15 Hidden Threats Lurking in Dog Food

Pet owners want the best for their beloved fur companions, particularly when it comes to their optimal sustenance needs. But it turns out those innocent-looking kibble can harbor some seriously sketchy ingredients. Here are 15 food items to look out for that have no business being in your pup’s diet.

Animal By-Products

Ever wondered what’s really in that “meat meal”? Animal by-products are the leftovers—think beaks, feet, and organs. While not inherently damaging, they’re often poor protein sources. Veterinary nutritionists warn these additions can vary wildly in nutritional value. Plus, sensitive pups will find these mystery meats hard to digest.

Corn and Wheat Gluten Meal

Don’t be fooled by the “protein” label on these meals. Corn and wheat gluten meals are usually plant-based fillers masquerading as good protein sources. Canine nutrition specialists assert these components offer little nutritional benefit to dogs that thrive on meat-based proteins. Moreover, these gluten-heavy additives can trigger allergies in dogs.

BHA/BHT

These synthetic preservatives can keep kibble fresh, but at what cost? BHA and BHT are under scrutiny for potential long-term health risks. Studies suggest these additives might be carcinogenic in high doses, so many veterinarians advise against using them, but the evidence is still inconclusive.

Artificial Flavors and Coloring

Bright blues and tempting reds make kibble appear appetizing to us, but a dog couldn’t care less. These artificial enhancers serve no nourishment or purpose and may cause serious allergic reactions or hyperactivity in other pups. Animal behaviorists note that smell, not color, attracts dogs to food. Stick to natural elements instead.

Ethoxyquin

Originally developed as a rubber stabilizer, ethoxyquin found its way into pet food as a preservative, notably for fish meals. Nevertheless, its safety has been questioned by both pet owners and veterinary professionals. Several holistic vets link it to liver problems and certain cancers in dogs.

Soy

Soy may be a staple in human diets, but it’s a point of contention in the canine world. Indeed, it’s an inexpensive protein source, but many pet nutritionists argue it’s not an ideal protein for dogs. Some pups have trouble digesting soy, which causes gas and bloating.

MSG

Monosodium glutamate isn’t just in Chinese takeout—it’s present in dog foods, too. Dogs may experience MSG sensitivity with symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or seizures in extreme cases. Health gurus revealed that regular consumption of MSG could open the door to obesity, as it may increase appetite beyond nutritional requirements.

Corn Syrup

Like in human food, corn syrup in dog food is empty calories. This sweetener can contribute to weight gain, dental diseases, and even diabetes in dogs. Veterinary dentists caution that the sticky nature of corn syrup can lead to teeth and promote decay.

Vegetable Oil

Not all oils are bad, yet low-quality vegetable oils in dog food can be problematic. These oils typically lack the vital fatty acids puppies need and can become stale quickly. Dermatologists specializing in animals observe that rancid oils can progress to skin complications and a dull coat.

Sugars & Sweeteners

Added sugars in dog food are unnecessary and potentially detrimental. They lead to weight gain and dental concerns and can even feed harmful gut bacteria. Artificial sweeteners, including xylitol, are downright unhealthy. They don’t necessitate extra sweetness in their diet as their taste buds aren’t wired like ours.

Animal Digest

Animal digest is a cooked-down broth made from unspecified animal parts. Yes, it adds flavor, but only to mask inferior ingredients. Pet food experts divulged that the source and quality of animal digest can be pretty different between batches. Others propose it might contain high levels of histamine as well.

Salt

As with humans, animals require sodium in limited amounts, as excessive salt can result in serious health troubles. Increased salt intake can give rise to abnormal thirst and urination and, in severe instances, sodium ion poisoning. Cardiologists explained that consistently consuming salty foods can play a part in heart and kidney disorders, especially in older canines.

Refined Grains

These simple carbs can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, leading to energy crashes and possibly contributing to obesity and diabetes over time. Nutritionists say that mutts have little biological need for grains, more so for refined ones. If you opt for grain-inclusive food, opt for whole grains instead.

Fillers

Items such as peanut hulls, rice hulls, and corn bran are usually used as fillers in cheap dog foods with no nutritional value. Worse, these indigestible fibers can develop digestive upset and prevent the absorption of essential nutrients. A meal rich in fillers can also encourage malnutrition, even if the dog seems to be eating plenty.

Cellulose

Often derived from wood pulp, cellulose adds bulk without calories. However, too much starchy fiber can interfere with nutrient absorption and produce digestive issues. High-cellulose foods can leave pups feeling hungry. Such ingredients are truly concerning in “diet” dog foods, which might be overused to create a false sense of fullness.