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Banned in Human Foods, yet Still Allowed in Your Pet’s Food

This synthetic preservative can be toxic to your pet's liver and kidneys, and has shown to be carcinogenic. While you won't find it listed on food labels, these five common ingredients may contain it. Here's how to know if it's in your pet's food.

ethoxyquin in pet food

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • A lawsuit was recently filed against Nestlé Purina for labeling cat food “natural” that contained potentially toxic ingredients, including the synthetic preservative ethoxyquin
  • Ethoxyquin is linked to cancer and liver and kidney damage, and is banned for use in human foods, but is still allowed in processed pet foods, particularly those containing fish meal
  • In addition to scientific studies of toxicity, there are countless anecdotal reports — including my own — of pets becoming severely ill as a result of eating diets containing ethoxyquin
  • Pet parents concerned about ethoxyquin in their dog’s or cat’s food may find it challenging to get a straight answer from pet food manufacturers

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