Pet Digest

  Preservatives in Pet Food: What They Are, How They’re Used, and Their Safety When you read the ingredient list on your pet’s food, you may notice names like “tocopherols,” “rosemary extract,” or even less familiar terms like “BHA” or “ethoxyquin.” These are preservatives—and they play an important role in keeping your dog or cat’s meals safe and nutritious. --- What Are Preservatives in Pet Food? Preservatives are ingredients added to pet foods to slow down spoilage. Pet foods—especially those containing fats and oils—are prone to oxidation, which can cause rancidity, bad smells, and the breakdown of nutrients. There are two broad categories: Synthetic preservatives: lab-created compounds such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin. Natural preservatives: naturally derived compounds such as vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and rosemary extract. Pet Food Institute – Food Safety and Quality --- How Are Preservative...