In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the widespread use of synthetic dog food preservatives and their potential to cause canine health problems. Ideally, dogs would be fed a food that's completely preservative free. Unfortunately, some form of preservative is necessary, particularly in dry dog food to prevent spoilage since dry food isn't stored in an air tight container.
There are two types of preservatives used in commercial dog foods, synthetic dog food preservatives and natural ones. Synthetic preservatives have received the most scrutiny due to concerns that these ingredients may increase the risk of canine cancer. This is particularly true of ethoxyquin, a preservative which has been banned by the European community for health reasons. Pet owners, breeders, and trainers have blamed this preservative for a variety of dog related health problems including skin disorders, allergies, cancer, and reproductive problems. Although many of these health effects are unproven, long term ingestion of ethoxyquin has been shown to elevate liver enzymes.
Another combination of synthetic preservatives found in commercial dog foods is BHT (ethoxyquin butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole). Although these preservatives haven't come under the same degree of scrutiny as ethoxyquin, there's still concern that this combination may increase the risk of certain malignancies. Studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding carcinogenicity. Interestingly, this preservative combination is also added to certain processed human foods such as chewing gum and potato chips.
The two most commonly used natural dog food preservatives are vitamin C and vitamin E. These preservatives have been show to be less effective in preventing rancidity when compared to synthetic ones such as BHT, BHA, and ethoxyquin. As a consumer you need to be aware that these natural preservatives give dog food a shorter shelf life. If you buy dog foods with natural preservatives check the expiration date on the package and be sure to discard it after the expiration date has elapsed.
The other option to get around the issue of synthetic preservatives is to prepare your dog's food fresh at home. It can be a challenge to prepare foods that not only provide your dog with sufficient nutrients but aren't harmful. If you plan on doing this, it's best to consult with a vet who can give you guidelines on how to provide nutritionally rich meals that conform to the nutritional requirements of your dog. It's interesting to note that one of the longest living dogs in the world was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever who lived over twenty-seven years. His diet consisted entirely of brown rice, tofu, and fresh vegetables along with regular exercise. Who says diet doesn't make a difference?
If you're concerned about dog food preservatives, spend some time reading labels and educating yourself about the various additives found in dog foods. If possible, avoid choosing a food that has BHT, BHA, or ethoxyquin since their long term safety hasn't been established. Check with your local natural food market and see what natural and organic options they offer before selecting a food for your dog. By educating yourself regarding the various options, you can make a decision that's right for you and your dog.
