Last Updated: 4 months ago
Many dog owners do not look into the food they are feeding their beloved dog. Even when you are in a huge supermarket, you need to look into the ingredients of any dog food you buy. There have been more than a couple of instances where a dog was poisoned by the ingredients of a certain dog food.
The owners are responsible for picking the best and healthiest food for their GS. As owners and guardians, you need to know what goes into your dog’s food that you spend hundreds of dollars on. So, the next time you go to the grocery store, turn on the dog food bag and read the ingredients.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about this topic, read on to this article and learn all about harmful dog food ingredients.
Harmful Ingredients In Dog Food
Below are some harmful ingredients usually found in dog food that must be avoided at any cost, or else your dog’s life will be in jeopardy.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a preservative usually found in dog food that keeps the dog food safe in the refrigerator until it is opened. This preservative kills the bad bacteria in the food and gives it a longer shelf life. The ‘bad bacteria’ is good for a dog’s digestion. If you feed a food with propylene glycol to your dog, your dog will develop cancer and intestinal problems.
By Product
By-products are the remains of animal meat, including fish, chicken, lamb, beef, etc., that are added to dog food. The parts of animals that are not of any use are added to the food, which is not meat. These remains often contain bacteria and infectious organs that may pose a threat to your dog’s health.
Ethoxyquin
Ethoxyquin is another preservative commonly found in many dog food brands. This preservative is a by-product of herbicides. The herbicide is a chemical used to kill unwanted vegetation, and when added to dog food, it damages its liver and kidneys. This preservative also causes cancer, immune deficiency syndrome, leukaemia, blindness, and much more. This harmful chemical present in any dog food could potentially kill your GS.
Corn Syrup/Corn
Corn is added to dog food to make it look more fulfilling. Corn syrup is often present in dog food, and it sweetens the food. A higher quantity of corn syrup could become poisonous for your furry friend as a dog cannot consume too much sugar.
If you feed too much sugar to your GS, it will gain weight, become hyperactive, develop diabetes, and much more. In some cases, too much sugar causes GSs to develop a mental disability. Corn is extremely inexpensive, and that’s why many dog food brands add it to the food as a filler. Corn may also develop a fungus, which may result in your GS’s death.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) And Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
BHT and BHA are preservatives added to dog food to give it a longer shelf life. These two chemicals are very harmful and might cause health problems in your GS. These preservatives are found in human food and canned foods and may cause kidney and liver damage and cancer.
So, the next time you buy food for your GS, check the back of the pack for ingredients. If the food contains the names mentioned above, do not buy it. Your dog’s health is in your hands; that’s why you should try to feed it healthy food that will help your dog stay fit.
Other ingredients and preservatives that are poisonous for a GS include sweeteners, TBHQ, propyl gallate, pressed bone and meat powder, a colouring agent, fibre and fat sources, supplements, carbohydrate sources, etc.
We suggest that dog owners visit an experienced vet who could guide them to buy the healthiest GS food available in stores. Do not compromise on your dog’s health by saving a few dollars.
Get Reviews On Different Dog Food
The best way to start your dog on a healthy diet plan is to get reviews of the best dog food. You can get reviews through online research, ask a vet, or ask any relative that has had experience with GSs. Moreover, avoid foods that contain toxic ingredients, including human food, that could be a threat to your GS’s life. It is always best to choose dog food that is not too dry, as it will cause liver damage. However, the key is to do your research and get the best dog food available for your GS in the market.
Remember, the food you feed your dog will reflect on its physical and mental health.
