It is an accepted fact that freshly made organic foods, whether for humans or dogs, are healthier than store-bought. But not everyone knows why. There are plenty of chemicals and artificial ingredients in processed dog foods that can be extremely dangerous to dogs, such as pesticides, herbicides, artificial colors, and chemical preservatives. Each ingredient has its dangers to dogs and humans alike.
Antibiotics, Herbicides and Pesticides:
All of these have been linked to chronic diseases. The chemicals can build up in dogs' bodies and can be exceedingly harmful. All three contain carcinogens, chemicals that can cause cancer. They can also affect the endocrine systems. The endocrine system is responsible for secreting hormones throughout the body.
Animal By-Products:
Animal by-products found in store-bought dog food include feathers, hair, leather, and fecal waste. They are what’s left of an animal after the edible meat has been removed. The by-products are stored for a full day before they are distributed, and parts of animals that are condemned for human consumption are often used for making pet foods.
Artificial Colors:
While the effects of artificial colors haven’t been fully tested, they are believed to increase sensitivity to viruses and could cause cancer. Several dyes are commonly used in dog food: blue 1, blue 2, red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6. Blue 1 is derived from coal tar, while blue 2 is made from heating indigo paste. The Dog Food Project has concluded that artificial colors are useless, since dogs don’t care about the color of their food.
Chemical Preservatives:
Synthetic preservatives could be toxic to dogs. There is a distinct difference between natural and synthetic preservatives. Natural preservatives are made from anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C or E. The natural preservatives are generally considered safe. Most synthetic preservatives contain possible carcinogens. Synthetic preservatives can have many harmful effects on dogs, including but not limited to:
- Hair Loss
- Liver Damage
- Dehydration
- Obesity
“Filler” Foods:
“Filler” carbohydrates, like sugar and corn syrup, can lead to obesity in dogs. When dogs consume these carbs, they take the place of wholesome food. If there are fillers in your dog’s food, they will not get the nutrients that they need.
Without all of these chemicals and additives, organic dog food has a definite advantage over commercial dog food. The removal of things like animal by-products and artificial colors can work wonders. The absence carcinogens, synthetic colors, and preservatives makes for a healthier dog. So watch out for these ingredients in your dog’s food.
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