Myth?
Pet food preservatives are harmful
This one is cheeky on their statements
No, not all pet food preservatives are harmful.
*As before - I am in Red
Purina is in Black
Linked information is in Blue*
Some consumers believe that preservatives are unsafe ingredients that shouldn’t be added to foods for humans or pets.
True, but it should say - some consumers believe that some preservatives are unsafe
- Some of the FDA-approved synthetic antioxidants commonly used in both human food and pet foods include BHA, BHT and TBHQ. These have been proven safe for use in the approved amounts.
Due to the animal fats used in pet food - it is necessary to use preservatives to stop from spoilage.
Adding preservatives adds to the shelf life of a food.
But - there is no need for artificial preservatives.
'Natural preservatives are usually made from anti-oxidants — like vitamins C or E. You’ll see them printed on a dog food ingredients list using some form of the word “tocopherol” or “ascorbate”.
These items typically look like this…
“…chicken fat preserved with alpha-tocopherol”
Natural preservatives are typically considered safe.'- Dog Food Adviser
BHA and BHT can induce allergic reactions in the skin . The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen . The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has also listed BHA as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function .
Long-term exposure to high doses of BHT is toxic in mice and rats, causing liver, thyroid and kidney problems and affecting lung function and blood coagulation . BHT can act as a tumour promoter in certain situations . Limited evidence suggests that high doses of BHT may mimic estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, and prevent expression of male sex hormones , resulting in adverse reproductive affects.
- David Suzuki Foundation
Preservatives are added to ensure pet food remains wholesome and nutritious during distribution and storage.
They speak the truth
- Preservatives called antioxidants are added to commercially prepared dry foods to help prevent spoilage and breakdown of nutrients.
- The preservatives used in Purina® pet foods are the same ones approved by the FDA for use in human foods.
Fats, proteins and vitamins are the critical nutrients that require preservation during storage.
True
- Fats may break down during storage if not properly preserved.
- Antioxidants guard against oxidative destruction of fat and other nutrients to help preserve the nutritional quality of the food.
Preservatives or antioxidants can be categorized into two basic types: natural antioxidants that are derived from nature and synthetic antioxidants.
- Natural antioxidants are found in certain grains, vegetable oils, herbs and spices.
- Synthetic antioxidants are more effective and stable than natural antioxidants.
– They are more stable and better able to withstand the heat, pressure and moisture used
Though this is also true - the fact is vitamin E is much safer.
Using a natural preservatives is a better choice.
Using synthetic preservatives is rolling the dice because there are many unanswered questions in regards to the safety of these products.
One thing that is probably very true - using BHA, BHT, TBHQ probably cheaper.
Remember
Given the proper information, you can confidently choose foods for your pets that are properly preserved, safe, and provide the guaranteed nutrient content and quality throughout their shelf life.
That's right folks.
They do not say that theirs is the best food.. or even second best...for once they may have did the best thing..
"Given the proper information"
The proper information is a combination of your own research and your vets knowledge...but don't forget - Nobody should force you to feed a certain brand of food.
You should always be given options.
If something sounds strange or you just feel that the company is less than trustworthy...research them.
Write them.
Question them.
