by Katie W.

Created on: October 29, 2008

In May of 2008, our family had to make a heart-breaking decision to put our beloved little friend of ten years to sleep. I couldn't understand why he had gotten so sick. He had his shots every year and was given heart-worm and worm medicine regularly, and fed an expensive dog food for his skin allergies. He loved and trusted us and would have given his life for us, and we had to end his. My grief led me to researching the additives and chemicals that are used to make commercial dog foods, and here is some information that I found.

Propylene Glycol is an additive that is odorless and colorless. It is an oily liquid used in many ways. It is used to make sexual and medical lubricants, deicing fluids, automobile ante-freezes, hand sanitizersm tire sealants, and the list goes on and on.

Glyceryl Monostearate is used to make diaper-rash cremes, Hair coloring, and conditioners for the hair.

BHA and BHT are both antioxidants, used to preserve fats or oils in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Many countries have banned both for human use, but the U.S. allows it in our pet foods. Both have been linked to fetal abnormalities, metabolic stress and kidney and liver dysfunction. BHT can also be linked to behavior changes.

Ethoxyquin is a suspected carcinogenic, but is also a chemical preservative known as a pesticide which cannot be used in human foods. This preservative is linked to behavior problems, allergies, skin problems and organ failure.

Blood Meal is used as a fertilizer and it nothing but dried powdered blood. In 1997, along with Glandular Meal, were both banned from livestock feed by the FDA. They were both linked to Mad Cow Disease.

Menadione Sodium Bi-sulfate is known as Vitamin K 3. This product is not a daily dietary requirement. Long term use of this can result in some serious health problems for your pet.

Now, imagine feeding your pet these chemicals and preservatives day after day. We really don't know any better, and we think we are doing the right thing by our pets. But what I found out was the fact that the FDA does not regulate what goes into pet foods. To them, our pets are not human beings, and therefore, it doesn't matter to them what goes into their food. It matters to me, for I miss my little dog. He was the best friend I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I didn't realize that there are different brands of organic dog foods that do not contain these harsh chemicals. If your dogs food contains any of these chemicals, then I suggest you make a change in his/her diet. Don't wait till it's to late like I did. I didn't question, and now I feel guilty. Our pets love and trust us, and we should do what we can to make sure they live a long and healthy life.

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