Introduction
In recent years, there has been growing concern over the potential cancer-causing ingredients found in some popular dog food brands. Certain preservatives, artificial colors, and other chemical additives commonly used in dry kibble and canned wet foods have been linked to increased cancer risk in dogs. While reputable brands work to eliminate these harmful ingredients, many commercial pet foods still contain controversial compounds. For concerned dog owners, identifying the worst offenders and transitioning to healthier alternatives is key to protecting your pup against preventable cancers.
This guide will examine the most common ingredients believed to cause cancer in dog food, explore brands frequently containing these additives, outline associated health dangers, provide tips for safer purchases, and share better homemade recipes to avoid the risks altogether. The goal is to educate owners on making more informed choices for their canine’s diet and wellbeing.
Common Ingredients Linked to Cancer
Certain ingredients commonly found in dog food have been linked to increased cancer risk in dogs. These include:
Aflatoxins – A type of mold that can contaminate grains like corn, wheat, and rice. Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens and are one of the most significant cancer-causing agents in dog food according to One Unexpected Cause of Cancer In Dogs.
Nitrates/Nitrites – Preservatives used in processed meats and some grains. Nitrates and nitrites can convert into cancer-causing nitrosamines in the dog’s digestive system according to 10 Cancer Causing Ingredients in Dog Foods.
Heterocyclic amines – Chemical compounds that form when meat is cooked at high temperatures. The high heat causes a reaction that creates compounds linked to cancer according to Which Dog Foods Cause Cancer?.
Avoiding dog foods with these problematic ingredients is an important step in reducing cancer risk for dogs.
Brands Containing Harmful Ingredients
Several dog food brands have been found to contain ingredients linked to cancer and other health issues in dogs. According to Top Dog Tips, some of the worst offenders include:
Alpo: This popular brand contains a number of harmful ingredients like meat by-products, corn, and artificial preservatives.
Beneful: Multiple lawsuits have been filed over Beneful dog food containing toxins. Propylene glycol and mycotoxins are just some of the concerning ingredients in Beneful products.
Kibbles ‘n Bits: Studies have found this brand contains the cancer-causing preservatives BHA and BHT. It also has a high carbohydrate content from corn products.
Ol’ Roy: Walmart’s store brand dog food contains meat by-products of questionable nutritional value. It also has artificial colors linked to health problems.
The FDA has also named 16 brands connected to reports of canine heart disease, including Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, 4Health, and more. While the FDA is still investigating, these cases demonstrate the need for close analysis of dog food ingredients. Dog owners should research brands thoroughly before purchase.
Health Risks
Certain ingredients commonly found in commercial dog food brands have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems in dogs. These include preservatives like ethoxyquin, BHA, and BHT, as well as mycotoxins like aflatoxin which can contaminate grains used in dog food.
According to Dog’s Naturally Magazine, ethoxyquin is used to prevent rancidity in dog food but has been shown to cause major organ damage and cancer in dogs. Similarly, Top Dog Tips reports that BHA and BHT are preservatives that have been classified as carcinogens by the U.S. National Toxicology Program.
Aflatoxins produced by mold in corn, wheat, rice and other grains are considered potent carcinogens as well. Chronic exposure to low levels of aflatoxins is a major cause of liver cancer in dogs according to veterinary research cited by Mad Paws.
The cumulative effects of these additives and contaminants in popular dog food brands may contribute to the high cancer rates seen in dogs compared to wild canines. Dog owners should be aware of these concerns and read dog food labels carefully to avoid potentially carcinogenic ingredients.
Identifying Problematic Ingredients
When selecting a dog food brand, it’s important to carefully read the ingredient list to identify any concerning ingredients. Some ingredients to watch out for include:
- Ethoxyquin – a chemical preservative that has been linked to cancer and other health issues in dogs (Source: https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/cause-of-cancer-in-dogs/)
- Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) – preservatives that may produce carcinogenic byproducts (Source: https://topdogtips.com/cancer-causing-foods-for-dogs/)
- Propylene glycol – a humectant, thickener, and preservative that has been associated with Heinz body anemia in dogs when consumed in large quantities (Source: https://topdogtips.com/cancer-causing-foods-for-dogs/)
- Aflatoxins – cancer-causing mold byproducts that can contaminate grains and legumes (Source: https://www.madpaws.com.au/blog/which-dog-foods-cause-cancer/)
Look for dog foods made with whole, natural ingredients and minimal preservatives. When possible, contact manufacturers directly to inquire about testing for harmful contaminants. Consulting with your veterinarian can also help identify the best diet for your dog’s needs.
Safer Alternatives
Many people look for high-quality dog food options which are natural and organic. These foods can avoid some of the harmful ingredients linked to cancer. Let’s look at some better options.
Overall, the most recommended dog foods are high in meat-based protein and avoid fillers like corn and wheat.
Some top-rated organic brands include:
- Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Organix Chicken & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Organic Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
You can also look for dog foods with simple, high-quality ingredients:
- Deboned chicken or fish as the first ingredient
- Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal
- Vegetables and fruits like sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries
Be sure to check the full ingredient list and nutritional analysis of any brand. Pick a food tailored for your dog’s size, activity level, and any health conditions. And consult your vet if uncertain about changing foods.
Homemade Dog Food Recipes
For dog owners looking to prepare their own dog food at home, there are some nutritionally balanced recipes that veterinarians recommend. These recipes use wholesome ingredients and provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs.
According to veterinarian approved sources like The Wildest, homemade dog food should contain high-quality protein, healthy fats, digestible carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. Meats like chicken, beef or fish should make up at least half of the recipe.
Here are some sample recipes for homemade dog food that meet veterinary guidelines:
Beef and Rice Recipe: Combine 1 pound ground beef, 2 cups cooked white rice, 1 cup chopped carrots, 2 tablespoons canola oil. This provides about 2 days worth of food for a 50 pound dog. Make sure to use lean cuts of beef.
Chicken and Vegetable Recipe: Mix together 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, 3 cups brown rice, 2 cups chopped spinach, 1/4 cup olive oil. Store in portions in the refrigerator or freezer.
Fish and Sweet Potato Recipe: Cook 1 pound salmon filet until flaky. Shred fish and combine with 2 medium boiled and mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup green beans, 3 tablespoons coconut oil.
When following homemade recipes, proper storage and food handling is important. Refrigerate fresh food for no more than 4 days or freeze meal-sized portions for later use. Consult your veterinarian to ensure recipes meet your dog’s unique nutritional requirements.
Tips for Transitioning Foods
When switching your dog to a new food, it’s important to make the transition gradually over 5-7 days to minimize digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea. According to the AKC, “Ideally, these transitions should happen over 5-7 days.” Going slowly allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt to the new ingredients.
Here are some tips for gradually transitioning to a new dog food:
- On days 1-2, feed 3/4 of your dog’s normal amount of the current food and mix in 1/4 of the new food.
- On days 3-4, feed 1/2 of the normal amount of the current food and 1/2 of the new food.
- On days 5-7, feed 1/4 of the current food and 3/4 of the new food.
- After day 7, you can feed 100% new food.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you may want to extend the transition over 10-14 days. Go slowly and watch for signs of digestive upset. If your dog has diarrhea or seems uncomfortable, you may need to slow down the switch to the new food.
With patience and gradual transitioning, you can successfully switch your dog to a new higher-quality food.
Reporting Potential Issues
If you have concerns about a dog food product, you can report it to the FDA by submitting a complaint through the Safety Reporting Portal. According to the FDA, anyone can submit a report on a problematic pet food product.
In your report, be sure to provide details like the brand name, product name, lot number, UPC code, symptoms observed in your pet, and veterinary records if available. The more information you provide, the better the FDA can investigate your complaint.
You may also consider contacting your state or local consumer protection agency to file a report. Additionally, you can notify the dog food company directly about your concerns or dissatisfaction.
While reporting a problematic pet food is voluntary, it helps the FDA identify potential health risks and take action when necessary to protect animal health. By speaking up about concerning dog food products, you can play a role in keeping dogs safe.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to our furry companions, we want to provide them with the very best care possible. However, it’s important to be an informed pet parent and know what ingredients to look out for in dog food that could potentially cause health issues down the road.
Some common ingredients like BHA, BHT, propylene glycol, and ethoxyquin have been linked to cancer and other problems in dogs. Major brands that contain these ingredients should be avoided. It’s best to look for dog foods with all natural, high quality ingredients, and as few chemical preservatives as possible.
Transition your dog slowly to a new food if needed, and monitor them closely for any changes. Consider making your own dog food at home following vet-approved recipes. Always reach out to your vet if you have any concerns over ingredients in your dog’s food.
While the topic of cancer-causing dog food is scary, being proactive and doing research is the best thing we can do for the health of our beloved pets. They rely on us to make the best choices possible when it comes to their nutrition.
