Propyl GallateRaise Many QuestionsThe use of propyl gallate, being one common dog food preservative, raise many questions. Some authorities say it's safe, while other believe this chemical compound is the cause of serious medical problems. Often used in dog food, Royal Canin for example, it is important that you get informed. So, if you're not aware of what this compound is, there are few things you should know about it. What Is It?First, propyl gallate is a preservative that prevents oxidation. Commonly used in beauty products such as lipstick, bath items, skin cleansers, lotions, tanners, and other topical applications. It is formed via an ester bond between Gallic Acid and Propanol, and is utilized to hinder the oxidation of the oils and fats in both food and beauty products. The FDA lists this ingredient as safe to use in a concentration of 0.02% while other consumer agencies say 0.1% concentration is safe. Its BenefitsIn some instances, it has been shown that this chemical compound has aided in the reduction of cancer, birth defects, and cavities when used as an additive in oral products. This is because this additive processes free radicals and prevents them from interacting with healthy cells in the body that often result in disease. Important Health QuestionsNevertheless, this additive has had some intense opposition also due to its possibel links to cancer and other effects. This chemical is nown to mimicking the female hormone estrogen. Because of this, propyl gallate has been categorized as a xenoestrogen (hormone-like compound).This can cause adverse health effects on reproduction, healthy fetus development and hinder sperm production and count in males. This complex compound still raise many questions for human use. Using it in dog food does not lessen the questions but only adds to them. The fact is, that dog food nutrition and ingredients are not as regulated as human products. In Dog FoodThus, it is important that you do and can read food labels on dog food. Gallate is one of many additives, that may be found in your dog's food so having the respective education regarding all ingredients is crucial. There is no real conclusive evidence that states this additive is a risk free substance for humansTherefore, dogs should not ingest it either. However, because of the controversy surrounding this chemical, it may be wise to avoid it, if your pet eats food or uses products that do not already have it in it. What To Think?Propyl gallate has many proponents and opposition, so it really depends on your choice. And the dog food producers have choices as well. Not all are using this preservative and alternatives are happily used by many companies (Orijen is one). By knowing both the researched benefits as well as the uncertainties, you can better ascertain if buying dog food with propyl gallate used as a preservative is an OK decision. If your dog really gain some big benefits consuming a specific dog food containing this additive, it might be OK. Lets say your dog can be without some cortisone treatment eating a "Dog Skin Food" - it would be easy to decide in its favor. Risks of cortisone treatment would be much higher compared to the known risks of consuming propyl gallate. In other cases, where an propyl free alternative is realistic. In that case I would recommend to choose the "free one". The bottom line is that knowing the facts, equips you to make the best possible choice for your dog. Relevant Pages
Hypoallergenic diets
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