Controversial
Dog Food Ingredients

Added generically refers to synthetic dyes used to change the color of food, cosmetics and medications. In humans added colors can cause reactions that include headaches, asthma attacks, itching or hives, insomnia, and hyperactivity. What's most concerning is these ingredients are completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Amaranth (also called FD&C Red No. 2, E123, C.I. Food Red 9, Acid Red 40, Azorubin S, or C.I. 16185) is a synthetic dye used to change the color of food. it's been banned in the US since 1976 since it was shown to contribute to tumors in animals.

Animal digest is produced by chemically breaking down animal tissue into a liquid that can be used as an added flavoring. It makes it more likely your dog will like the food. However, this is a controversial ingredient because it's a heavily processed animal ingredient that may contain lower-quality ingredients.

Animal fat is created through a process called rendering which uses heat to convert animal tissue into more usable materials. Rendering dries the ingredient to separate bones, fat and protein. While fats are nutritious, this ingredient doesn't identify the species it comes from making it questionable and intransparent. This includes the potential that rancid, dead, dying, disabled or diseased meat sources could have been used.

Animal fat is created through a process called rendering which uses heat to convert animal tissue into more usable materials. Rendering dries the ingredient to separate bones, fat and protein. While fats are nutritious, this ingredient doesn't identify the species it comes from making it questionable and intransparent. This includes the potential that rancid, dead, dying, disabled or diseased meat sources could have been used. This ingredient also uses an artificial preservative called BHA which is suspected of causing cancer in dogs. For these reasons, we do not consider this a high-quality ingredient.

The liver is an organ that's rich in iron, copper, and vitamin A and B. Generally, the liver is a nutritious and healthy ingredient, but this ingredient doesn't identify the species it comes from making it questionable and intransparent. This includes the potential that rancid, dead, dying, disabled or diseased meat sources could have been used. For these reasons, it's controversial.

Artificial flavors are added to increase the chance your dog will want to eat the food. The generic term artificial flavor is used to represent a large number of possible additives, some which could be harmful. These flavors may include but not list controversial ingredients such as propylene glycol, BHA and more.

Butylated hydroxyanisole - Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an artificial preservative that is used to keep foods from going rancid. The US Department of Health says it is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" and it's been found to produce certain types of tumors in animals.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), also known as dibutylhydroxytoluene, is an artificial preservative that is added for its antioxidant properties. It has been linked to cancerous tumors, behavioral changes and is banned in Japan, Romania, Sweden and Australia.

Brilliant Blue FCF (also called Blue 1 and E133) is a synthetic dye used to change the color of food. It has been shown to create allergic reactions in individuals with pre-existing moderate asthma. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Blue 2 is a synthetic dye used to change the color of food. This ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Brewer's Rice is basically white rice that has been broken into smaller pieces. It's a waste product of the milling process and considered a low quality ingredient because it's missing many of the nutrients contained in whole ground rice and brown rice.

Brewer's Rice Flour is white rice that has been ground into a fine flour. It's a by-product of the milling process and we consider it a low quality ingredient because it's missing many of the nutrients contained in whole ground rice and brown rice.

Butylated hydroxyanisole - Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an artificial preservative that is used to keep foods from going rancid. The US Department of Health says it is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" and it's been found to produce certain types of tumors in animals.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), also known as dibutylhydroxytoluene, is an artificial preservative that is added for it antioxidant properties. It has been linked to cancerous tumors, behavioral changes and is banned in Japan, Romania, Sweden and Australia.

Caramel is made by heating a number of different sugars. It's used in pet food to change the color of the food. Added sugars can cause obesity and diabetes in dogs, but more importantly dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

A concentrated form of caramel used in pet food to change the color of the food. It contains 4-methylimidazole (4-MIE), which has been shown to potentially produce cancer in animals.

Carmine (also called Cochineal, Crimson Lake and Red 4) is a dye produced from some scale insects such as the cochineal scale and is used to change the color of food. It has been shown to cause severe allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock in some people. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Carrageenan is derived from red algae or seaweed and is used as a gelling or thickening ingredient to bind food together. Evidence has been found that it is potentially inflammatory and toxic to the digestive tract, and may be responsible for colitis, IBS, rheumatoid arthritis, and colon cancer.

Cereals generically refers to wheat, rice, oats, barley, corns, etc. Since it's generically listed, it's not possible to determine the type or quality of the ingredient.

Carmine (also called Cochineal, Crimson Lake and Red 4) is a dye produced from some scale insects such as the cochineal scale and is used to change the color of food. it has been shown it has been to cause severe allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock in some people. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Corn is a lower cost ingredient that does provide energy, but dogs can be sensitive to it. As a kernel it is not digestible, so it must be processed, but that processing leads to a higher glycemic index. Corn is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial if it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Corn gluten meal is a low cost protein ingredient that is used to add protein and bind food together. This protein is far less complete in nutrient content than meat based proteins, but because of its low cost it is often used to bump up the protein percentage. It is controversial if it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Corn meal is a lower cost ingredient that does provide energy, but dogs can be sensitive to it. As a kernel it is not digestible, so it must be processed, but that processing leads to a higher glycemic index. Corn meal is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial if it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Corn Sugar (also called corn syrup or glucose syrup) is an added sugar made from Corn. It enhances the foods flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Corn syrup, like High Fructose Corn Syrup, is made from corn starch. While regular corn syrup is 100% glucose, HFCS more fructose. Therefore, corn syrup is less controversial than HFCS, but because it's added sugar, it still is not a healthy dog food ingredient.

This is Corn Syrup or Glucose Syrup, a food additive made from corn, with some of the water removed so it becomes more soild. It enhances the foods flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

A form of fructose that is an added sugar to enhance flavor and make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

A form of Glucose that is an added sugar to enhance flavor and make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Similar to Corn Syrup it is an added sugar made from a grain like corn. It enhances the foods flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Also called Glucose, it is added sugar that enhances the foods flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), also known as dibutylhydroxytoluene, is an artificial preservative that is added for its antioxidant properties. It has been linked to cancerous tumors, behavioral changes and is banned in Japan, Romania, Sweden and Australia.

Dried animal digest is produced by chemically breaking down animal tissue into a liquid that can be used as an added flavoring, making it more likely your dog will eat the food. This is a controversial ingredient because it is produced with unknown animal sources which are also often of unknown quality.

Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate - A paraben food preservative that is used to slow the growth of fungus. Parabens have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system in humans, linking it to breast cancer, lower sperm count, and altered gene expressions.

Sodium metabisulfite - Used as a preservative and antioxidant in food. Has been shown to cause allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to sulfites, including respiratory reactions in asthmatics, anaphylaxis, and other allergic reactions.

Propyl gallat is a food preservative (also called Propyl 3, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzoate) to prevent oxidation in food. Has been linked to tumor growth in animal studies.

TBHQ - Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is an artificial preservative that is used to keep foods from going rancid. It has been found to produce pre-cancerous stomach tumors in animals, cause damage to a cell’s DNA and with long term exposure it may lead to other cancers.

Butylated hydroxyanisole - Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an artificial preservative that is used to keep foods from going rancid. The US Department of Health says it is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" and it's been found to produce certain types of tumors in animals.

Butylated hydroxytoluene - Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), also known as dibutylhydroxytoluene, is an artificial preservative that is added for it's antioxidant properties. It has been linked to cancerous tumors, behavioral changes and is banned in Japan, Romania, Sweden and Australia.

Ethoxyquin, also called EMQ, it is used as a preservative to prevent the destruction of some vitamins as well as slowing fat from becoming rancid. Commonly used as a pesticide, It is banned as a food additive in the EU and Australia. The metabolites formed when being metabolized by a human or animal could potentially damage DNA, as well as cause mutations in the genetic material.

More commonly called Ethoxyquin, it is used as preservative to prevent the destruction of some vitamins as well as slowing fat from becoming rancid. Commonly used as a pesticide, It is banned as a food additive in the EU and Australia. The metabolites formed when being metabolized by a human or animal could potentially damage DNA, as well as cause mutations in the genetic material.

Erythrosine (also called Red 3) is a synthetic dye used to change the color of food. It's been linked to cancer in animals, as well as thyroid tumors. The US has banned it in cosmetics and external drugs but allows for ingestion. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Also called EMQ, it is used as a preservative to prevent the destruction of some vitamins as well as slowing fat from becoming rancid. Commonly used as a pesticide, it is banned as a food additive in the EU and Australia. The metabolites formed when this ingredient is being digested by humans and animals could potentially damage DNA, as well as cause mutations in the genetic material.

While fish is generally a healthy and nutritious dog food ingredient, this particular example doesn’t specify the animal(s) it’s actually made of. This makes it a questionable and potentially low-quality dog food ingredient.

Fish meals are made by cooking fish. Water is removed from meats to create a protein-rich meal powder. Meat meals contain about four times the protein meats do, so generally, they're a good source of nutrients. While fish is generally nutritious, this ingredient doesn't identify the species it comes from making it questionable and intransparent. This includes the potential that rancid, dead, dying, disabled or diseased meat sources could have been used. For that reason we do not consider this a high-quality ingredient.

Fish oil in general is very nutritious, supplying healthy Omega fatty acids and other nutrients to your dog. However, this ingredient doesn't show which animal(s) it's actually made from, making it less transparent and potentially low-quality. Because of that, we consider it a controversial ingredient.

Commonly called fruit sugar it is an added sugar that enhances flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Also known as Corn Syrup, it is a food additive made from corn. It's an added sugar that enhances flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Fast Green FCF (also called Food green 3, FD&C Green No. 3, Green 1724, Solid Green FCF, and C.I. 42053) is a synthetic dye used to change the color of food. Prohibited in the EU, it has been found to cause tumors in animals, as well as mutagenic effects in both animals and humans. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Ground wheat is not simply good or bad. It' provides calories and carbs, but some dogs can have a sensitivity to it. Wheat is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial when it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Ground whole grain corn is a lower cost ingredient that does provide energy, but dogs can be sensitive to it. As a kernel it is not digestible, so it must be processed, but that processing leads to a higher glycemic index. Yellow corn is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial if it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Ground yellow corn is a lower cost ingredient that does provide energy, but dogs can be sensitive to it. As a kernel it is not digestible, so it must be processed, but that processing leads to a higher glycemic index. Yellow corn is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial if it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn starch. It's controversial for a lot of reasons, including its very high sugar content and it's potential link to obesity and metabolic disorders. This will make your dog want to eat the food, but it's not a healthy dog food ingredient.

A synthetic coal tar dye (also called Indigotine, FD&C Blue 2 and E132) used to change the color of food. Has been shown to cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in humans. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

A synthetic coal tar dye (also called Indigo Carmine, FD&C Blue 2 and E132) used to change the color of food. Has been shown to cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in humans. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

The liver is an organ that's rich in iron, copper, and vitamin A and B. Generally, the liver is a nutritious and healthy ingredient, but this ingredient doesn't identify the species it comes from making it questionable and intransparent. This includes the potential that rancid, dead, dying, disabled or diseased meat sources could have been used. For these reasons, it's controversial.

Liver digest is produced by chemically breaking down the organ into a liquid that can be used as an added flavoring. It makes it more likely your dog will like the food. However, this is a controversial ingredient because it's a heavily processed animal ingredient that may contain lower-quality ingredients. Additionally, the species it comes from is unknown here.

Also known as Corn Syrup or Glucose Syrup is a food additive made from corn. It's an added sugar that enhances flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Also known as Corn Syrup or Glucose Syrup is a food additive made from corn. It's an added sugar that enhances flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Meat and bone meals are created by cooking meat, tissue, bones and slaughterhouse waste products using high heat. In the process, most of the water is removed, resulting in a protein-rich powder. Pure meat meals contain about four times the protein meats do, so generally, they're a good source of nutrients. However, meals that also contain bones can be difficult to digest and have the potential to include rancid, dead, dying, disabled or diseased meat sources. This ingredient also doesn't identify the species it comes from making it questionable and intransparent. For these reasons, we do not consider this a high-quality ingredient.

Meat by-products are animal parts other than meat that are left over at the slaughterhouse. This can include the lung, spleen, brain, liver, blood, bone, beaks, kidneys, fatty tissue, and intestines. Because there is a wide variety of animal parts companies can use, and because details don't need to be disclosed, it's tough to compare the quality of different by-products. Generally speaking, by-products can provide important nutrients for dogs but can be of lower quality than meats and meat meals. For these reasons, we do not consider this a high-quality ingredient.

A synthetic version of Vitamin K (known as Menadione) which is added due to the lack or loss of Vitamin K in the food processing. Menadione supplements are banned by the FDA because of their potential toxicity in human use and can be found as 10+ different names on a label. While low amounts have been found to be safe, the consistent repetitive nature of a dogs diet results in the long-term exposure that should be considered.

A synthetic version of Vitamin K (known as Menadione) which is added due to the lack or loss of Vitamin K in the food processing. Menadione supplements are banned by the FDA because of their potential toxicity in human use and can be found as 10+ different names on a label. While low amounts have been found to be safe, the consistent repetitive nature of a dogs diet results in the long-term exposure that should be considered.

A synthetic version of Vitamin K (known as Menadione) which is added due to the lack or loss of Vitamin K in the food processing. Menadione supplements are banned by the FDA because of their potential toxicity in human use and can be found as 10+ different names on a label. While low amounts have been found to be safe, the consistent repetitive nature of a dogs diet results in the long-term exposure that should be considered.

A synthetic version of Vitamin K (known as Menadione) which is added due to the lack or loss of Vitamin K in the food processing. Menadione supplements are banned by the FDA because of their potential toxicity in human use and can be found as 10+ different names on a label. While low amounts have been found to be safe, the consistent repetitive nature of a dogs diet results in the long-term exposure that should be considered.

A synthetic version of Vitamin K (known as Menadione) which is added due to the lack or loss of Vitamin K in the food processing. Menadione supplements are banned by the FDA because of their potential toxicity in human use and can be found as 10+ different names on a label. While low amounts have been found to be safe, the consistent repetitive nature of a dogs diet results in the long-term exposure that should be considered.

A synthetic version of Vitamin K (known as Menadione) which is added due to the lack or loss of Vitamin K in the food processing. Menadione supplements are banned by the FDA because of their potential toxicity in human use and can be found as 10+ different names on a label. While low amounts have been found to be safe, the consistent repetitive nature of a dogs diet results in the long-term exposure that should be considered.

Made by refining sugar cane or sugar beets. It's an added sugar that enhances flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Sunset Yellow FCF (also called Orange Yellow S, C.I. 15985, and E110) is a petroleum-derived orange dye used to change the color of food, cosmetics and medications. With links to ADHD and cancers, it has been restricted or banned in some EU countries and has restrictions in the US-based on maximum intake ranges. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

A synthetic coal tar derived dye (also called Food Blue 5, Sulphan Blue, Acid Blue 3, L-Blau 3, C-Blau 20, Patentblau V, Sky Blue, C.I. 42051 and E131) used to change the color of food. It is banned as a food dye in Australia and US, because it's suspected to cause allergic reactions, with symptoms ranging from itching, nettle rash, nausea, hypotension, and in rare cases anaphylactic shock. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

While poultry meats are generally healthy for dogs, this ingredient doesn't identify the species it comes from making it questionable and intransparent. This includes the potential that rancid, dead, dying, disabled or diseased meat sources could have been used. For these reasons, we do not consider this a high-quality ingredient.

Meat by-products are animal parts other than meat that are left over at the slaughterhouse. This can include the lung, spleen, brain, liver, blood, bone, beaks, kidneys, fatty tissue, and intestines. Because there is a wide variety of animal parts companies can use, and because details don't need to be disclosed, it's tough to compare the quality of different by-products. Generally speaking, by-products can provide important nutrients for dogs but can be of lower quality than meats and meat meals. Additionally, this ingredient doesn't identify the species it comes from making it questionable and intransparent. This includes the potential that rancid, dead, dying, disabled or diseased meat sources could have been used. For these reasons, we do not consider this a high-quality ingredient.

While poultry fat is generally healthy for dogs, this ingredient doesn't identify the species it comes from making it questionable and intransparent. This includes the potential that rancid, dead, dying, disabled or diseased fat sources could have been used. For these reasons, we do not consider this a high-quality ingredient.

Powdered cellulose can be made from many plant sources and is often added as a low-quality fiber or binding agent. While it is technically safe for dogs to ingest and can have benefit's related to digestion, it is often used in excess as an inexpensive filler that provides no nutritional value to your dog.

A food preservative (also called Propyl Gallate) to prevent oxidation in food. Has been linked to tumor growth in animal studies.

A food preservative (also called Propyl 3, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzoate) to prevent oxidation in food. Has been linked to tumor growth in animal studies.

A food preservative that prevents oxidation of food. Has been shown to disrupt the endocrine system in humans and is potentially linked to breast cancer, lower sperm count, and altered gene expressions.

Used to help retain moisture in food but also used to de-ice aircraft and in automotive antifreeze. it has been shown to contribute to a serious blood disease in cats called Heinz Body Anemia. It has been banned from use in cat food by the FDA, but not in dog food.

A food preservative to prevent oxidation in food. Has been shown to disrupt the endocrine system in humans, linking it to breast cancer, lower sperm count, and altered gene expressions.

Amaranth (also called FD&C Red No. 2, E123, C.I. Food Red 9, Acid Red 40, Azorubin S, or C.I. 16185) is a synthetic dye used to change the color of food. It's been banned in the US since 1976 since it was shown to contribute to tumors in animals.

Erythrosine (also called Red 3 or Red #3) is a synthetic dye used to change the color of food. it's been linked to cancer in animals, as well as thyroid tumors. The US has banned it in cosmetics and external drugs but allows for ingestion. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Carmine (also called Cochineal, Crimson Lake and Red 4) is a dye produced from some scales of insects and is used to color food. It has been shown it has been to cause severe allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock in some people. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Allura Red AC (also called FD&C Red 40, C. I. 16035 and E129) is a synthetic dye used to change the color of food. it has been shown to significantly reduced reproductive success, parental and offspring weight, brain weight, and survival. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Used as a preservative to protect against oxidation and to kill microbes. It was banned from use by the FDA on fresh fruits and vegetables in the United States following the deaths of 13 people and many illnesses.

Used as a preservative and antioxidant in food. Has been shown to cause allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to sulfites, including respiratory reactions in asthmatics, anaphylaxis, and other allergic reactions.

A food preservative that also gives color to cured meats and poultry. Has been linked to increasing death in humans from Alzheimer's disease, diabetes mellitus, stomach cancer, and Parkinson's disease.

A food preservative that prevents the growth of microorganisms while giving taste and color to processed meats. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified Sodium Nitrite as "probably carcinogenic to humans."

A food additive that is the sodium of propylparaben and slows fungus and preserves the food. Parabens have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system in humans, and is potentially linked to breast cancer, lower sperm count and altered gene expressions.

Used as a preservative and antioxidant in food. Has been shown to cause allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to sulfites, including respiratory reactions in asthmatics, and anaphylaxis.

Made from corn syrup, this is a sugar alcohol added to enhance flavor and make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes. Sorbitol is sometimes also used as a laxative.

Soy is not simply good or bad. It's a lower cost ingredient that is one of the most complete vegetable-sourced proteins, but some dogs can have a sensitivity to it. Soy is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial when it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Soy is not simply good or bad. It's a lower cost ingredient that is one of the most complete vegetable-sourced proteins, but some dogs can have a sensitivity to it. Soy is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial when it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Grist are soybeans that have been heated and then ground into small pieces. While soy grits are high in protein, their nutritional quality (the bioavailability of amino acids) is lower than that of meats so it's not ideal if used as part of the first five dog food ingredients.

Soybean meal is ground and dried soybeans. Soy is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial when it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Common table sugar that enhances flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Added sugar enhances flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

An added sugar that enhances flavor to make it more likely your dog will eat. The health concerns of added sugar are as real for dogs as they are for humans, notably obesity and diabetes.

Tartrazine (also called C.I. 19140, FD&C Yellow 5, Acid Yellow 23, Food Yellow 4 and E102) and is a synthetic lemon yellow dye used to change the color of food, cosmetics and medications. In humans with Tartrazine hypersensitivity reactions include headaches, asthma attacks, itching or hives, insomnia, and hyperactivity. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is an artificial preservative that is added for it's fat preserving properties. It has been found to potentially produce pre-cancerous stomach tumors in animals, cause damage to a cell’s DNA, and with long term exposure it may lead to other cancers.

Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is an artificial preservative that is added for it's fat preserving properties. It has been found to potentially produce pre-cancerous stomach tumors in animals, cause damage to a cell’s DNA, and with long term exposure it may lead to other cancers.

Extracted from titanium and used in many products like paint, cosmetics, sunscreen and more. For pet food it's used for coloring and texture. It has been identified as possibly cancer-causing in humans - and studies of have found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles can cause an inflammatory response and genetic damage in mice. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Unnamed fats are a by-product of the rendering process and could come from a number of undesirable sources. Whenever the specific animal is not listed an ingredient is considered low-quality.

Unnamed meats could come from a number of undesirable sources. At worst, these unnamed meats could include the remains of dead, dying, decaying, or diseased animals. Whenever the specific animal is not listed an ingredient is considered low-quality.

An oil that is extracted from a mixture of seeds which contain Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. It's commonly used to supply additional energy and flavor. However, since this ingredient is not specifically listing it's plant source it's not possible to determine the quality.

A synthetic version of Vitamin K (known as Menadione) which is added due to the lack or loss of Vitamin K in food processing. Menadione supplements are banned by the FDA for human use because of their potential toxicity and can be found as 10+ different names on a label. While low amounts have been found to be safe, the consistent repetitive nature of a dogs diet results in the long-term exposure that should be considered.

Wheat is not simply good or bad. It's a lower cost ingredient that does provide energy, but some dogs can have a sensitivity to it. Wheat is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial when it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein could be more nutritious.

Wheat flour is not simply good or bad. It's a lower cost ingredient that does provide energy, but some dogs can have a sensitivity to it. Wheat is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial when it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Wheat gluten is the main protein in wheat and made by washing out the starch from the grain. Wheat is a grass and cereal grain often used in dog food. It provides protein, dietary fiber, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, B vitamins and minerals. Some dogs may develop wheat allergies, though they are a lot less common than allergies to beef, dairy and soy. The jury is still out on whether wheat is a high-quality dog food ingredient so please consult your vet if you suspect your dog may be allergic or has food sensitivities. Wheat is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial when it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Whole grain corn is a low-cost dog food ingredient that provides energy (calories), but some dogs can be sensitive to it. Corn is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial if it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Whole Grain Wheat is not simply good or bad as a dog food ingredient. It's a lower cost ingredient that does provide calories, but some dogs can be sensitive to it. Wheat is not generally considered a controversial ingredient, but is controversial when it is used in the top five ingredients (which make up about 80% of the food's weight) where a named meat or lean protein would be more nutritious.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute. Ingestion by dogs can potentially drop their blood sugar which is called hypoglycemia. This low blood sugar level can result in a loss of coordination, depression, collapse, and seizures in dogs as quickly as 30 minutes. Higher levels can potentially cause liver failure in dogs, which can be fatal.

Tartrazine (also called C.I. 19140, FD&C Yellow 5, Acid Yellow 23, Food Yellow 4 and E102) and is a synthetic lemon yellow dye used to change the color of food, cosmetics and medications. In humans with Tartrazine hypersensitivity potential reactions include headaches, asthma attacks, itching or hives, insomnia, and hyperactivity. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color of their food.

Sunset Yellow FCF (also called Orange Yellow S, C.I. 15985, and E110) is a petroleum-derived orange dye used to change the color of food, cosmetics and medications. With potential links to ADHD and cancer, it has been restricted or banned in some EU countries and has restrictions in the U.S. - based on maximum intake ranges. What's most concerning is that this ingredient is completely unnecessary, dogs simply don't care about the color their food.