worst dog food ingredients

There is a very big difference between the best dog food brands and the worst dog food brands. Instead, choose ingredients from whole natural meats, like turkey, rabbit, and chicken. It has been linked to many serious health issues, including CANCER. Deceptive marketing strategies have led to the emergence of ‘fake’ labelling of dog foods to persuade dog owners to buy their products. Really — they actually say that. Corn: First of the Worst Dog Food Ingredients 3. The Department of Health and Human Services classifies the preservative as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" and animal studies have proven that the ingredient can cause cancer in rats, mice, and hamsters' forestomachs. Meat Byproducts. It’s quite unfortunate how for years, some dog food companies have been selling low-quality dog foods full of questionable ingredients. Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, says, “There could be something beneficial thrown in, like the heart or gizzard — but because there’s such potential for undesirable pieces and parts … it’s better to avoid them altogether.”. Not … The Top 5 Worst Pet Food Ingredients March 26, 2014 by Narayan Khalsa Last updated on: June 3, 2015 It should come as no surprise that the cheapest and most widely available pet foods are just as unhealthy as cheap, widely available human foods. Can you even pronounce this ingredient? Top 20 worst dog foods list ? Below I’ve listed the Top 3 Worst Dog Food Ingredients you can possibly feed your dog. High Quality Animal-Based Protein Animal-based protein is the most important part of a dog’s diet. BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin. There are so many dog foods out there that have better quality ingredients, so don’t even bother with products that have any of those 6 ingredients listed above. 12 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food 1. This ingredient is found in the more less expensive brands of dog food. Meats like beef, chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, venison, buffalo, rabbit, salmon, especially as the first ingredient, awesome! The Best Dog Food Ingredients. Ethoxyquin. What to look for in a dry/wet food: Natural preservatives (Vitamin C/E) or no preservatives; Made in the U.S.A. 10. Iams responds that “all studies conducted to date prove that ethoxyquin is safe for use in all animal foods when used at approved levels”6 — but I have to ask the obvious question: What happens when our dogs eat it every single day, meal after meal? “You should look for natural preservatives, such as the herb rosemary or Vitamins E or C, instead of chemical additives like these,” says Dr. Selmer. This is a preservative that some commercial dog brands have included in their dog food. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), and Ethoxyquin are 3 nasty chemical preservatives. Meat By-Products. Dog food companies, as a whole, earn billions of dollars each year selling their products. Even though there is more and more evidence now that these chemical-based preservatives may harm your pet’s health, it is still normal within the industry to slip them into various dog foods.8. This is a common ingredient in the big-brand dog foods, and Purina calls it a “high-quality” ingredient.2. Also, check your dog’s food for ingredients like propylene glycol, common is soft dog food and treats. The Worst Dry Dog Foods… (7 Brands to Avoid) Corn. A 5-star dog food also won’t contain any fillers, by-products, GMO ingredients, or artificial additives. Shopping. Well, while 100 percent fruit juice is a better pick than high fructose corn syrup-laden drinks like Sunny D, even the all-natural Welch's Grape Juice still packs up to 36 grams of sugar per cup—or about what you'd get from whipping four Krispy Kreme glazed donuts into a blender. So if you see chicken by-product, that can be code for ground up feathers and beaks. Worst pet food ingredients . Błaszczyk, Alina, PhD. You will find a list of the top 10 worst dog food ingredients below as well as tips for choosing a high-quality pet food product. “Animal digest is a boiled concoction made from unspecified parts of unspecified animals,” says dog nutrition expert Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible.3, “The animals used for this broth can be obtained from any source, so there is no control over quality or contamination,” she adds. MENADIONE SODIUM BISULFITE (Called Synthetic Vitamin K on the label). Ingredients separate the worst dog food brands from the best dog food brands. Low-quality pet foods make heavy use of by-products and plant proteins, plus they often use artificial colors and flavors to make their products more palatable for pets and the people who care for them. High doses are bad for the liver and bile duct. Bad ingredients used by companies to make food more palatable to the animals if the ingredients themselves aren't enough to make the dog or cat actually want to eat it. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) BHA is a synthetic antioxidant added to pet and other preserved foods in order to prevent fats from turning rancid. chicken, beef, turkey, duck). Last on the list of the worst dog food ingredients are BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), which have been linked to cancer.7. Not to mention, the chemical additives and preservatives used to process animal fats may cause chronic allergies and skin problems. THE NO LIST: There are two types of information to look for. Many within the industry will claim that certain ingredients are not to be feared and can offer dogs with appropriate nutrition. Worst Dog Food: 14 Unhealthy & Toxic Ingredients to Avoid. Ingredients like Corn, BHA/BHT, Animal fat (mixed with Tocopherols), theses dog food ingredients can be harmful to your adorable furry friend. This is considered by many dog owners as one of the worst dog fooods because it has a high salt content and not much protein protein in it. 1. Watch out for caramel color in your fare too, as it may be spotted in the ingredient lists of some commercial cookies, candies, and sodas. Animal Fat. Trust us, Lucky's better off without a chemically-induced bedtime. Corn and other similar crops are very cheap to... Grains. The worst dog food will contain things like corn, wheat, and soy – ingredients that don’t provide your dog with much nutritional value and are hard to digest. The 8 Worst Cat Food Brands 1. Sugar or sweetener is an absolutely unnecessary ingredient in pet foods, added to make the product more attractive. You likely recognize this ingredient from your college years when you downed energy drinks like water right before an exam, but taurine isn't just found in a Red Bull… it's also hiding in some dog foods. However, larger amounts can lead to potentially fatal arrhythmias or fits. It can carry toxins and cause bacteria and mold growth in food. she wondered. To be blunt, most of these dog foods contain unhealthy ingredients that have the potential to make your Pomeranian sick, diseased and/or age prematurely. High Quality Animal-Based Protein Animal-based protein is the most important part of a dog’s diet. Pet Food Shopping List. The Top 5 Worst Pet Food Ingredients March 26, 2014 by Narayan Khalsa Last updated on: June 3, 2015 It should come as no surprise that the cheapest and most widely available pet foods are just as unhealthy as cheap, widely available human foods. Fillers offer no nutritional value so they aren’t necessary for the health of your dog. The 10 Worst Dog Foods: 10. According to the International Journal of Toxicology, this frankengredient has been linked to skin irritation, swollen kidneys, and retarded growth. It is also the most expensive ingredient for dog food brands to source. It utilizes all of those unhealthy fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Found In: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Dachshund, Loaf in Sauce; Nature's Recipe Grain Free (Chicken in Broth); CESAR Canine Cuisine Filet Mignon & Porterhouse Steak (Variety Pack). Found In: Nature's Recipe Grain Free (Chicken in Broth). Top 6 Absolute Worst Dog Food Ingredients 1. reveals the best and worst dog food brands. July 31, 2018. Found In: Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Adult Dog Food; Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Adult Formula Adult Premium; Kibbles 'n Bits American Grill Bistro & Homestyle (Variety Pack); Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food Real Beef and Brown Rice Recipe. 20As a dog owner, it’s easy to assume that the biggest dog food brands out there have your pooch’s best interests at heart.Unfortunately, many dog food companies are adding a host of chemicals, preservatives, and other dangerous items to your dog food that can cause major harm to your pet.Read on to discover these ingredients… Many people see these ingredients and … Common dyes like Blue 2, Red 40, and Yellow 5 or 6 are linked to health issues in canines. Can cause hyperactivity in children, asthma and cancer. Dog Food Analysis - Good, Questionable & Bad Ingredients in Dog Food Chicken, turkey and beef, hey that's all good but what the heck are dog food ingredients we can't even pronounce? “Again, there’s no animal specified, so it’s anyone’s guess where the fat came from,” says Dr. Becker. According to Dr. Becker — ethoxyguin “should never be fed to any pet”. Boots & Barkley Dog Food Why is Boots & Barley Dry Dog Food one of the worst dog foods? Ingredients To Avoid In Dog Food. Alpo Dog Food (Dry) Top 5 Ingredients: Ground yellow corn; Corn germ meal; Beef and bone meal; Soybean meal; Animal fat; Like the rest of the worst dog foods available, Alpo uses a lot of fillers and by-products with little to no nutritional value for dogs. Seemingly benign, seaweed-derived carrageenan has been shown to induce intestinal inflammation in animals, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 9Lives was founded in 1959. The dog food you select should have one or two specifically-named meats at the top of the ingredient list (i.e. Share. Cesar Filets in Sauce The high sodium level is the main feature that takes this product to the top of the worst dog food list. To the long short story, there are … To make choosing Fido's dinner a little easier, we've rounded up a list of some of the most unsavory dog food ingredients out there. Found In: Pedigree Dry Dog Food Small Dog Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor; Kibbles 'n Bits American Grill Bistro & Homestyle (Variety Pack). Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system. Used to cover up rotten and rancid foods, and is known to cause hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay, arthritis and allergies. 2020 Top 10 Best Dry Dog Food Brands CLICK HERE. Jot them down before you hit up the pet shop and then make sure you're steering clear of these 23 Worst Food Additives In America in your own fare. Bakers, Royal Canin and Lily's Kitchen are rated by owners and which popular dog food brand is seen as the best value for money. Fillers are dog food ingredients to add bulk to the food. They should be avoided and instead choose a high-quality dog food instead. Even today, melamine testing is still not mandated so always ask questions if you’re not sure what your dog’s food contains. “These chemical additives and preservatives may lead to aggressiveness, mood swings, hyperactivity, and regurgitation after meals or skin allergies,” says Dr. Selmer. If you’re anything like Ashley, you’ve come across the countless pet food brands out there vying for your attention with claims like “Natural” and “Healthy,” yet are light years away from being additive-free. chicken, beef, turkey, duck). First of all, let’s take a look at dog foods on the market today. Used to cover up rotten and rancid foods, and is known to cause hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay, arthritis and allergies. Found In: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Dachshund, Loaf in Sauce. EatThis.com is part of the AllRecipes Food Group. Brown HT: Used in many packaged foods. Shutterstock. I’m not talking about “chicken byproducts,” “beef byproducts,” etc., which come from specific, named animals. © 2020 Galvanized Media. 9Lives. Corn is another commonly used ingredient to help keep costs down. As a whole, the ingredients in this dog food includes... Lamb meal, rice flour, brown rice, peas, menhaden fish meal, rice bran, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), flaxseed, dried beet pulp, salt, dried egg product, choline chloride, potassium chloride, dl-methionine, Here are the worst rated dry dog food brands for 2020 based off ingredient lists. Orange B: A food dye that is used in hot dog and sausage casings. The FREE Dog Food Digestion & … My opinion? Unfortunately, it's filled with some unsavory ingredients. Did you know that these Dangerous Dog Food Ingredients in Commercial Dog Food Cause Diseases, Illnesses, Allergies and Death. Although protein is good for many reasons, unfortunately, animal by-products aren't. Some of the worst dog foods use cheap fillers, which can lead to poor health in your dog. The Truth About “Meal Meal” In Your Dog Food (And Why Some Are Healthier Than You Might Think) Have you ever read through the ingredients in your dog food and noticed an ingredient called “meat meal”?. Next on the list of the worst dog food ingredients is animal fat. "Are any of these even natural?" The dog food you select should have one or two specifically-named meats at the top of the ingredient list (i.e. Yum? “Why Ethoxyquin Is Important to Your Dog’s Health.” Iams. Studies have linked dyes to concentration disorders in children and allergy-type reactions. If you simply want to know whether the food your dog is eating is good or bad, however, you can start by learning about some of the worst dog food ingredients that you should avoid in your dog’s food. Watch out for dog food that list, “Meat by-products” as that is just a ground up remains of animal … Lets take a look at what make a dog food brand the worst dog food brand:By-Products Non specefic animal source Contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin No meats in … Take a look at your pet food label, and if you see any of the following phrases, put the bag or can down and move on to the next product. In some of the Ever Pet dog food formulas, you can find a number of worst offenders when it comes to unhealthy and dangerous dog food ingredients: animal fat … Bison, lamb, duck, venison, and wild-caught fish also provide proper protein and nutrients. Besides for the fact that you probably don't want your puppy's energy to be unnaturally altered, you may be surprised to find out that, according to research by Neil Harrison, PhD, a professor of pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medical College, taurine may act more like a sedative than a stimulant. But ethoxyquin “should never be fed to any pet,” according to Dr. Becker. For your pet’s sake, offer a diet of human-grade, whole-food-based ingredients early in life and minimize the consumption of dry and canned diets and treats. In the article above you could see which ingredients make food bad and good. Psst! The Best Dog Food Ingredients. Watch later. A new dog parent, Ashley walked into the pet store and scanned the seemingly endless aisle of dog food and even more perpetual ingredient lists on each bag. 1. A new dog parent, Ashley walked into the pet store and scanned the seemingly endless aisle of dog food and even more perpetual ingredient lists on each bag. Food companies not required to disclose if this ingredient is made with ammonia. Found In: Pedigree Dry Dog Food Small Dog Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor; Purina Beneful IncrediBites With Real Beef Dry Dog Food; Purina Bella Natural Bites; Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Dachshund Loaf in Sauce; CESAR Canine Cuisine Filet Mignon & Porterhouse Steak (Variety Pack). "I wouldn't feed my dog something I wouldn't eat myself.". 10 Worst Ingredients in Your Dog Food Meat By-Products. This brand, while having been around for over 80 years now, has most certainly disappointed many consumers. Alpo If you wouldn't dare buy foods with harmful ingredients for yourself, why feed 'em to Fido? Canola oil and many vegetable oils such as soy, corn, sunflower, safflower, and palm oils contain omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation (a precursor to many ailments that can compromise your beloved pet's health). What could be wrong? Similar to corn, grains are often thrown into the mix to benefit production costs. One of the worst dog food ingredients is ethoxyquin. Which leaves me baffled, because animal digest is something I’d never want to see in my pet’s food. Some studies suggest that this ingredient increases cancer risk, immune system problems, thyroid gland dysfunctions, infertility and renal failure. “Ingredients can come from restaurant and supermarket refuse, the dead, diseased, disabled or dying (‘4D’) animals raised for human food, other farm animals.…”, Next on the list of the worst dog food ingredients is ethoxyquin — a poison that is currently permitted as a preservative in some commercial dog foods.4,5. Most of the pet companies like other businesses use cheap ingredients for making the dog food, whether dry, canned or wet.. Rendered animal fat can potentially be moldy and rancid because this ingredient is usually derived from unidentified animals. “Myth: Animal Digest Is a Low Quality Ingredient.” Purina Pro Club. Pet food manufacturing can cost a pretty penny, forcing pet food companies include some cheap (and dangerous) dog food ingredients into their formulas. They are legally allowed, approved and added to our companion animals food by government agencies that monitor our pet food industry. Cheap fillers, subpar protein sources, and a host of other bad ingredients are often used to keep the manufacturing costs low, here are some dog food brands you want to avoid this year The Worst Dog Food Ingredients. An ingredient extracted from red seaweed, Carrageenan is used as a thickener to maintain consistency, specifically in wet dog food. Pet Food Ingredients Listed From Best To Worst. Beef or Bone Meal. Personally, I’d like to know that information, but that information is not being shared with us. Which? Canned and dry cat food. Avoid dog food brands containing these ingredients. Look for what the manufacturer claims the food DOES NOT CONTAIN, and WHAT IT DOES CONTAIN. 44% protein is more than required and 22% fat is just touching the average level. What's even worse, BHA and BHT are commonly found in many cereals, crackers, and granola bars. It's also lurking in dairy products like flavored yogurts and cottage cheese, so keep an eye out for this guy. In fact, chocolate (no matter the type) is toxic to dogs. Bad dog food can make dogs sick and unhealthy over time. As a pet food ingredient, is yeast bad for dogs? I’ll give them a pass. With a premium dog food, you’ll get higher-quality fats. Meat Meal: That Mysterious Meat Ingredient In Dog Food. Examples of 10 Best Dog Foods & 10 Worst Dog Foods - Avoid Corn Based Food - Kal Kan® - Dog Chow® - Gravy Train - Kibbles 'n Bits® - PEDIGREE® When made with ammonia, it can cause cancer in mice. Boots & Barkley Dog Food Why is Boots & Barley Dry Dog Food one of the worst dog foods? Copy link. 1. Continuous intake can promote hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay, arthritis and allergies. Yeast can be a controversial item. In fact, we're so against this oil that we broke down the 5 Reasons Why vegetable Oil Is Worse Than Sugar. If only a little chocolate is consumed, your pet might experience one or two episodes or vomiting or diarrhea. Alpo. Typically found in lower quality dog foods, ethoxyquin is a preservative that started its life as an herbicide. Ingredients To Avoid In Dog Food. In an attempt to make things easier for dog owners, Dr. Marty has spent the last 15 years researching what pre-made foods would be good for dogs and found that you … Your furry friend could be the key to a healthier life. Although yeast can sometimes be a by-product of the beer making industry, this ingredient can contain up to 45% protein… and is rich in other healthy nutrients. It’s banned in human food, but it’s not controlled in pet foods. Found In: Iams ProActive Health Small & Toy Adult Dog Food. “What’s in the Ingredients List?” Association of American Feed Control Officials. Bad ingredients used by companies to make food more palatable to the animals if the ingredients themselves aren't enough to make the dog or cat actually want to eat it. Find out how popular dog food brands, including Burns. These ingredients can be animal carcass remnants. It is also the most expensive ingredient for dog food brands to source. Here is an overview of the Top 9 worst dog food brands of 2021: 1. Our dog food analysis will give you the upper hand when evaluating the best possible dry food for dog nutrition.. and a healthy dog to boot! If you're having trouble like the rest of us, that's already a sign that Sodium Hexametaphosphate is a no-go. Pet Food Ingredients Listed From Best To Worst. In addition, “meat byproducts frequently include waste parts as well as rejected meats,” according to Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM. Cellulose, which is most notably found in grated cheeses, is basically wood pulp or plant fibers—and you're likely to find it in some pet food ingredient lists. If you’re anything like Ashley, you’ve come across the countless pet food brands out there vying for your attention with claims like “Natural” and “Healthy,” yet are light years away from being additive-free. Furthermore, filler ingredients can actually be very hard for your dog to digest and may cause a range of digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, and food allergies. Something else these foods have in common is frequent product recalls. https://talkspetfood.aafco.org/whatisinpetfood, https://www.purinaproclub.com/resources/dog-articles/nutrition/animal-digest, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16266792/, https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/ingredients-additives/labeling-and-use-ethoxyquin-animal-feed, https://www.iams.com/pet-health/dog-life-stages/why-ethoxyquin-is-important-to-your-dog-s-health, https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/butylatedhydroxyanisole.pdf, https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/food/problems-with-artificial-preservatives-in-dog-food/. Get the best food tips and diet advice every day. It’s currently owned by Big Heart Pet Brands (formerly Del Monte Corporation), which produces, distributes, and markets pet food in the United States. If you choose a dog food with carbohydrates, choose a food with quality ingredients. I will promise you that spending an extra ten or fifteen dollars on good dog food ingredients will save you a ton of money in health costs down the road. If your pet eats a dry dog food with peas or lentils as a major ingredient, some veterinarians recommend switching your dog food immediately to a grain variety.