Dog food dangers: Unpronouncable ingredients, dyes

Dogs are more than pets; they are family members. One way to ensure your pet leads a long and happy life is to feed him/her the right food and avoid dog food dangers.

Read on for six harmful ingredients in your pet’s food you should avoid.

Check the infographic below for more ingredients to avoid.

Dog food dangers

1. Carrageenan

According to a research study conducted by Cornucopia, carrageenan is found in more than 70 percent of canned pet food. This ingredient causes intestinal inflammation (inflammatory bowel disease), which can lead to cancer. Symptoms of this condition include weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting.

2. Corn Syrup/Corn

Conducted studies regarding diabetes reveal one in 400-500 dogs are diagnosed with diabetes that can be caused by the food sweetener corn syrup. The consumption of this sweetener can cause hyperactivity, weight gain, and a modification in mental behavior.

3. By-Products

The internal remains of an animal are known as by-products, and it is found in many different types of dog food. By-products are food-fillers that can cause disease to spread through a dog’s organs, tissues, and cause tumors.

Potential poisons

4. Xylitol

Like corn syrup, xylitol is a sweetener. Also known as birch sugar, this ingredient causes dogs to vomit, become lethargic, and experience loss of coordination. Chewing gum, chocolate, and other human foods contain xylitol. The consumption by dogs of any product with this ingredient could cause hypoglycemia, which is caused by a rapid release of insulin from the pancreas.

5. Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol can cause dogs to develop lesions within its intestines. These lesions could become cancerous. Intestinal blockage can be a result of the ingestion of this ingredient. Symptoms of this condition include loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, vomiting, and lethargy.

6. BHT

BHT is the acronym for butylated hydroxytoluene. It is used to preserve certain fats and oils within the food. It is suggested that BHT can cause cancerous tumors. Dogs may not be able to break down this chemical in their liver, which could cause changes in behavior.