Why do home-baked and especially organic dog treats mold or spoil quickly? The answer lies not with what is in the food, but with what is not: preservatives. Many chemicals can extend the shelf life of a product. Most of them, however, contain carcinogens, pesticides, and other toxins that, when ingested regularly, can be lethal. Since organic foods don’t usually have preservatives, they are likely to mold much more quickly.
Here are some FAQ’s about mold:
What is mold, anyway?
Mold is a fungus that lives on plant or animal matter. No one knows how many species of mold exist, but scientists estimate that it ranges from tens of thousands to perhaps 300,000 or more. Most are threadlike organisms, and the production of spores is characteristic of fungi in general. Unlike bacteria, which are one-celled, molds are made of many cells and can sometimes be seen without magnification.
Is mold dangerous?
Not all molds are dangerous, but, yes, many can cause allergic reactions, breathing problems, and, in some cases, serious illness or death.
Does mold only grow on the top of food?
No; you only see the portion of the mold that is on the surface of food. When the surface shows heavy mold growth, "root" threads have already invaded deep into the food. In potentially lethal molds, poisonous substances are often contained in and around these threads. In some cases, the toxins may already have spread throughout the food.
Where are molds found?
Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions.
Why can mold grow in the refrigerator?
While most molds prefer warmer temperatures, they still can grow at refrigerator temperatures. Molds also tolerate salt and sugar better than most other food invaders like bacteria. This means that molds can grow in pretty much anything, making them more of a concern than some other contaminants.
There is a way to slow down or possibly prevent the growth of mold: add preservatives. Unfortunately, although preservatives can be useful, a lot of the time they are dangerous. There are two types of preservatives, natural and artificial.
Natural preservatives are usually made from antioxidants and vitamins, including ascorbic acid from vitamin C and three herbs: rosemary, sage, and cloves, but there are other ways to preserve food naturally. Sugar, salt, vinegar, and lemon juice are all examples. Natural preservatives are typically considered safe.
Artificial preservatives, however, are another story. If ingested over time, they can add a notable risk of toxicity to any dog food. For example, ethoxyquin is one artificial preservative to watch for on a label because it is not only used as a preservative but also as a pesticide. Ethoxyquin has been under investigation by the FDA as a possible cause of certain liver and blood problems. In addition, the use of ethoxyquin is prohibited in Australian dog foods, as well as within in the European Union. But even today, ethoxyquin is still commonly found in many popular brands of dog food, notably in the United States.
Some other risky artificial preservatives are propylene glycol, which is also commonly used as antifreeze, and sodium metabisulphite, which is a bleaching agent.
The bottom line is this: Even though foods with preservatives stay fresh longer, the healthier option is to avoid them.
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