Many pet owners are well versed in the world of good nutrition (though putting it into action can sometimes be challenging), knowledgeable of the value of fruits and vegetables in promoting good health, and the importance of putting vitamins and minerals first in our dietary choices… but what about the health of our pets? It’s time to learn the truth about today’s pet foods, the harmful ingredients that are added regardless of the health issues they can cause our pets, and how these ingredients are carefully and strategically hidden unbeknownst to the trusting consumer.
The Current State of Pet Food
Meat meal, Xylitol, MSG, BHA and BHT, and the notoriously unhealthy corn syrup are just a few of the dangerous ingredients that are often found in pet food today.1 However, aside from corn syrup, it’s likely that today’s pet owners aren’t aware of the detriment that these ingredients can have on pet health, relying on what they believe to be the ethics behind popular pet food brands. Additional harmful ingredients include:
- Rendered fat
- Nitrates
- Artificial colors
- Melamine
- Corn oil
- Salt
- Carrageenan
- Propylene Glycol
- Preservatives
Unfortunately, popular brands seem to capitalize on the faith that consumers have put in them and feel free reign to deliver dangerous products to pets, all with the desire to turn a profit. Sneaky marketing and packaging, featuring happy pets cuddling up with their owners, paints a picture that is completely false, and strategic advertising only deepens the problem. What are consumers to do when they are unaware of the dangers potentially lurking in their pets’ food bowls?
What can consumers do to make informed choices in this misleading marketplace?
What to Look for When Shopping for Pet Food
When searching for the right pet food for your pets, it’s important not just to steer clear of those packages that include harmful ingredients but also make sure they include important health-conscious ingredients: protein (such as meat, poultry and fish), simple and complex carbohydrates (such as corn, peas and potatoes), healthy fats (with omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids), and vitamins and minerals.2 Fruits and vegetables are exceptional sources of vitamins and minerals, so be sure to keep these in mind when doing your pet food shopping.
Some fruits and vegetables to consider are (but certainly not limited to):3
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Cucumbers
- Mangoes
- Oranges
- Pumpkin
- Strawberries
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Spinach
With each of these foods comes a unique set of vitamins and minerals to support pet health and can be easily incorporated into their diet.
Red Flags to Watch for When Buying Pet Food
If the packaging of the pet food you are preparing to buy positions the pet food ingredients in less visible locations or perhaps doesn’t seem fully transparent, avoid the purchase. It’s essential to go with your gut when considering these kinds of purchases, as animals are often very much like family and rely on us to make crucial choices about their health.
It’s also important to be a true advocate of your pet by doing research and actively seeking out education. The more you can learn about the state of affairs with pet food (e.g., the latest industry news) and the importance of ingredients necessary for proper nutrition, the better off your pets will be and will live long, healthy lives. The American Pet Products Association is a good resource to begin your search, but don’t limit yourself to just this source.
Also, be sure to take the knowledge that you gain from your research and share it with loved ones and other pet owners (even a casual conversation at a dog park could open up an opportunity to educate). It’s important that pet owners work together as a community to ensure that pets don’t fall victim to packaging that hides or obstructs the visibility of ingredients that can cause irreparable damage to pet health.
Be an Informed Advocate for Your Pet
Staying informed is one of the most impactful steps you can take as a pet owner.
- Research reputable resources like the American Pet Products Association.
- Stay updated on industry news about pet food safety and recalls.
- Share your knowledge with other pet owners—whether online, at the dog park, or with friends and family.
Advocacy starts with awareness, and every informed choice makes a difference.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid harmful ingredients like MSG, artificial colors, and preservatives in pet food.
- Choose pet food rich in protein, healthy fats, and natural vitamins from fruits and vegetables.
- Read the packaging carefully and avoid products with unclear or hidden ingredient lists.
- Stay informed and share your knowledge with your community.
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References
- 24 Bad Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid. Homes Alive Pets website. https://blog.homesalive.ca/dog-blog/bad-dog-food-ingredients-to-avoid March 24, 2023.
- A Guide to Dog Food Ingredients and Reading Dog Food Labels. PetMD website. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/pet-food-ingredient-and-label-guide October 31, 2024.
- Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat. American Kennel Club website. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/ March 26, 2024.
