For many dog owners, pets are like family, so it's only natural to want to give them the best. One of the biggest challenges of caring for your furry buddy is choosing the right food. You want your dog supplies to be safe—meaning their diet should be nutritious and free of potentially dangerous ingredients. Watching out for these three categories of additives can help keep your dog healthy and happy. 

3 Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid 

1. Chemical Preservatives

Preservatives are intended to help extend the shelf life of a product. However, some of these chemical compounds can be dangerous to the long-term health of your dog. A few culprits to check for in your dog’s food are butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ethoxyquin, and propylene glycol (PG). 

BHA is a known carcinogen, causing cancer and tumor growth. Research also links high doses of BHT to health concerns like liver, thyroid, and kidney damage. Besides being an ingredient in some dog foods, ethoxyquin is a pesticide that is banned from human-consumed products. It may not appear on the ingredient list, but it’s often a component of fish meal, which will. PG is found in both dog and human foods—as well as de-icing solutions and polyester fabrics. In studies, long-term exposure produced blood thinning and reduced oxygen levels. 

2. Artificial Dyes

While brightly colored pet accessories are acceptable, the same sentiment shouldn't apply to their food. Unlike natural coloring options, artificial dyes are made from petroleum. Synthetic coloring is common in wet and dry pet food, as well as other dog supplies, but many of the dyes are linked to an increased risk of cancer, hypersensitivity, and genotoxicity. 

3. Artificial Sweeteners

Just like with humans, dogs can develop diabetes, so it's crucial to maintain normal sugar levels. Unfortunately, many pet food producers have turned to artificial sweeteners for flavoring instead of sugar. However, one of the most popular substitutes—xylitol—is incredibly dangerous for pets. Xylitol causes hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening if untreated. 

From food to collars, find all the dog supplies needed to keep your furry friend in good health at Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center in Ohio. Since 1984, this local business has offered a wide range of solutions for farmers, gardeners, and pet owners across Brown, Clermont, and Hamilton counties. Learn more about their selection of farm and pet supplies online, and direct any questions to their knowledgable staff at (513) 734-2246.