7 Deadly Ingredients Hiding in Dog Products

When stocking up on your dog’s food, treats, and grooming products, read labels with a careful eye. Though items may be FDA approved, they may still contain substances harmful and even fatal to your dog’s health. Here are of some of the most commonly used ingredients posing danger to your dog.

Isoxazoline – This is found in shampoos, conditioners, and flee and tick treatments. Isoxazoline is linked to seizures and even sudden fatalities. Major brands have recently come under fire for including this chemical and legal proceedings have been initiated to require special labelling for products containing it.

Theobromine, Xylitol, Sorbitol, and other sugar substitutes – Artificial sweeteners commonly found in food products can cause liver failure, kidney damage, and disorientation in dogs.

Nuts – Peanut butter in moderation may be okay, but nuts are generally to be avoided. Walnuts are particularly toxic as they can introduce intestinal diseases and a nasty fungi infection that causes neurological damage.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) – These synthetic antioxidants are added to pet foods to keep them fresher longer, but these substances have been shown to promote cancer growth.

Carrrageenan – Carrageenan is found in a wide range of products as it is commonly used as a stabilizing and thickening agent. Unfortunately, it is linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and ulcers and even cancer.

Propylene Glycol – This substance, found in antifreeze as well as many processed foods, is believed to damage the liver, kidneys, and skin.

Ethoxyquin – Often listed as “fish meal,” this preservative is notorious for causing liver, kidney, and thyroid damage; hemorrhaging; and cancer. It has been banned in parts of the world but is still used in the United States.

By familiarizing yourself with these dangerous ingredients, you are better equipped to choose products that promote health and happiness in your dog. Keep an eye on the FDA website for dog food recalls, as research on ingredients such as these improves. We all want the best for our pups, and reading labels is a great place to start.