solely used as a pesticide in rubber but also as a preservative of fats in dog food.
For a long time, this chemical has been banned from preserving human food; however, it is still used for preserving dog food and treats in some countries. Veterinarians suspect that skin problems, allergic reactions, kidney disease or failure, cancer, behaviour problems and significant organ failure are linked to ‘ethoxyquin’.
‘Propylene glycol’, for instance, is used in dog foods to reduce moisture, keep the food soft and squishy and prevent the growth of bacteria. Glycol also has a sweet taste that dogs find appealing. Note that your dog’s intestinal tract needs bacteria to promote the absorption and digestion of food. It reduces the required moisture to aid in digestion. For this reason, some dogs are likely to develop cancerous lesions in the intestines or experience intestinal blockage. Avoiding them could very well add healthy years to your dog’s life.
The other dangerous chemicals to watch out for are butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
W.H.O. has so far named BHA and BHT as suspicious cancer-causing compounds. In fact, the state of California has identified BHA as a possible carcinogen. Unfortunately, these two bad boys are still present in many commercial dog foods.
The overuse of artificial preservatives is not a good story. If any dog is fed foods containing these chemical preservatives for extended periods, it can lead to serious health issues both internally and externally, and shorten its lifespan by many years.
Did you know that there are foods in your kitchen that are dangerous to your dog?
It is vital that you, as a pet owner, have in-depth knowledge about all the harmful ingredients in processed dog food. Remember, ignorance can be very costly and painful for both the owner and his dog. Zoe’s Doggy Treats’ primary focus is to provide your dogs with safe and healthy treats.
Our main philosophies are:
Please contact us to learn more about our range of healthy dog treat products.