WHAT'S REALLY IN YOUR PET'S FOOD?
Our pets' health is just as important as our own. A pet’s diet, the biggest health variable controlled by a pet parent, is crucial to his or her well-being. That’s why selecting a tasty yet healthful pet food is the most loving choice you can make for your pet. It’s not always an easy choice to make. With so many different pet food products to choose from, it has become increasingly difficult to determine which pet foods are actually "healthful" for pets.
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What Is Really In Your Pet’s Food?
Do you know how to read your dog or cat food label? Did you know some pet foods actually contain sawdust, chicken beaks, animal toenails and proven cancer causing agents? There are so many different brands of pet food on the market today, how do you know which is best for your pet? Many promise good health, top of the line nutrition and natural ingredients. But, is your animal really getting it? Reading labels is the most important step in finding a food worthy for your pet.
Most commercial foods are loaded with preservatives, additives, by-products, fillers and sodium. One or all of these ingredients could be detrimental to your pet’s health. Poor ingredients can cause a range of problems like skin allergies, allergic reaction, intestinal upset, skin disorder, kidney and liver failure, cancers and even lead to pre-mature death. Most major commercial foods also fail to tell consumers that their pet foods contain the 4 “D”s of meat products – Dead, Diseased, Dying and/or Decaying animal parts. The fact is when a dairy cow or farming chicken becomes ill, they don’t dispose of the body, they sell it to pet food manufacturers. This represents millions of dollars to the ranchers of the world.
Are fillers, crude by-products, dead and dying animals or chemical preservatives that are proven to cause disease what you really think is going to give your pet a healthy appearance and robust health? Do not just buy a food because it advertises “natural” or “premium”. Read the label and make an informed decision.
Consider these three key points when choosing dog or cat food for your pet:
1. Fillers are a red flag. The first ingredient on a label is always your main ingredient. Make sure the first one or two ingredients are not fillers. Fillers are usually corn or wheat. Don’t be fooled by fillers like Quinoa, oatmeal, millet, etc. These have been ingeniously added to the ingredient list because recently people have discovered them to be part of a healthy human diet. Animals have a completely different set of needs and reactions to these foods. Wheat and corn, for example, are the number one cause of food-related allergies and intestinal upset in animals.
2. Know the meat source. Beef or chicken “by-products” means this brand of food does not contain pure beef or chicken. By-products are hair, feet, ears, noses, tails, fat, diseased organs and worse. Chicken meal is a good source of meat, with the water and fat removed in processing, allowing a more pure source of protein.
3. Keep preservatives and additives away. Most of these are know to cause cancer over long-term consumption for animals and humans. Cumulative effects take hold, especially if your dog or cat eats twice a day, every day, year after year. Truly all natural foods do not contain chemical preservatives or additives and will state it proudly on their labels.
Worst Pet Food Ingredients
The following list of pet food ingredients and ratings was created by a cooperative effort between pet food formulator Dr. Lisa Newman, N.D., Ph.D. (www.Azmira.com), Mike Adams (www.HealthRanger.org) and the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center (www.ConsumerWellness.org). Mike Adams and the CWC analyzed the ingredients of 448 popular pet food products sold in the United States and organized them by frequency. Dr. Newman then provided a nutritional analysis and comment for each ingredient.
Salt (1 stars) found in 69% of pet food products analyzed
Used to cover up rancid meat and fat, can cause kidney and heart disease, hypertension -- used to encourage cats to drink, source of sodium chloride.
Sucrose (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar --leads to hyperactivity, addiction to food (sugar rush), weight gain.
Partially hydrogenated soybean oil (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Cases digestive upset, premature aging.
Tetra sodium pyrophosphate (1 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Is a rust stain remover used in cleaning products (TSP)!!!! Why is it in food? Emulsification of rendered animal fats! Very toxic, causes nausea and diarrhea.
Corn syrup (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
A "sugar" that causes diabetes, weight gain, hyperactivity, fearful behavior, ill health.
Corn (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Inexpensive feed-grade can include moldy grain or fungus which has cause death.
Yellow 5 (1 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Artificial color, a salicylate which can be become deadly to cats with extended use.
Blue 2 (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Carcinogenic, artificial color.
Blue 2 and other color (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Carcinogenic.
Eucalyptus oil (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Not an essential oil meant for ingesting!
Sodium bisulfate (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Used as disinfectant!
Smoke flavor (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates flavor which can potentially become carcinogenic, retards bacteria on rancid meat.
Dried meat by-product (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can include tumors and diseased tissues, rancid trim pieces and innards of various animals.
Dried plain beet pulp (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Pure sugar filler -- leads to weight gain, hyperactivity and feeds arthritis.
Sea salt (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Used to cover up rancid meat and fat, can cause kidney and heart disease, hypertension -- used to encourage cats to drink, source of sodium chloride.
Salmon meal (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Concentrated source of protein and a few fatty acids (oil has been pressed out) but can add mercury to the diet.
Salmon (1 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
A source of protein and fatty acids which can add mercury to the diet.
Dried whey (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Can encourage allergies, cheap protein source from cow's milk.
Dicalcium phosphate (1 stars) found in 26% of pet food products analyzed
Can become toxic to body -- texturizer in can food.
Ethoxyquin (a preservative) (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
The most carcinogenic preservative, most in industry have stopped using it except very cheap, poor quality foods.
Sodium chloride (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Table salt -- used to cover up rancid meat and fat, can cause kidney and heart disease, hypertension -- used to encourage cats to drink.
Fish (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive, probably rancid and of poor quality. Can have high levels of mercury.
Rice hulls (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler, can be harsh on intestines.
rRce gluten (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Can encourage diabetes, a poor protein source/filler.
Rice flour (1 stars) found in 11% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler, causes bowel distress and can lead to diabetes in dogs.
Rice bran (1 stars) found in 12% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler, can lead to digestive upset.
Rice (1 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler, can cause diabetes in dogs, often indicates poorest quality possible.
Red 40 and other color (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Is a carcinogen.
Red 40 (1 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
Artificial color, carcinogenic.
Red 3 (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Carcinogenic color.
Rabbit by products (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Includes tumors, ears, carcass, etc.
Egg product (1 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap source of protein, waste product of egg industry, free of shell.
Soybean hulls (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler, harsh on intestines.
DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Synthetic source, non-nutritive.
Sugar (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar?!! Leads to diabetes, hyperactivity and obesity. Can feed arthritis. BAD.
DL-alpha tocopherol acetate [source of vitamin E] (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Synthetic source, non-nutritive. Used generally as a "natural" preservative.
Dried animal digest (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Flavor enhancer. Is non-descriptive, digest is rendered animal tissue, including rancid or diseased parts.
Starch (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Cheapest form of carbohydrates causes weight gain and poor digestion, filler.
Dried beet pulp (1 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product. Cheap filler/fiber-causes sugar rush/addiction to food, hyperactivity and allergies.
Dried beet pulp (sugar removed) (1 stars) found in 25% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product. Cheapest, most common filler used, still contains enough sugar residue to cause problems such as hyperactivity and blood sugar imbalances.
dried brewers yeast (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can become toxic to liver, waste product of beer and ale industry.
Dried capsicum (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Cayenne powder, can burn stomach.
Sodium carbonate (1 stars) found in 11% of pet food products analyzed
Neutralizer for rancid fats, similar to lye.
Dried cellulose (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Very harsh on digestive tract, suspected to include cardboard or peanut hulls.
Dried grape pomace (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Grapes can be deadly to dogs.
Soy hulls (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can cause bowel irritation, cheap filler.
Soy flour (1 stars) found in 8% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap source of grain protein, filler, can cause bloat/death in dogs.
Sorbitol (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Sweetener and binder.
Sodium tripolyphosphate (1 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Used as rancid meat preservative.
Menadione dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfite (source of vitamin K activity) (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Least beneficial source of Vitamin K activity needed for proper blood clotting.
Sodium phosphate (1 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Non-digestible source of phosphorous (vital to maintaining acid/alkalinity pH).
Sodium nitrite (for color retention). (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Potentially highly carcinogenic.
Sodium nitrite (for color retention) (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Potentially highly carcinogenic.
Sodium hexametaphosphate (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap source of phosphorus can become deadly to dogs -- emulsifier, texturizer.
Propylene glycol (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Adds sweetness to food, used in antifreeze! Some preservative action, possible carcinogen.
Soybean mill run (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
This is the sweepings off the floor-cheap filler, poor source of protein.
Manganous oxide calcium iodate (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Often used in bleaching tallow.
Fish oil (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive type of fish can include rancid source of "throw away" catches.
Iodized salt (1 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Used to cover rancid meats and fats, get cats to drink more - causes kidney dysfunction, hypertension.
Iron oxide (1 stars) found in 12% of pet food products analyzed
Can be cultivated from rust!
L-alanine (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Non-essential amino acid used as supplement in heavy grain-based foods but causes cancer in lab mice.
Lamb by-product (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Contains everything internal but the muscle meat including diseased tissue, tumors, etc.
Onion powder (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Can be deadly to dogs, non-nutritive.
Onion extract (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Onions can be deadly to dogs.
Liver (1 stars) found in 8% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive source can include any mammal tissue, too much liver can become toxic to the body when used in dry foods, used as flavor, minimal source of iron.
L-lysine monohydrochloride (1 stars) found in 8% of pet food products analyzed
Poor source of Lysine (essential amino acid found in meat), cheaper to use for food enrichment for grain-based foods.
Pasta (wheat flour) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap, gimmicky filler that can cause allergies, feeds arthritis.
Magnesium oxide (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Has caused tumors in lab rats, antacid.
peanut hulls 10.8% (source of fiber) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can harm the digestive tract, cheap fiber.
Maple syrup (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar, causes weight gain, hyperactivity, feeds cancer and arthritis, should not be used in food or supplements, only treats.
Meat and bone meal (natural source of calcium) (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive indicates 4-D meat, cheapest source, can include diseased tissues plus bone meal can not be digested and assimilated as calcium!
Meat and liver meal (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can include tumors and diseased tissues, rancid trim pieces and liver of various animals, concentrated.
Natural and artificial flavors (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Poor quality of flavor additive, artificial flavors can be carcinogenic.
Natural and artificial chicken flavor (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Artificial flavors can cause severe illness, become carcinogenic.
Monosodium phosphate (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Used as emulsifying agent.
Meat by-products (1 stars) found in 18% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive indicates 4-D meat, cheapest source, can include diseased tissues (tumors) and organs.
Molasses (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Added to foods or high on the list of supplements creates blood sugar imbalance, causes diabetes, hyperactivity, best used in treats, not foods or supplements.
Modified starch (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap source of carbohydrates, filler, causes digestive upset.
Modified food starch (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descript source can be from any grain, causes allergies, weight gain and poor digestion, filler.
Lysine (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates heavy soy-based food which dogs can die from unless they have lysine to help digest it, best to avoid this diet unless soy is missing.
Fresh chicken by-products (organ meat only) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates poor quality hidden behind "organ meat only" and "fresh" still by-products which can include diseased organ tissue.
Sorbic acid (a preservative) (1 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
A mold and yeast inhibitor.
Propyl gallate and citric acid (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Chemical preservative, can cause digestive upset, stomach irritation, deceptive adding with natural Vitamin C.
Propionic acid (a preservative) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Potentially harmful mold inhibitor.
Powdered cellulose (11.1% source of fiber) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Suspected to include recycled cardboard.
Powdered cellulose (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap filler/source of fiber, suspected to include cardboard, causes irritable bowel problems.
Poultry liver (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap source of liver flavoring, non-descriptive, often includes diseased tissues. Can become toxic to body.
Poultry fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) (1 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive, can be any foul, often rancid prior to preserving with Vitamin E (gimmicky, to cover poor quality fat used).
Poultry fat (preserved with BHA) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descript fat, possible carcinogenic preservative.
Poultry by-products (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Ground up carcasses, can include dead, diseased foul, all internal parts void of healthy meat, includes feet and beaks.
Poultry by-product meal (1 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Ground up carcasses, can include dead, diseased foul, all internal parts void of healthy meat, includes feet and beaks, concentrated.
Hydrochloric acid (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Corrosive ingredient used as modifier for food starch, gelatin, as a pH adjuster and conversion of corn starch to syrup.
Food starch (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descript source can be from any grain, causes allergies, weight gain and poor digestion, cheap filler.
Fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) (1 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive, cheap "fish" source, often rancid prior to preserving with Vitamin E (gimmicky to cover poor quality oil).
Glycerin (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Sweetens food, used as humectant (keeps food moist), interferes with nutrient assimilation.
Glycerine (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Sweetens food, used as humectant (keeps food moist), interferes with nutrient assimilation.
Glyceryl monostearate (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
An emulsifier (breaks down fats), lethal to lab rats, still under investigation by FDA.
Glycine (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Non-essential amino acid used as antacid, indicates very poor quality food.
Ground corn (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Is not "whole ground," this is misleading, often indicates poor quality, can cause allergies.
Pork liver (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Cheapest source of flavoring, some iron, hard to digest. Liver can become toxic to the body.
Pork by-products (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Can contain non-human-edible parts, diseased organs and tissues, pork's not the best meat for pets.
Phosphoric acid (1 stars) found in 12% of pet food products analyzed
A sequestering agent for rendered animal fats -- implies poor quality fats are used, source of phosphorous.
Ground rice (1 stars) found in 17% of pet food products analyzed
Filler -- has been linked to diabetes, always indicates white rice, not whole grain but usually floor sweepings from rice industry.
Petrolatum (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Vaseline! Mild laxative effect when ingested. Petroleum is a carcinogen.
Poultry (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Can include any foul, non-descriptive, often includes diseased meat, non-human grade.
Caramel (1 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar-based adds to hyperactivity, or can be prepared by ammonia process associated with blood toxicity in lab rats.
Cellulose powder (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Harsh on bowels, suspected to include recycled cardboard.
Beef tallow (preserved with BHA) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
One of the worse kinds of fat, chemically preserved with potential carcinogen. Often produces allergies.
Beef tallow (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Tallow, includes old restaurant grease, is very hard to digest, leads to diarrhea, premature aging.
Beef by-products (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Can include any internal part of the cow other than the meat, often from 4-D, rancid sources.
Calcium chloride (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Used as a source of calcium but can cause digestive upset, heart issues.
Calcium propionate (a preservative) (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Chemical. Potentially carcinogenic, antifungal.
Calcium sulfate (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Plaster of Paris! Firming agent.
Beef tallow preserved with BHA and mixed-tocopherols (source of vitamin E) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Terrible source of fat, chemically preserved with potential carcinogen but uses "Vitamin E" to mislead consumer. Indicates very poor quality product.
Whole rice (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates poor quality white rice which can cause diabetes in dogs.
Water (1 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
Used as non-nutritive filler in food. UGH!
Caramel color (1 stars) found in 11% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar-based or can be prepared by ammonia process associated with blood toxicity in lab rats.
Venison by-products (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Contains all meat not fit for human consumption, diseased organs, tumors, promotes premature aging.
Vegetable oil (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive source of fat, contains saturated fat which is hard on the body, causes premature aging.
Beet pulp (sugar removed) (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Fiber/filler, stills contains enough sugar for rush/addiction to food and hyperactivity.
Turmeric (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Gimmicky spice to aid digestion.
Brewers yeast extract (saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation solubles) (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Liquid left over from brewery process, condensed. Can become toxic to the liver.
Cellulose (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Harsh on bowels, suspected to include recycled cardboard. Can also be crushed peanut hulls.
Turkey by-product meal (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can include carcass, feet, beaks and diseased turkey organs, tumors.
Cane molasses (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
SUGAR!!! Leads to weight gain, hyperactivity and feeds arthritis, best used in treats, not supplements or foods.
Wheat middlings (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Sweepings off the floor causes allergies and digestive upset.
Beet pulp (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar-filled fiber/filler, can lead to hyperactivity and diabetes. Can be addicting to some pets.
Beets (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Implies whole beet is more nutritious than beet pulp alone but still contains sugar which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, hyperactivity.
BHA/BHT( synthetic preservative) (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Chemical. Highly carcinogenic preservative.
Chicken by-product (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Ground up carcasses, diseased internal organs, beaks and feet.
Wheat starch (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Poor carbohydrate source causes allergies.
Dextrose (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Sugar, feeds cancer, causes hyperactivity, weight gain.
Beef tallow preserved with mixed-tocopherols (source of vitamin E) (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Beef tallow can be used restaurant fat! Misleading with "natural" Vitamin E preservative added. Indicates very poor quality product.
Bacon flavors (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Does not say "natural" so it's possibly artificial, can be a carcinogen.
Wheat gluten (1 stars) found in 28% of pet food products analyzed
Poor protein source, used as a cheap, non-nutritive filler -- causes allergies.
Bone meal (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Non-digestible source of calcium can lead to digestive upset. Can be from 4-D sources.
Wheat flour (1 stars) found in 18% of pet food products analyzed
Poorly digested filler, can cause allergies and bowel problems.
Wheat bran (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates poor quality food, can cause allergies, best to have whole wheat.
Brewer’s rice (1 stars) found in 31% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product from breweries, cheap, non-nutritive filler can be harsh on intestines and lead to diabetes.
Brewers dried yeast (1 stars) found in 34% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product (used for flavoring, protein, B-vitamins) which can become very toxic to the liver causes allergies and arthritis.
Water sufficient for processing (1 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Robs protein from can food since it is used as non-nutritive filler instead.
Brewers yeast (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product (used for flavoring, protein, B-vitamins) which can become very toxic to the liver causes allergies and arthritis.
Wheat mill run (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Sweepings off the floor, causes allergies, digestive upset and feeds arthritis, leads to premature aging.
Corn oil (preserved with TBHQ) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
TBHQ contains petroleum-derived butane, can be carcinogenic.
Corn gluten (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Highly allergenic, adds sugar, is a poor protein source, interferes with digestion.
Yellow 6 (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Artificial color, potentially carcinogenic food colorant.
Corn gluten meal (1 stars) found in 31% of pet food products analyzed
Waste product, cheap, non-nutritive filler but used as protein source -- can cause allergies and sugar imbalance.
Titanium dioxide color (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Potentially carcinogenic artificial color used as white pigment.
Titanium dioxide (1 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Potentially carcinogenic artificial color used as white pigment.
Animal fat (preserved with vitamin E) (1 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive source indicates 4-D fat, regardless of "natural" preservative it is rancid, often from diseased tissue. Misleading to be preserved with vitamin E.
Animal fat (preserved with vitamin E mixed tocopherols) (1 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive, cheap animal source, often rancid prior to preserving with Vitamin E (gimmicky to cover poor quality fat).
Animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descript source, often rancid to begin with, regardless of natural preservative use afterwards, misleading.
Animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive fat! Can be anything rancid or 4-D (dead, dying, disabled, diseased) regardless of natural Vitamin E and C preservatives. Misleading.
Yellow 5 and other color (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Possible carcinogens.
Thiamine hydrochloride (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Cheapest, poorly assimilated source of Thiamine, Vitamin B-1, needed for nervous system and mental attitude.
Corn starch (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Terrible filler, causes several health issues including allergies.
Corn starch-modified (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Poor source of nutrients, protein, filler, binder.
Animal fat (preserved with BHA/BHT) (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive fat source, indicates 4-D source chemically preserved with carcinogens.
Tallow (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Causes poor health, disrupts digestion, can include rancid restaurant grease. Very bad fat source!
Animal fat (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Non-descriptive source indicates 4-D fat chemically preserved, difficult to digest, potentially carcinogenic.
Animal digest (1 stars) found in 13% of pet food products analyzed
Rendered, by chemical and/or enzymatic process, non-descriptive animal tissues used for flavor.
Corn grits (1 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Poor source of protein and carbohydrates, filler.
Chicken by-products (organ meat only), fresh (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can be poor quality hidden behind "organ meat only" and "fresh" still by-products which can include diseased organ tissue, tumors.
Yeast culture (1 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Flavoring, source of protein, potentially toxic to the liver.
Trace minerals (potassium chloride) (1 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Source of potassium to balance pH, small intestinal ulcers may occur, indicates lack of well-rounded supplementation.
Chicken flavors (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates artificial flavor which can be a carcinogen.
Trace minerals (sodium tripolyphoshate) (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Cheap, potentially harmful source of phosphorous indicates lack of well-rounded supplements.
Artificial flavor (1 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Can become carcinogenic. Produces allergies.
Chicken by-product meal (1 stars) found in 23% of pet food products analyzed
Ground up carcasses, internal organs, beaks, feet. Concentrated.
Excerpts from by Marian Brown
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