Toxins Found in Kibble

It's alarming to find toxins in something we feed our pets – kibble. But unfortunately toxins are found commonly in pet food, particularly kibble. This is because toxins come from pesticide residues on grains and other cereals used in the production of this type of pet food, as well as chemicals added during the manufacturing process. While companies making kibble sets standards for their products regarding toxins and other contaminants, it's still important to stay informed about what toxins could potentially be present in the food you are buying for your pet. In order to ensure that your pet is getting the best quality nutrition possible, do some research about what toxins can be found in kibble before making a purchase.

Here’s what we found

Kibble can contain toxins, and unlike homemade food for pets, there is a lack of transparency about their sources. The most common toxins found in kibble are additives such as artificial colors, preservatives, stabilizers, and flavor enhancers, which have been linked to problems such as weight gain and long-term organ damage. Though research continues into the health effects of toxins found in kibble, owners should take caution when feeding their pet a diet high in these ingredients. This is why pet parents are choosing to feed their companions the raw diet as an alternative diets to avoid toxins.

Artificial Colors

Artificial colors in pet kibble can be harmful for our four-legged friends. Artificial colors such as Yellow 6, Red 40 and Blue 2 are often used to make the food look more appealing to pet owners and are not regulated by the FDA, however they can have symptoms tied to illness when ingested. Common side effects of artificial coloring in pet food include skin irritation, digestive issues, and even rashes or behavioral changes. As pet owners it is important to evaluate the ingredients in your pet’s kibble to ensure artificial colors are not present, as this could potentially create long-term health concerns.

Preservatives

Many pet owners are unaware that harmful preservatives are added to many popular brands of kibble. These preservatives, such as BHA/BHT, ethoxyquin and propylene glycol, to keep the shelf life of the kibble long and its texture intact. These harmful preservatives have been linked to a variety of bodily issues in pets, including seizures, allergies, skin rashes, organ damage, hormone disruption, and even cancer. If your pet shows any of these symptoms after eating kibble with harmful preservatives, contact your veterinarian right away and discontinue use of the product.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers in pet kibble can have a range of affects on pets' health, depending on which stabilizer is used and the amount. While stabilizers like vitamin E and certain forms of vegetable oil are generally considered safe for animals.Upcoming research suggests stabilizers that contain artificial preservatives or arsenic-based stabilizers should be avoided as these have been linked to a number of symptoms including rashes, respiratory inflammation, diarrhea and kidney damage. It is important to research ingredients thoroughly to ensure the kibble purchased is stabilizer free or contains only safe stabilizers human-grade ingredients.

Flavor Enhancers

While flavor enhancers in kibble can increase the appeal of pet food, pet owners should be cautious of their use as some flavor enhancers may cause health concerns for pets. Common flavor enhancers found in kibble include monosodium glutamate (MSG) and autolyzed yeast extract which may cause digestive upset, vomiting, or diarrhea in pets if they are sensitive to these flavor enhancers. Additionally, some flavor enhancers may contain minerals like zinc or iron that are not readily sought out by the pet's body and accumulate over time leading to poisoning or other long-term organ damage. It's important for pet owners to check the ingredients list and look out for potential symptoms in order to keep their pets safe from any harm caused by flavor enhancers.

Lack of FDA Regulations in Kibble

While it may seem strange, the FDA has no regulation when it comes to dog kibble. There are only limited standards set for pet food manufacturers, meaning that many popular dog kibble brands can get away with using lower-quality ingredients and fillers in their products. This is concerning given the integral role of diet on a dog's overall health. Failing to provide adequate nutrition can often lead to serious health problems, so all pet owners should be aware of the FDA policies surrounding dog kibble and other pet foods before making any purchases for their furry friends.