DOG FOOD ingredients
Expose'
of
risky, inappropriate herbs, neurotoxins,
spices, MSG, and inedible pet food ingredients
that cause loose stools, bloating,
behavior, and fertility problems.
April 2011 |
Nel
Liquorman
|
TheDogPress.com
Nutrition Editor
The most referenced & reprinted pet
food ingredients research
is a long list but you can use
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The one thing which most affects your
animal’s health is what it ingests, day
after day.
Would
you ingest sage, a neurotoxin, every
day? Do puppies need chondroitin and glucosamine?
A wise owner will carefully
examine cat and dog food labels to
determine if there are any unnecessary,
inappropriate, or risky ingredients
which could cause health or fertility problems.
Herbs and nutracueticals are not
recommended for daily use but
many cat and dog food brands
proudly proclaim herbs,
remedies, flavorings,
spices, or
nutracueticals
on the ingredients list while concealing
other, potentially harmful or addictive
ingredients. Some pet food
manufacturers even boast about including glucosamine, chondroitin, perna and MSM, which are
not appropriate for every pet, every
day, at any age!
Foodstuffs from nature are considered
natural and “generally
regarded as safe” by the FDA, so they
neither test nor regulate "spices" such
as MSG. Read food labels
carefully!
Most owners feed commercially prepared
cat or dog food. Although many
breeders have learned what canned or dry
dog food can do to breeding stock and
therefore feed raw or homemade food, we
all still rely on prepared foods for
convenience and balance vitamins.
After reading ingredients list, we know
you will not only read dog food labels,
you will gravitate towards those pet
foods with the shortest list of
ingredients, and chose dog food labels
starting with MEAT. Such companies
do exist. We will bring you a
report on the best pet foods.
Right out of the bag (pun intended), you
should know that there may be
unidentified ingredients
in any brand of
pet food. One example is
Merrick’s Pet Care, makers of both cat
and dog food. The website listed
questions that are asked about their
products. In answer to “What is the
sprayed on gravy made of?” they
enthusiastically answered in the section
for dry dog food “Our homestyle gravy
is made with a combination of all
natural ingredients - did we mention
they are a family
secret?”
This is not the Colonel’s secret recipe! It is
meant to be fed to your pet every day. Many cat owners complain
that their pets are so
addicted
to a certain brand or type of food, they refuse
real meat, even cooked fish!
Secret or undisclosed ingredients could
contain a variety of oils such as
recovered cooking oils, oils from herbs
such as Rosemary or Sage (ii
neurotoxins)
or flavor enhancers (ii
excitotoxins).
If you believe that you have a right to
know what ingredients are in your dog’s food, you should write to that pet
food company and cc the FDA
on how you feel about pet food
ingredients and labeling. Surely the
United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) or the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) is aware of ingredients deception
in the pet food industry. Many consumer
sites have exposed similar problems in
human foods,
particularly those containing hidden
MSG.
The FDA
still classifies MSG (monosodium glutamate) as
GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe), and
while they are aware of hidden
excitotoxins
in human food, warnings are consumer
driven. So far, there is no indication
that the government will require
labeling of MSG and other
excitotoxins.
The food industry is second only to the
pharmaceutical industry so dog food
labels are unreliable at best. You
could change that as you become more
aware of how pet food ingredients affect your pet's
health.
Report Dog Food Problems Here!
PET
FOOD Label ingredients
Alfalfa
Long used as cattle feed, Alfalfa
contains saponins (has soap like foaming
action) and is believed to reduce iron
absorption in humans and single-stomach
animals. Cows (ruminants with 4
stomachs) are able to digest such forage
but alfalfa may cause upset stomach, gas
and diarrhea or have a laxative effect
in single stomached animals (dogs and
cats), therefore loose stools
are a potential side effect.
Skin allergies have been reported in the
human population and alfalfa supplements
have been linked to lower blood sugar
levels, Lupus-like effects, thyroid
level increase, and gout. Alfalfa
seeds contain high levels of the
toxic amino acid canavanine and should
be avoided by the human population.
Alfalfa is reported to affect
estrogen levels which should
signal breeders to avoid pet foods
containing this ingredient.
Almonds
ASPC Animal Poison Control Center lists
Almonds. Like all nuts, almonds contain
fats, which can lead to
gastrointestinal upset, such as
vomiting and
diarrhea. High fat contents can
lead to pancreatitis.
Animal Blood aka Animal
plasma, Blood meal and
Dried Blood
This is slaughter house waste,
could be coming from any species, and is
rarely specified on the label as “chicken blood, cow
blood, or swine blood”. The
disgusting mixture is used in fertilizer and the FDA
approves it in animal feeds, including
cat and dog food. Dried blood may be
high in protein but many people consider
it a cheap waste product and controversial at best.
Animal Digest
Digests are animal tissue and materials
treated with heat, enzymes and/or acids
to form concentrated natural flavors.
Digest is the least desirable form of
slaughter residue and since it may
contain beaks, feet, “hidden MSG”,
etc. it would be wise to
choose a better quality pet food.
Bacillus Subtilis
A probiotic widely used in the poultry
and livestock industry. It produces an
extra cellular enzyme known as
subtilisin, which can cause
dermatitis and
respiratory distress
when present in detergents used by the
human population. A study for use as a
biocontrol agent for malaria-carrying
mosquitoes showed that it could infect
and cause mortality in the larvae yet it
is not presently known as a pathogen.
Basil
Contains estragole, believed to be
carcinogenic. There can be side
effects for people with kidney and liver
damage when used in supplements. Some
experts think that it stimulates
uterine contractions. Basil is
a herb. Herbs are listed on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control list of
human foods that should not be fed to
dogs or cats.
Beef Meal
The Environmental Working Group (EWG)
tested dog foods and found that there
were extremely toxic levels
of
this ingredient
due to the long steaming processes used
for making meat meal (poultry or animal)
and bone meal. The high fluoride content
was due to the use of fluoridated
municipal water. It poses a greater
problem when it appears in the first 3
ingredients on the label.
Bifidobacterium
The Bifidobacterium may show up by any
of these names:
B. Bifidum, B. Breve, B. Infantis, B. lactis, B. Longum, Bifido, Bifido
Bacterium Longum, Bifidobacterias,
Bifidobactéries, Bifidobacterium,
Bifidobacterium adolescentis;
Bifidobacterium animalis,
Bifidobacterium bifidum; Bifidobacterium
breve; Bifidobacterium infantis;
Bifidobacterium lactis; Bifidobacterium
longum, Bifidobacterium thermophilum, Bifidum, Bifidus, Bifidobacteria
Bifidus, Lactobacillus Bifidus, L.
Bifidus. These are all ii
probiotics. The FDA requires that
pet food companies refer to probiotics
as microbials. But a close look at the
names should make us wonder where the
laboratory actually obtains the bacteria
for their cultures.
Biotin
FDA plainly states that the AAFCO
“indicates that Biotin does not need to
be added to cat food unless the diet
contains antimicrobial (probiotics) or
antivitamins compounds because biotin is
likely produced in the cat's small
intestine, and also found in some meats,
legumes, and brewer's yeast. No biotin
requirement was found for dogs.
Black Pepper
Once used as a medicine, pepper may be
added as an extract sold for healing,
aromatherapy, and flavoring. The
addition of black pepper to pet food
appears to be a “natural health food”
trend but dogs and cats do not need it.
Pepper should certainly not be added for
the purpose of remedying a supposed
health problem determined by a pet food
company. Black Pepper Extract is used
in some natural animal repellants. It is
classified as an herb and falls into the
category of human foods that the ASPCA
says to avoid feeding to cats and dogs.
Brewers Yeast
According to the University of Maryland
Medical Center, Brewers Yeast is made
from a one-celled fungus
called Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is
used in making beer. It has a bitter
taste and may cause gas. There is
speculation that loose stools, so
problematic in commercially-fed pets,
could be connected to this ingredient.
It has not been studied in children but
is not recommended. Brewers yeast
contains B-complex vitamins but does not
contain B12, an essential vitamin found
in meat and dairy products. While
Brewers yeast and/or garlic are thought
to repel fleas, treatment for parasites
should not be included pet food.
Broth
(chicken, turkey, beef broth lamb broth,
fish broth, or salmon broth
are additives from the prepared food
additive industry unless the pet food
manufacturer is making it in the
process, which is not likely. Broths
have been identified as sources of
hidden MSG, known as
excitotoxins.
Canola Oil
The rapeseed (Latin for turnip) was
genetically modified to remove the
bitter taste that kept cattle from
eating it, then it was given the name
Canola. It became a cash crop raised for
oil production (vegetable and biodiesel)
and protein meal (animal feed). It is
widely controversial and was found to
deplete vitamin E in piglets to a
dangerous level.
Carrageenan
This food additive is hidden MSG
which is now known as an
excitotoxin.
Celery
A culinary herb with a history of
medical uses. Stalks and roots are used
as vegetables. Celery contains
psoralens which can cause sun sensitive
skin in humans. Celery can also bring on
oedema (fluid build-up in the body),
hives, respiratory problems, and even
systemic anaphylaxis (a life threatening
reaction) with vascular collapse in the
human population. This falls in the
general “herb” category which ASPCA
Poison Control Center advises we avoid
feeding to pets.
Celulose
Non digestible dietary fiber for humans,
also used for dogs and cats. Some
ruminants (animals with two stomachs)
can digest it with the help of
microorganisms. Adverse effects are not
uncommon with additives and this may
cause loose stools.
Cinnamon
Use includes several varieties, all
containing a mildly toxic component
called Courmarin, but some types have
less than others. Side effects may
include skin reactions, and in high
concentrations, it may contribute to
diabetes or liver problems in the human
population. There is no known reason to
add cinnamon to a pet food.
Chicory Root
A member of the ragweed family (which
includes Marigolds), allergic reactions
have been reported in the human
population. Chicory roots have been
baked, ground and sold as a cheap coffee
substitute and additive. The foliage
has a high protein and mineral content
that is suitable for grazing sheep and
dairy cattle. Large amounts of chicory
can cause miscarriage in humans but not
enough is known about safety during
breast-feeding. Chicory may increase
bile production. It may be found in
some dog foods based on the unproven
claim that it may have “an anti-parasite
effect.” Pet food producers seem to
gravitate towards adding ingredients
promoted as human health aids while
skimping on the healthy meat protein
carnivores require.
Chondroitin Sulfate
This
is normally a remedy for arthritis and
degenerative bone and joint problems. It
is considered a nutraceutical (this name
represents the blurring of lines between
food and drugs), and there are no
clinical studies to support the use of
it in dog food and cat food.
Side effects range from nausea,
diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating, and
vomiting to elevated blood pressure. It
is a natural blood thinner, therefore
use should be suspended before surgical
or dental procedures. Since this warning
does not appear on pet food labels,
Chondroitin Sulfate could be
problematic. There are however, warnings
from the nutraceutical industry for use
during pregnancy and breast feeding.
This ingredient should be of concern to
dog or cat breeders who have experienced
reproductive problems that they believe
are caused by pet food.
Cucumber (Fresh Cucumber)
There are unsupported claims that it
lowers blood pressure, hydrates the
body, cools skin, and is a rich source
for essential nutrients in humans.
Cucumber is high in potassium and excess
ingestion can lead loss of fluid and
electrolyte imbalances. Cucumber
contains patches of bitter taste which
are extremely toxic, tetracyclic
triterpenoids of cucurbitacins
compound, excessive consumption of which
can be deadly. Like many such additives,
cats and dogs would not seek it out or
eat it unless starving.
Cumin
Adds a nutty peppery flavor to foods
eaten by the human population.
Excessive use of cumin can cause sun
sensitive skin in humans.
Dill
This herb can induce photo-dermatitis in
some people and the rash-like response
can become visible with exposure to
sunlight after ingesting dill.
Enterocococcus Faecium
In 2009, Dr. Steve Weinberg, founder and
CEO of 911 Vets published a warning not
to feed pet food containing Enterococcus
after he traced urinary tract infections
in cats and dogs to pet foods containing
this bacteria. It is a recognized
pathogenic and is reported to be
resistant to several types of
antibiotics. Considered a
“supergerm”,
it is a major concern in the medical
community where it is believed that this
bacterium can spread throughout the body
causing infections in the blood, heart,
urinary tract, and even the nervous
system.
This probiotic is considered a
supplement therefore there is no FDA
testing even though a veterinarian at the
University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada
who suggest that Enterococcus and other
probiotics should undergo the same
scrutiny as antibiotics.
Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide
Sometimes listed as EDDI, it appears to
be used as an iodine supplement.
It may react with sulfates and release
free iodine. Calcium Iodate (currently
in many pet foods) is indicated as the
most stable iodine supplement and would
appear to be a better choice of iodine
supplements.
EDDI was once used in skin ointments but
now it is rarely found in cosmetics and
toiletries due to allergic skin
responses in the humans. Industrial
uses include epoxy resin (glues,
adhesives, and paints), coolant oils,
rubber latex, solvent, fungicides,
textile lubricants, color developers,
antifreeze solutions, electroplating
solutions, and floor polish remover.
The outcome was not good when
researchers tried using it to prevent
foot rot in cows.
Fish Meal
Scientists have reported
fluoride, PCB, and
mercury in many kinds of wild fish.
Levels in farm raised fish are reported
to be higher. We do not know if
fluoride or PCB and mercury could become
concentrated while processing fish and
bones into fish meal, so we have
concerns.
Flaxseed Oil
Sometimes shows up as Flaxseed Oil for
Omega 3. AAFCO does not indicate Omega 3
is required nutrient for cats or dogs
but this is an ingredient that should be
of concern to breeders.
Depending upon intake, studies indicate
that the phytoestrogens in flaxseed
(and some other oils) may affect
hormonal balance interfering with the
reproductive system. There are no
documented studies on young children and
infants, but it is “not recommended” as
a supplement for nursing babies so one
might assume it would not be appropriate
in puppy or kitten food. Flaxseed oil
may also affect blood clotting factors. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
lists Flaxseed on its lists of things to
avoid feeding dogs and cats.
Garlic
While many dog owners and breeders have
used garlic and garlic powder in dog
food for years without incident, more
recently its use has come into
question. Although the small amount
present in some commercial pet foods has
not been indicated as a cause for
problems, garlic (and onion) contain
sulfur compounds that can cause stomach
irritation and possibly cause anemia if
enough is consumed. The ASPCA’s Animal
Poison Control Center now recommends
that this ingredient not be fed to dogs
and cats.
Ginger
Asians and folk remedies have used
ginger for centuries but in large
amounts, ginger can cause uterine
contractions in pregnant women. It
is known to interfere with absorption of
iron and fat soluble vitamins and due to
ginger’s blood thinning effects is not
recommended prior to surgery. It has
been used successfully as a remedy for
nausea and motion sickness. While rare,
in the human population it may cause
mild heartburn, diarrhea, mouth
irritation, itching, hives, rash,
difficulty in breathing, choking,
swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or
tongue, abnormal urination, and
drowsiness. We failed to establish a
need for ginger in pet food.
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
While Cargill, Inc. is making
glucosamine hydrochloride from corn and
claiming to be the only USA producer,
most such products on the market are
made from the outer shells of shellfish
and much of it comes from India and
China. Most makers claim there are no
known side effects from glucosamine
hydrochloride (then why include it if it
has no effect?) but many nutritionists
consider it risky for people or pets
that are allergic to shellfish which can
cause severe reactions in humans,
including anaphylactic shock. In
addition, some dogs and cats could react
to the version made from corn. It is
used as a remedy for osteoarthritis and
probably should not be used in pet food
that will be fed to pets that do not
need treatment.
If your pet exhibits stomach upset,
indigestion, gas,
bloating, diarrhea or
chronic itching, you may wish
to avoid corn-based ingredients and/or
shellfish derivatives such as
Glucosamine Hydrochloride which
incidentally, does not show up on the
AAFCO list of required nutrients. It is
also noteworthy that glucosamine and
Chondroitin are considered
nutraceuticals and therefore are not
strictly controlled by the
FDA. Also check labels for
poultry by-product meal or fish meal as
listed as natural sources of
glucosamine.
Green Tea Extract
The extract is from the leaves of the
Camellia sinensis plant and is used for
medicine. According to the National
Institute of Health, it is possibly safe
for most people for short
term use but can cause
stomach upset, constipation, liver
problems, and reduce the absorption
of iron. It makes anemia and anxiety
worse. NIH advises against green tea
if you have a bleeding disorder, during
pregnancy, or breast feeding. It can
cause irregular heartbeat, affect blood
sugar in diabetes, and increase pressure
inside the eye affecting glaucoma. It
can increase the amount of calcium that
is flushed out in the urine.
Interactions with many medications can
be major, speeding up the nervous system
and heart rate. It interacts with
stimulant drugs, heart drugs,
antibiotics, and cancer drugs. All of
the listed adverse effects are in the
human population but notably, the ASPCA
Poison Control Center lists green tea
extract on its list of things to avoid
for cats and dogs.
Herring Oil
This oil is used to dress leather goods,
in soaps, as a machinery lubricant, and
in trendy fish oil supplements. In
humans, fish oil can cause belching,
nausea, loose stools,
rash, and nosebleeds.
Some authorities refer to fish oil as a
bi-polar medication due to the Omega-3
oil content. Herring or any fish oil
might be better classed as a
nutraceutial carrying special warnings
for people with liver disease, bipolar
disorder, depression, diabetes, high
blood pressure, and a potential
interaction with certain medications.
Inositol
Other names for it include:
Antialopecia Factor, Cyclohexitol,
Dambrose, D-Myo-Inositol,
Hexahydroxycyclohexane, Inose, Inosite,
Inositol Monophosphate, Lipositol,
Meso-inositol, Mouse Antialopecia
Factor, Myo-inositol, and Vitamin B8.
It is a vitamin-like substance found in
many plants and animals but can be made
in a laboratory. It is used to treat a
variety of human conditions from
diabetic nerve pain to panic disorder.
It is probably safe for most adult
humans but can cause
nausea, tiredness, headache, and
dizziness. Inositol appears to be
a nutraceutical with side effects, both
good and bad. Some pet food makers may
follow the trend created by the natural
supplement industry but it is doubtful
that your pet needs Inositol and AAFCO
agrees.
Inulin
This is a food fiber that can be
chemically extracted from any of more
than 36,000 plants. It is one of many
“functional” ingredients from the
burgeoning industry that provides
prebiotics for probiotics. In plain
English, inulin is an indigestible
carbohydrate that will make bacteria
multiply in the colon.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Referred to as a probiotic by the
industry that supplies it, we have also
seen it referred to as a drug.
According to the Mayo Clinic
lactobacillus acidophilus should be
avoided if there is intestinal damage, a
weakened immune system or overgrowth of
intestinal bacteria. These do not seem
like conditions pet owners would
recognize in their dogs and cats. It has
not been approved by the FDA for
treatment of anything. Stomach upset is
considered normal for a few days, but
other symptoms are serious and include
rash, itching, swelling of the face,
tongue or throat,
dizziness, and breathing
problems.
The National Institute of Health points
out that the FDA does not regulate
lactobacillus acidophilus or any herb or
supplement, so there is no guarantee of
safety, purity, or strength but FDA
states there are rare reports of
infection of heart valves from
lactobacillus acidophilus and there is a
risk of serious infections or bacteria
in the blood.
Lactobacillus Casei
This substance is not always as labeled
and can be contaminated with bacteria
that causes disease. The Peace Health
Organization indicated that several
antibiotic therapies could cause
dangerous interactions if used
concurrent with Lactobacillus Casei and
other probiotic bacterias. There are no
indications of value in pet foods.
Lactobacillus Plantarum
This supplement may be contaminated with
disease causing bacteria. Side effects
are intestinal gas. Safety is unknown.
It is a probiotic and loose stools are a
possibility for your dog or cat. Unless
veterinarian prescribed, no “remedy”
should be included in cat or dog food.
Lamb Meal
The Environmental Working Group
(EWG) tested dog foods and found that
many contained extremely toxic levels of
fluoride due to the long
steaming processes used for making meat
meals (meat from any poultry or animal)
and bone meals. The fluoride content was
due to the use of municipal water
containing fluoride.
Lecithin
This food additive, when derived from
soybeans is hidden MSG
which is now known as an
excitotoxin.
Sometimes it will be listed as soy
lecithin, but we have no assurance that
soy will always be indicated. As a
side note: most dog food manufacturers
discontinued use of soybean in the foods
due to high frequency of gastric
torsion, i.e. "bloat."
Lemon
Since one suggested use was a squirt of
lemon into a dog’s mouth to break him
from barking, we can surmise that they
don’t like the taste! Surely cats would
not prefer it. Citrus juice has an
erosive effect on tooth enamel and a
worsening effect on gastro esophageal
reflux disease systems in humans. There
is no reason to think that pets would
benefit from this ingredient.
Lemongrass
Uses include culinary, cellulite
reduction, insect repellent. As a
medicinal herb, lemongrass is thought to
be a mildly diuretic stimulant (tonic).
Breeders should probably avoid this
ingredient in pet food.
Marigold Extract
Sometimes referred to as Calendula,
marigold extract can cause allergic
reactions in humans, including rash,
itching, swelling,
dizziness, and trouble
breathing. In animal studies that
referred to it as Calendula, tightening
effect on the uterus was indicated,
along with possible sperm toxicity
and problems for fertilized eggs.
Dog and cat breeders should reject this
ingredient. Perdue claimed that they
fed Marigold petals to their chickens as
a marketing tool, bragging that it made
chicken skin yellow. They quietly
stopped using Calendula/Marigold and the
chicken skin turned back to a normal
white color. Cat and dog owners should
question any product containing Marigold
or Calendula.
Molasses
This is the residue from sugar cane
processing. Could it be that so many
questionable ingredients cause such a
bad odor or taste in pet food that it
must be covered up by molasses? There is
no reason to think that pets would
benefit from having this ingredient in
their diets.
Natural Carmel Coloring
Scientists indicate that it is
carcinogenic and suppresses
the immune system. The FDA
does not require this explanation on the
label.
Natural Caramel Coloring shows up on
excitotoxin lists. Natural
Caramel Coloring usually indicates MSG
flavor enhancers.
Natural Celery Flavor
Consumers are becoming suspicious of
added flavors, since natural flavor is
on the list for excitotoxins.
While celery is generally considered
healthy, what is celery flavor
and is it possible that this ingredient
could be hidden MSG?
Natural Flavor
This food additive is hidden MSG which
is now classified as an
excitotoxin.
Navy Beans
These contain high levels of Omega 3
which is not indicated by the AAFCO dog
or cat Nutrition Profile. Navy beans
also contain purines which are in all
foods but this ingredient (like organ
meats, mackerel, herring, sardines,
mussels, and yeast) contains high
concentrations. Dogs do not need
beans, would never eat them by choice,
beans cause gas, raise the risk of
bloat, and serve no nutritional
purpose other than to raise protein
levels on the dog food label.
Double this conclusion for cats.
Parsley
Often used as a garnish and in
Mediterranean dishes, it has the
potential to cause uterine contractions
in pregnant women. People with kidney or
gallbladder problems are cautioned to
avoid parsley. Skin reactions have been
reported. Parsley oil can be toxic;
adverse reactions include headache,
giddiness, loss of balance, convulsions
and even renal damage. It may sound good
on the dog food label but would seem to
be another ingredient pets can do
without.
Poultry Seasoning (including Thyme,
Sage, Rosemary)
Rosemary and sage are neurotoxins.
Thyme has been used as a herbal remedy
for a variety of conditions. The
addition of these in the pet food may be
sprinklings but could be plant waste or
extracts which are much more
problematic.
Rosemary
This herb contains neurotoxins and could
result in seizures in dogs and cats.
Likely it is not a sprinkling but a
concentrated liquid extract that is now
being used as a natural preservative in
some products. In addition, rosemary,
like many herbs will help your pet to
attract fleas.
Sage
This herb contains neurotoxins and could
result in seizures in dogs and cats.
Likely it is not a sprinkling but a
concentrated liquid extract that is now
being used as a natural preservative in
some products. In addition, sage, like
many herbs will help your pet to attract
fleas.
Salmon Meal
There are concerns with both farm-raised
and wild salmon. Farm raised (Atlantic)
salmon are considered the worst by the
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) due to
its elevated levels of polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCB’s). They recommend that
adult humans should eat no more than one
meal with salmon per month.
Scientists consider wild salmon safer
even though they are often found to
contain mercury. While there has not
been a lot of research, fluoride has
been found in some wild salmon along
with some PCB‘s. It is possible that
fluoride could be more
concentrated during the processing for
the fish meal used in dog and cat foods.
Salmon Oil
Common side effects from fish oil
include burping, acid reflux, heartburn,
indigestion, abdominal bloating,
abdominal pain and often diarrhea. Any
toxins in the fish would be present in
the oil unless it is a highly refined
quality oil in which case, most of the
nutrients are removed.
Spinach or Spinach Flakes
Scientists indicate that spinach
contains a small amount of calcium
oxalates, a major component of kidney
stones. While we know this to be a
healthy green leafy vegetable, it is
believed to contribute to gout and
kidney stones in the human population
when excessive amounts are eaten.
It may not be a good choice for cat food
since the ASPCA warns that it should be
avoided completely for any cat with a
history of urinary problems. Dogs and
cats should have access to
ii fresh grass
that is fertilizer and pesticide free.
Thyme
Considered safe for humans when used as
a food spice or as medicine for short
periods of time, but it will upset the
digestive system. The flowers, leaves
and oil of this herb are used as
medicine in human herbology but
WebMD clearly indicates that more
evidence is needed to rate the
effectiveness. Thyme has many culinary
uses and Thyme oil is also in perfumes,
soaps, cosmetics and toothpaste.
It is neither recommended nor safe for
daily use in animals.
Tumeric
The root of the tumeric plant is ground
and used as a spice to flavor and color
curry powders, mustards, butters, and
even cheeses. The root is also used as
a medicine and is being investigated for
treatment and prevention of cancer
(especially GI tract), colitis,
Alzheimers and Huntington's disease.
WebMD considers it likely unsafe
in pregnancy so
breeders should note this ingredient. Tumeric
may make gallbladder problems worse,
should not be used in people with
gallstones or bile duct obstruction, and
may slow blood clotting, making it
necessary to stop usage 2 weeks before
surgery.
Vitamin D3
The new supplement hype is vitamin D.
Most pet foods contain Vitamin D3
which is made from cod oil. This
fish oil supplies omega 3 but also
contains high levels of Vitamin A and
there is the added risk of mercury and
PCB’s unless the oil is refined to
remove it which is rarely the case in
cat and dog food.
Yucca Schidigera Extract
Yucca Schidigera, a desert shrub-tree is
a herbaceous plant in the lily family.
Yucca extract is known to cause loose
stools. It is a saponin (has soap-like
foaming action) and has caused red blood
cells to burst (hemolysis) in test
tubes. Supplement sellers and advocates
warn humans not to take Yucca Schidigera
Extract for more than 3 months and its
safety for children is untested.
The AAFCO classifies it as a flavoring
agent for all animal feed, while only
indicating it as an aid for controlling
manure odor in poultry and livestock.
Yucca and other such ingredients showed
up in holistic pet foods nearly a decade
ago but now more pet food makers are
including it in both dog and cat foods.
Long term exposure may not be a concern
for factory farmed poultry and
livestock because they will become
part of the food chain in a time span of
a few weeks to 18 months, but dogs and
cats live much longer. Could there be
long term harmful effects on pets if
this ingredient is fed for months or
years? Yucca Shidigera is fed as a
remedy to eliminate the odor in barns.
It is even available in liquid solutions
for use in treating waste systems on
farms. The risks to the health of your
dog or cat is not worth the gain of
better smelling poop. It would be best
to avoid this ingredient.
Yeast
This is a fermentation product and often
shows up in lists of Probiotics. It can
be problematic for both dogs and cats.
ii
Instant information on
Neurotoxins
and
Excitotoxins such as rosemary, sage,
MSG
Report Pet Food Ingredient Problem Here!
http://www.thedogpress.com/DogFood/Ingredients_Liquorman.asp
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