Many of us pet owners are becoming aware of the dangers that can be hidden in the foods that we give our pets. There have been several pet food recalls and there have probably been more animals that have gotten sick and possibly died from the foods they are being fed than what we will ever fully be aware of. One of the ways to help keep your pets healthy is to do a little research and understand what the pet food labels say and what they actually mean. What is the difference between chemical preservatives or natural preservatives? Preservatives are put into foods to prevent the fats from oxidizing. What is the difference between chemical preservatives and natural or organic preservatives?
Chemical preservatives have been said to cause all sorts of different health problems with your pets. Some of the common chemical preservatives that you may find in pet foods are BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and ethoxyquin. These three chemical preservatives may cause dry skin, dental disease, and allergic reactions. They can also affect the functions of your pet's liver and kidneys. Ethoxyquin is regulated by the FDA as a pesticide. That is a pesticide that pet food manufactures are putting into the foods that you are feeding your animals.
Tocopherols (vitamin E) and Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) are two of the most common natural preservatives that are used in pet foods. Using natural preservatives is better for your pets but the shelf life of the food is not as long as it would be when you purchase a pet food that has chemical preservatives in it. The solution to this is to buy only the amount of food that your pet can consume before it spoils or freeze part of the food as soon as you purchase it.
If in doubt of what pet foods to feed your animals, contact your local veterinarian clinic for recommendations. Many times respectable clinics carry a specific natural brand of pet foods. Don't think of cost when caring for your pets. Pet foods containing natural ingredients and preservative are the only real option.
When buying your pets food look for words such as chemical preservatives, by products which are the unused parts of animals such as beaks, heads, feathers, etc., animal digests, animal and beef fat, and artificial coloring and flavors. If your pet food labels have any of these words on them, don't buy them.
Pets play a huge part in families. They can be a constant companion, a consoling friend and a source of unconditional love. By choosing the right kind of food and treats for your pets, you are giving them back just a little of the unconditional love that they give you. You are their human and you are the one they count on to make the right choices to keep them healthy and happy. To ensure that your pet has the best and longest possible life they can, read your labels and do your research.
