12 Carcinogenic foods you shouldn't feed your dogs with

Most of us consider our pets as a part of the family. They provide companionship, laughter and joy and help bridge the gap between man and animal. In turn, we give them the best we can afford in terms of food and healthcare. But sometimes, owing to lack of knowledge, we unintentionally pamper our pets with items that may be harmful for them. Here is a list of 12 carcinogenic items that you shouldn’t feed your dogs:

1. Foods with artificial coloring

Most colors aren’t distinguishable to dogs so adding them to dog food is unnecessary. While they do enhance the color of the food, certain colors have been found to cause allergic reactions and even cancer in dogs. Consider the source of these coloring agents – blue 1 is originally derived from coal tar while blue 2 is derived from indigo paste. Yellow 5 and yellow 6, most commonly used in dog food, are said to have the capability to cause tumors of the adrenal gland and kidneys.

2. BHA/BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are used to preserve fats in foods. And while they have their uses, it is suspected that they can contribute to the growth of cancer and tumors. Avoid buying dog food that contains these chemicals and search for safe replacements like vitamin E.

3. Ethoxyquin

Used as a preservative in human and pet foods, ethoxyquin is usually present in products containing fats and animal byproducts. There have been many stories of animals dying of cancer after being given foods containing ethoxyquin as well as those of horrifying birth defects. Considering it is also used as a pesticide, never buy pet foods containing this chemical. Keep in mind that fish meal ingredient used in dog food also contains ethoxyquin.

4. Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are dangerous molds that are sometimes used in pet food. Even small dosages over time can cause liver and kidney fibrosis and cancer. All the groups that fall under mycotoxins have adverse health effects – aflatoxins, ochratoxin, citrinin, patulin, ergot, and fusarium. And while all may not be carcinogenic, they have been known to disrupt the immune system of animals, which is just as bad.

5. Sodium nitrite

Sodium nitrite is used as a coloring agent in foods and to prevent the growth of bacteria. According to the Consumer’s Guide to Dog Food, this chemical produces carcinogenic compounds once it enters a dog’s system.

6. Titanium dioxide color

An artificial coloring agent used to produce a white pigment, titanium dioxide (numbered E171 when used to color food) has been known to cause cancer in animals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer found that it caused respiratory tract cancer in rats.

7. Propyl gallate

While not proven 100 percent, propyl gallate - used to stabilize foods containing fats - is suspected of causing liver diseases and cancer. Search for safer natural alternatives like citric acid and rosemary extract which can do the job equally well while safeguarding your pet’s health.

8. Meat and bone meal

Used in animal feed, meat and bone meal consists of leftovers from the food processing industry. Widely used as low cost meat in pet foods, the ingredients are obtained from any source, meaning that they could be made up of even diseased or cancerous animal parts. By the way, the meat sources could be made up of any animal too, including dogs and cats!

9. Propylene glycol

Used to maintain the right texture and moisture levels in foods, propylene glycol can cause a host of problems in your pets including intestinal blockage and cancerous intestinal lesions. And though it inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in foods, it also inhibits the necessary growth of friendly bacteria in your dog’s digestive system.

10. Cyclamate

Cyclamate is an artificial sweetener used mainly in diet foods. While it has been banned in the United States since 1970, there may be low quality foods that still use it. So if you’re thinking of getting yourself that cheap diet food, don’t, and never feed it to your pets.

11. Maple syrup

While maple syrup doesn’t cause cancer, it has been known to speed up other cancer causing agents. And though it is found in only one percent of dog food, it could be enough to get your dog to suffer from this deadly disease.

12. Bracken

If you’re taking your dog out on a walk and happen to come across the bracken plant, go around. Dogs are curious creatures and are known to give almost everything a taste. Bracken sap and spores are known to cause cancer in dogs and other animals. The season for bracken is from mid-August to late September.

In view of the number of cancer-causing ingredients found in pet food, you may wonder what you should feed your dog after reading the above. Experts suggest good home-cooked meals with the right amounts of proteins, fresh meat and vitamins. After all, home food is at the top of any health expert’s list, be it for humans as well as your beloved pets.