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I live in India and i have a GSD of 14 months , my question is that the food : Pro pac availaible here says that ckickent fat ( preserved naturally with vitamin e and c ) but at the end of Gauranteed analysis it says , contains " EEC permitted Antioxidants " , can u tell me which are those and are those harmful . There is another dog food Bento kronen here which say the same thing about preserving but mentions Contains through "EC approved anti-oxidant : tocopherols" , what are these ??? . Royal Canin is also available here but onthe bag it says " Trase elements : preservative : - potassium sorbate ; Antioxidants : BHA and Propyll gallate " are these harmful ? my vet and couple more say that these are not at all harmful and are not builded up in body . What are your suggestions ? ,because i checked on the internet and royal canin uses naturall preservatives in us and other european countries
Hi Bhavya.
Thanks for a terrific question! You are doing a fantastic job of reading those labels and trying to get the best possible food for your dog.
All the products you mention are antioxidants, designed to limit yeast and bacterial growth when the oils used in the dry dog food is exposed to the air.
BHA (butylated hydroxyanixole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are artificial preservatives that have been linked to cancer. Unfortunately, these are still “permitted” additives in both the US and Europe, although the more responsible US pet food manufacturers have stopped using them.
Propyll gallate is another chemical preservative. I haven’t found any documented link to cancer, but it’s not as safe as other methods. Potassium sorbate is a chemical preservative found in not only pet foods, but many human packaged food, as well. It is relatively mild and doesn’t really pose any risk, but once again, natural preservatives are preferred. Some yeasts and bacteria can break down sorbate-based preservatives. This results in a very subtle change in the smell of the food. Dogs can pick up on this much faster than humans can, and it is often the reason that a dog who loves his dry food will all of a sudden refuse to eat it.
Tocopherols are a natural preservative and are a preferred method of preserving the food. You will sometimes see “mixed tocopherols” and this is fine, as well. If you have access to a food that uses these as opposed to the chemical methods mentioned above, I would choose that food. If a company simply says, “EEC permitted antioxidants” without specifically mentioning that they are tocopherols, I would assume that they are using BHT or BHA and would stay away from that food.
Some of the better premium dog foods in the US are not using any preservatives at all. So, in order of preference,
1) No preservatives
2) Tocopherols (or mixed tocopherols)
3) Potassium sorbate
4) Propyl gallate
5) BHT and/or BHA
Thanks again for the great question.
Laura Murphy
Pets By Nature
www.petsbynature.com
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Laura Murphy
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Do you have a question about nutrition, including which food is best for your pet and which should be avoided? If you’re researching homecooked or raw diets, this is the place. I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about raw feeding. Do you want to know whether or not you need to supplement your pet’s diet and, if so, which supplements are for you? I can help you with just about any question regarding canine and feline nutrition and feeding. Although I believe in the benefits of raw feeding, I respect anyone trying to do the best thing for their pets and will answer questions on any type of pet food.
I can address many areas of holistic pet care, including illness, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, and flower essences. We can talk about everything from vaccinating (and when not to), to skin problems, to cancer. Please note that I am not a veterinarian and any health-related information is from my personal experience and research, but I can be a good resource.
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Basically, if you’re got a pet question – fire away. Chances are, I’ll have something you can use.
Laura Murphy
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An animal lover and owner all my life, I spent years as a foster parent for a national rescue group and as a volunteer at my local Humane League. Many years ago, I began researching and using natural health care methods to treat both my pets and my family. I have worked with holistic vets to develop and provide custom homeopathic and Bach Flower Essence blends for their clients. In 2002, I started Pets By Nature to give pet owners who are seeking a healthier and more natural way to feed and care for their pets a reliable source of education, support, guidance, and products. Relying on honesty, integrity, and openness with respect to natural health care for companion animals, I am able to provide quality products, services, and information with the intent of helping interested pet owners learn about and practice a more natural method of pet nutrition and health care.
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I am a college graduate and full time Business Systems Analyst. I have written many articles for publication on my web site and throughout the local pet community. I have been a vendor at local dog shows and do public speaking on the topics of pet nutrition and holistic health care.
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My clients range from new pet owners to 4th generation raw feeding breeders. I enjoy a wonderful professional relationship with several veterinary practices who refer my diets, supplements, and homeopathics to many of their clients. I ship supplements and flower essences all over the world, and provide a quality frozen raw food to the Central Pennsylvania area. Virtually all of my marketing is word-of-mouth referrals from my current clients and I consider them all my extended family.
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