Rosemary Extract in Pet Food: Natural Preservative or Hidden Risk?

 Rosemary Extract in Pet Food: Natural Preservative or Hidden Risk?

In recent years, more pet food companies have shifted away from synthetic preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. Instead, many brands now highlight “natural preservatives” on their labels—most commonly rosemary extract.

Rosemary extract is valued for its natural antioxidant properties, but some pet parents have concerns about whether it may be linked to seizures in dogs. Let’s break down what rosemary extract is, how it’s used, and what the science says about its safety.

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What Is Rosemary Extract?

Rosemary extract is derived from the rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis), a common culinary herb. In pet food, it isn’t used for flavor but for its antioxidant compounds, particularly carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid.

These compounds help slow down the oxidation of fats and oils in kibble and treats, extending shelf life and preserving nutritional quality.

Pet Food Institute – Preservatives

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Why Is Rosemary Extract Used in Pet Food?

Natural alternative to synthetic preservatives

Helps prevent rancidity in fats

Appeals to pet owners who want “cleaner labels” with recognizable, plant-based ingredients

It is especially common in grain-free, holistic, or premium diets, where natural preservation is part of the marketing appeal.

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Concerns About Rosemary and Seizures

Some pet parents and veterinarians have raised concerns about rosemary extract being a possible trigger for seizure activity, particularly in dogs with pre-existing epilepsy.

Here’s what we know:

Case reports: A few anecdotal reports and discussions in veterinary forums suggest rosemary may exacerbate seizures in dogs already prone to them.

Essential oils vs. food extract: Much of the concern may come from research on concentrated rosemary essential oil, which contains much higher levels of active compounds than the diluted extracts used in food.

Scientific evidence: To date, there is no large-scale clinical research directly proving rosemary extract in pet food causes seizures. However, because epilepsy is a complex condition with many potential triggers, some veterinarians recommend avoiding it in sensitive dogs as a precaution.

American Kennel Club – Epilepsy in Dogs

PetMD – Dog Seizures: Causes and Triggersnull

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Should You Avoid Rosemary Extract?

If your dog has seizures: It may be worth choosing a pet food without rosemary extract, just to rule it out as a possible trigger.

For healthy pets: Rosemary extract is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities when used in small amounts as a preservative.

Check the label: Rosemary extract is often listed toward the end of the ingredient list, since only small amounts are needed.

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Final Thoughts

Rosemary extract is a natural preservative with clear benefits—it helps keep pet food fresh without synthetic chemicals. But for dogs with epilepsy or a history of seizures, some veterinarians advise avoiding it, even though definitive scientific proof of harm is lacking.

If your pet has seizures, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian and consider a trial with rosemary-free food to see if it makes a difference.

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