{"id":13992,"date":"2024-12-19T09:17:43","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T09:17:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=13992"},"modified":"2025-04-24T05:58:39","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T04:58:39","slug":"common-ingredients-to-avoid-in-dog-treats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/common-ingredients-to-avoid-in-dog-treats\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Common Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most pet owners strive to give their dogs the best, often rewarding good behavior with treats. From freeze-dried morsels to boiled meats, dog treats are a tool for training and a source of joy for our furry companions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all dog treats are made with your pet&#8217;s health in mind. Some can include ingredients that may harm your furry friend over time. As a loving pet owner, it\u2019s important to recognize which ingredients to steer clear of to keep your dog happy and healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are five common ingredients in dog treats that you should steer clear of:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='1-bha-butylated-hydroxyanisole'><b>1. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BHA is a synthetic preservative commonly used in dog treats to extend shelf life by stabilizing fats and oils. While the FDA allows its use in limited amounts, its safety has been questioned. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has classified BHA as &#8220;reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen&#8221; based on animal studies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research from the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International Journal of Toxicology<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also found that<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science\/butylated-hydroxyanisole\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> high doses of BHA in animal experiments were linked to tumor formation in the forestomach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, particularly in rodents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Risks for Dogs:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digestive Issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Long-term exposure may lead to gastrointestinal upset.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hormonal Disruption<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Potential reproductive and endocrine interference.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cancer Risk<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Linked to tumor formation in animal studies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Better Alternatives:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Opt for treats made with natural preservatives like vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract. You can also find healthier dog treats from pet stores like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/zachspetshop.com.au\/collections\/dog-treats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zach&#8217;s Pet Shop<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which specialises in natural dog treats.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='2-filler-ingredients'><b>2. Filler Ingredients<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fillers like corn, wheat, soy, and meat by-products are commonly used to bulk up dog treats at a lower cost. These ingredients might make treats cheaper, but they offer little nutritional value and could end up harming your dog\u2019s health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study published in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jasbsci.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s40104-022-00827-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journal of Animal Science<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> highlights that high consumption of low-nutrition fillers like corn and wheat is linked to <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog obesity, affecting over <\/span><b>34% of dogs in the United States<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Concerns:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Low Nutritional Value<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These fillers often consist of &#8220;empty calories.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Allergic Reactions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Corn and wheat are common allergens for dogs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Obesity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: High calorie but low-nutrition content can lead to weight gain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Long-term Risks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Obesity increases the likelihood of diabetes, joint issues, and heart disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Better Alternatives:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Look for treats with whole ingredients like lean meats, vegetables, and fruits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='3-refined-and-artificial-sugars'><b>3. Refined and Artificial Sugars<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sugar is not only unnecessary for dogs but also potentially harmful. Dogs lack the enzyme amylase in their saliva, making it harder to digest sugar effectively. Despite this, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/paws-xylitol-its-dangerous-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2021 <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinary Medicine and Science<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> report found that over <\/span><b>25% of commercial dog treats<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners like xylitol.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Health Risks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diabetes and Obesity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Excessive sugar consumption contributes to these conditions, with studies linking it to an estimated <\/span><b>30% increase in diabetes cases in pets over the last decade<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dental Problems<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sugar accelerates tooth decay and gum disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Toxicity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Xylitol is particularly dangerous and can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, or liver failure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Better Alternatives:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Fruits like bananas, blueberries, or apple slices (without seeds) are naturally sweet and safe for dogs in moderation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='4-carrageenan'><b>4. Carrageenan<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carrageenan, a thickening agent derived from red seaweed, is often added to improve the texture of dog treats. Although the FDA has approved it, its safety is debated. A study published in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental Health Perspectives<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2072-6643\/13\/10\/3402?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> carrageenan is linked to <\/span><b>gastrointestinal inflammation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and a higher risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in humans and animals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Health Risks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gastrointestinal Distress<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Linked to bloating, diarrhea, and inflammation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chronic Conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Prolonged exposure may lead to IBD or ulcers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Better Alternatives:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Seek products that use safer alternatives like agar-agar or guar gum, or choose treats free from thickeners altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='5-artificial-dyes'><b>5. Artificial Dyes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Synthetic colorants like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2 are frequently added to dog treats to make them visually appealing to humans, though they provide no benefit to dogs. A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sustainableliving.blogs.bucknell.edu\/2024\/12\/16\/the-colors-youre-dyeing-for\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 2019 report from the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Center for Science in the Public Interest<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CSPI)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> highlights potential links between these dyes and <\/span><b>behavioral changes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in pets and tumor development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Health Risks:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hyperactivity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Linked to behavioral changes in pets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tumor Formation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Some studies suggest a link to cancer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Allergic Reactions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This can cause skin irritation and digestive upset.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Better Alternatives:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Choose treats colored with natural ingredients such as turmeric, beetroot powder, or spinach. These options are not only safer but also add a nutritional boost.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='final-words'><b>Final Words<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selecting healthy treats for your dog involves more than just grabbing the most convenient option off the shelf. You can ensure your dog&#8217;s long-term health and happiness by avoiding harmful ingredients like BHA, fillers, refined sugars, carrageenan, and artificial dyes. Prioritize treats with wholesome, natural ingredients, or consider making your own at home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your furry friend depends on you to make the right choices\u2014let\u2019s keep them wagging their tails for years to come!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most pet owners strive to give their dogs the best, often rewarding good behavior with treats. From freeze-dried morsels to boiled meats, dog treats are a tool for training and a source of joy for our furry companions. Not all dog treats are made with your pet&#8217;s health in mind. Some can include ingredients that [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/common-ingredients-to-avoid-in-dog-treats\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from 5 Common Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":13995,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13992","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-dogs"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13992","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13992"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13992\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14062,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13992\/revisions\/14062"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13995"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13992"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13992"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13992"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}