Artificial preservatives or atificial antioxidants in dog food
Artificial preservatives helps to keep ingredients stable longer and give a longer shelf life than natural antioxidants. However, dog owners have had concerns over the safety of artificial preservatives in dog food.
The most controversial of these has been ethoxyquin, which has been approved for use in animal feeds for over 30 years. It is currently allowed in dog foods at levels of up to 150 parts per million (ppm), or 0.015%.
Natural preservatives or natural antioxidants in dog food
Some pet owners prefer pet foods with only natural preservatives. Vitamin E, vitamin C, citric acid, and rosemary are among the most commonly used natural preservatives. Mixed tocopherols are a common source of vitamin E in pet foods.
Vitamin C is provided by ingredients such as cranberries, blueberries, apples and some other fruits. Citric acid is also found in many of these, especially citrus fruits. Rosemary is an extract from the plant Rosmarinus officinalis, an evergreen shrub which has anti-oxidant properties.
If you choose to use a dog food containing natural preservatives, keep in mind that they cannot extend shelf life as long as the artificial preservatives can. Consider buying the food in smaller amounts, to make sure that it is used up before it loses its freshness or nutritional value.
Look for foods with a ‘best if used by’ date stamped on them. Store these foods in a dry location, away from excessive heat or humidity. If possible, place the bag inside another clean, dry container once it has been opened.