10 FAQs About Commercial Dry Dog Food Preservatives

1. Why does commercial dry dog food need preservatives?

Preservatives are essential in commercial dry dog food to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid, which would drastically reduce the shelf life and safety of the product. Without preservation, such foods spoil quickly, making them unsuitable for manufacturers, retailers, and pet owners. The production of completely preservative-free extruded dry dog food is currently not feasible in the UK market due to these risks.

2. Can preservatives be avoided in dry dog food?

Completely avoiding preservatives in dry dog food is challenging because of spoilage concerns. However, naturally preserved products using antioxidants like vitamin E (tocopherols) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are increasingly popular among UK pet owners seeking safer alternatives. Some sterilised canned or fresh foods may contain no preservatives, presenting a more natural feeding option for dogs.

3. Why are chemical preservatives unpopular among pet owners?

Many pet owners are wary of chemical preservatives due to concerns about potential health risks, including increased cancer risk and organ damage. Synthetic preservatives such as Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), and Ethoxyquin have been linked with carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting effects, prompting many owners to seek foods preserved with natural antioxidants.

4. Can chemical preservatives cause behavioural problems in dogs?

While evidence in dogs is largely anecdotal, certain chemical preservatives have been associated with hyperactivity and learning difficulties in sensitive children, leading to concerns about similar effects in sensitive dogs. Canine behavioural issues are generally multifactorial, so switching diet might help but should not replace professional advice from a qualified behaviourist or veterinary professional.

5. What are the EU/EEC permitted preservatives or additives in dog food?

Europe regulates preservatives and additives under directives such as the EU Directive 89/107/EEC, which defines additives as substances intentionally added for technological functions, like preservation. These substances are assigned "E" numbers, but a label simply stating "E numbers" may not specify which chemicals are included. UK pet owners should look for transparent labelling and may contact manufacturers to clarify specific preservatives used.

6. Are raw materials in natural pet foods sometimes artificially preserved?

Yes, unfortunately some raw ingredients, like fish meal, used in naturally preserved pet foods can still be treated with artificial preservatives. These should be declared on labels, though transparency is not always consistent. UK pet owners should seek brands with clear information or directly enquire to verify whether foods are truly free from artificial preservatives.

7. What are BHA and BHT, and why are they controversial?

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants widely used in pet foods to prevent rancidity. Both have been linked to carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting effects at high doses. BHA has been banned in Japan since 1958 and restricted in the UK for infant foods. BHT shares similar safety concerns. Many UK pet owners prefer to avoid these additives.

8. What is Ethoxyquin, and why is it a concern?

Ethoxyquin is a synthetic antioxidant preservative used in some dry dog foods, often found in ingredients like fish meal. It has been linked to potential health issues such as raised liver enzymes in pets. Though banned in human foods in many countries including the EU and Australia, its use continues in pet foods with voluntary limits requested in some regions. UK pet owners concerned about this should opt for foods listing natural antioxidants instead.

9. What is Propyl Gallate, and should it be avoided?

Propyl Gallate is another synthetic antioxidant sometimes used in pet foods. In humans, high doses may cause gastric and skin irritation. UK regulations prohibit gallates in infant and children’s foods due to their potential to cause methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder. Although evidence in dogs is limited, cautious pet owners often prefer to avoid this additive.

10. What natural preservative alternatives are used in dog food?

Natural preservatives include tocopherols (forms of vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid, and plant extracts like rosemary. These antioxidants help prevent fat oxidation with fewer health risks than chemical preservatives. Naturally preserved foods may have slightly shorter shelf lives, but many UK pet owners find this trade-off worthwhile for peace of mind and a safer diet for their pets.

In summary, preservation in commercial dry dog food is vital for safety and shelf stability. While synthetic preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin have associated health risks, natural antioxidants offer a safer alternative and are gaining popularity. UK pet owners should carefully read labels and consider naturally preserved or fresh food options to promote their dogs’ long-term health.