Food Additives PreservativesFood Additives Preservatives; such as BHT antioxidant (and BHA) are used in some dog foods to keep fat-soluble and fats from becoming oxidized. When a fat becomes oxidized, it begins to taste terrible and much of its nutritional value is gone. Cat and dog foods usually have a lot of fat, and can become oxidized rather quickly. Some kind of food preservatives is therefore necessary. Canned foods don't have this problem due to the fact that they are kept in airtight cans, but foods that are dry must have antioxidants and preservatives in food added to keep them fresh. If an antioxidant is used in dog or cat food, then the AAFCO says that it has to be named on the label, as well as it being referred to as a food preservatives. Food Additives Preservatives; Both Natural and ArtificialThere exists natural as well as artificial food preservatives, and they are all used for keeping food from spoiling. BHT antioxidant, or butylated hydroxytoluene, and BHA, or butylated hydroxyanisole are two. Some antioxidants that are natural are vitamin E, ascorbic acid, citric acid, and rosemary. What is BHT/BHA?There have been great concerns over the use of artificial preservatives like BHT antioxidant is used in dog and cat food, regarding its safety. Artificial antioxidants are often used instead of natural antioxidants because they allow for a much longer shelf life. BHT antioxidant and BHA are synthetic analogues of vitamin E, and they are usually used together as preservatives in food for dogs. They are said to be safe by the FDA, when they are used at certain levels, and they are found commonly in food for humans. Although there is no proof that these substances cause harm to animals or humans, many question their safety nonetheless. There must be greater research done before the true effects of these preservatives in dog food, can be fully determined. Propylen GlycolSomething else found in dog food just as BHT antioxidant, is propylene glycol. It is commonly used in solutions for antifreeze, as a solvent, and in hydraulic fluid. In semi moist food, it is used to stop it from getting dry. If it is eaten in large amounts, it can be toxic. It shouldn't be fed to dogs that will eat it every day. In European countries, propylene glycol cannot be used as a general-purpose food grade product, or food additive. My AdciceBoth BHT antioxidant, and BHA, have been banned from use in several countries, but not the U.S. It is said that is could result in possible cancer or tumors in people and animals, although there has allegedly been no conclusive evidence to support this. When it comes to food additives preservatives such as BHT or BHA antioxidants-avoid them whenever its possible. Full effects on the bodies of animals and humans are not conclusive. Until fully investigated, avoidance is the best way to stay away from any potential harm from the these food preservatives. Best Commercial Dog Food Relevant Pages
Hypoallergenic diets
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