As you are aware, invisible toxins lurk all around us. While humans are somewhat equipped to take this barrage, our dogs are not. To begin, they are smaller than us. Also, they spend most of their time near and on the ground. Of course, that’s where many of these substances congregate. Plus, our dogs spend an awful lot of time licking their paws and bodies that come into contact with them. Let’s face it, we all want to keep our Best Friends around and healthy for as long as possible! For the health of your dog, watch out for these dirty dozen substances!
1. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
These nasties disrupt hormone processes in pet and human bodies. Mimicing or blocking hormones, they interfere with hormone production,. They also change the body’s response to hormones. Additionally, this affects reproduction, cancer growth, obesity, cardiovascular problems, and causes other issues.
Some of the most common EDCs:
- BPA: A chemical preservative and coating.
- Dioxins: Byproduct of herbicide production. Also released into the environment during wildfires.
- Perchlorate: Byproduct of pharmaceutical, weapon-making, and aerospace. Found in drinking water.
- PFAS: In firefighting foams, non-stick coatings, and textiles
- Phthalates: Plastic additive.
- Phytoestrogens: Naturally occurring substances in soy products.
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE): Used in flame retardants, furniture, and carpets.
- Polychlorinated biphenols (PBE): Used in electrical equipment and lubricants.
- Triclosan: Found in anti-microbial products and soaps.
Honestly, these are difficult to avoid. Our best recommendation is to use natural products when you can. Also, avoid heavily processed foods and plastic food storage. Finally, utilize an excellent filter for drinking water.
Following are additional dirty dozen substances to watch out for!
2. Rawhide
This popular treat is hard for dogs to digest. Rawhide is made from leather industry leftovers. Like many products, most is manufactured outside of the U.S. To begin, hides are tossed into a salt brine to slow down decay while in the slaughterhouse. Next, hides are shipped overseas to a tannery (which could take months).
Upon arrival, rawhide is soaked and treated with lime. Of course, this powerful chemical process removes the hair and helps bleach the rawhide. Finally, the rawhide gets to our best friends. By then, it’s likely coated in chemicals. Not to mention, many dogs end up suffering from blockages as a result of eating it.
3. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetner in many sugar-free foods. If your dog ingests xylitol, it’s bad news. Upon eating, xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Then, the pancreas goes into overdrive. In a dog’s body, the pancreas doesn’t regulate insulin like in a human’s body. Finally, this causes a rapid decrease in blood sugar. In dogs, xylitol consumption is often life-threatening.
4. BHA and BHT
These nasties are actual preservatives in many pet foods! Shame on you, uber-popular pet treats! You contain both! As a matter of fact, BHA is also used in cosmetics, rubber, and petroleum products. The National Toxicology Program recognizes BHA as a human carcinogen. Further, BHT isn’t any better. It’s used in jet fuels, embalming fluid, for oil in electrical transformers, and pharmaceuticals. BHA and BHT have NO place in foods our best friends eat! To protect your pet, pay attention to labels. Quality foods and treats DO NOT contain any BHA or BHT.
5. Artificial Dyes
Dyes make pet foods more appealing to the consumer. Not the dog. Of course, they don’t care! Additionally, these dyes include Yelllow 5, Red 40, and Red 3. Unfortunately, they are linked to allergies and attention problems in humans. Further, artificial dyes have ZERO health benefits. Fortunately, recent consumer demand has spurred companies to lean towards more natural coloring. Pay attention to your pet food labels!
6. Questionable Chicken/Beef Jerky
Since 2007, the FDA has received reports of illnesses in pets connected to certain chicken and beef jerky treats. In particular, these illnesses included severe kidney problems. Consequently, proteins sourced overseas caused the problems. Of course, manufacturers are not required to list the country of origin for their proteins. Your best bet is to make your own jerky treats or purchase ethically produced products from small companies.
7. Gylcerine
Glycerine is a clear, odorless liquid. It’s used to adds a sweet flavor to some dog foods and treats. Also, it protects against mold in some semi-soft foods and treats. While vegetable glycerine is considered OK, that’s not always what pet food manufacturers use. Unfortunately, a lot of glycerine in big pet food is a byproduct of the biofuel production industry. This stuff contains methanol. Methanol is a harmful alcohol used in windshield washer solvent. This member of the dirty dozen has no place in our pets’ food.
8. Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a thickening agent in many canned and moist pet foods. A 2013 report from the Cornucopia Institute linked carrageenan to gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcerations, and tumors. Again, pay attention to those labels. If possible, choose the highest quality food if feeding a commercial diet.
9. MSG
MSG is a sneaky one! This popular flavor enhancer is linked to brain damage in dogs. Unfortunately, it’s hidden in many dog foods. What’s more, MSG is often not added to labels as it’s in other ingredients. With this in mind, watch out for ingredients containing protein isolates, natural flavoring, textured protein, autolyzed and hydrolyzed yeast, and yeast extracts.
10. Flame Retardants, Teflon
These are often considered forever chemicals, as they linger in the bloodstream after exposure. Unfortunately, they surround us in cleaners, waxes, polishes, carpeting, furniture stain resistance products, and cookwear. To cut down on exposure, use natural cleaners, avoid water and stain resistant coatings on furniture and carpet, and prepare food in cast iron cookwear.
11. Glyphosate
This stuff inhibits a plant enzyme that’s part of a reaction called the shikimate pathway. As a result, the plant dies. Humans and animals don’t have this enzyme. Therefore, Roundup’s (the brand name for glysophate) manufacturer, Bayer, deems the chemical safe to humans and pets.
Overlooked, this enzyme lives in our gut bacteria. Ingestion of glysophate treated crops like wheat, corn, and oats interferes with that reaction in our (and our best friends’) gut microbiomes. Correspondingly, gut imbalances are connected to diseases like depression, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. To avoid glysophate, choose organic and non GMO produce whenever possible.
12. Phthalates
Phthalates make plastics sturdy and flexible. Unfortunately, these plasticizers reside in a lot of dog toys. As you know, your dog chews and gnaws on toys. It doesn’t matter what they’re made of. Additionally, phthalates are endocrine disruptors and linked to tumors and reproductive problems in lab rats. Researchers are still learning of the dangers connected to them. To avoid pthalates, give your dog natural chews like antlers, raw meaty bones, or bully sticks. Also, look on the label for phthalate-free when purchasing pet toys.
Is All Hope Lost?!
Well, I guess we’re screwed. Aside from leaving society and moving far off the grid, we cannot avoid exposure to these products. Ok, so all hope is not lost! Here are some things you can do to avoid these dirty dozen substances, for both you and your dogs!
- Pay attention to ingredient labels! Unprocessed or minimally processed is best! Both for you and your best friend.
- Choose organic foods! These won’t be plagued with glysophate. Yes, they’re more expensive. They’re also becoming more mainstream and accessable.
- When shopping, try to choose certified B corporations. These companies keep the environment, sustainability, and fair employment practices in mind before staggering profits.
- Use natural cleaning and personal care products. Better yet, make your own (cleaning products)!
- For goodness sake, quit fertilizing your lawn! If you must, choose natural products. They exist!
- Opt out of water and stain resistant coatings on furniture and carpeting.
- Avoid plastic food storage and drinking water containers. Also, quit with the plastic bottled water already! It’s 2021, there are SO many better options.
- Better yet, try to get single use plastics out of your life. Understandably, this takes some effort. Well worth it when you, your best friends’, and our earth’s health is on the line.
- Eat and feed your best friends organic, grass-fed, and free range meats if you can.
- Feed your best friends from glass or metal dishes, not plastic.
- Practice savvy consumerism, ALWAYS pay attention to your pet food labels.
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