F E A T U R E T O P I C: N U T R I T I O N
Ethoxyquin in pet food By Lori Mohr-Corrigan Copyright 1999, Lori Mohr-Corrigan. Used with permission. back to dogfood article back to fresh foods article Just what is ethoxyquin, and why is it in our pet food? Ethoxyquin is a fat preservative found in many commercial foods and fiercely rejected by those who refuse to feed chemicals to their animals. The January/February 1994 issue of Natural Pet Magazine states that at a meeting in 1956 between Monsanto, the maker of ethoxyquin, and the FDA, Dr. Lehman (of the FDA) said that if he was asked, he would have to rule that ethoxyquin is "harmful and deleterious," and that no amount of retesting could convince him, or others in his division, otherwise. And if that isn't clear enough, the article goes on to say that ethoxyquin is considered a hazardous chemical under the criteria of the OSHA Hazard Communication standards. It is not able to be detected after it is added to any product unless it is "tagged," and today it is illegally present in products in which it is prohibited by law. One of the biggest pet food companies to still use ethoxyquin is Hill's, makers of Science Diet. When looking for a food, make sure it's preserved with Vitamins C & E only -- no BHT or BHA either. As responsible pet owners, we try hard to maintain the health of our animals. For some, there is no limit to what they will do to keep their dogs and cats disease-free, whether that means acupuncture, special herbs or homemade meals. Those of us who depend upon commercial companies to provide nutritionally sound and quality pet food have learned to bypass any brand that uses ethoxyquin as a preservative. "Many problems of nervousness or hypersensitivity are caused by preservatives in food -- especially ethoxyquin," says Anitra Frazier, author of the best-selling book "The New Natural Cat." But here's a news flash: Even if the label doesn't list ethoxyquin (a carcinogen used, among other things, as a rubber preservative), it could still very well be in that food. "Because of labeling law loopholes," says Anitra, "many pet foods containing ethoxyquin do not have to list it on the label. If the food you buy already has ethoxyquin in the fat, it doesn't have to be listed on the label, because the food manufacturer didn't actually put it in." Everything is health-related -- the animal is body, mind, nerves and instincts. Be sure to check the label for outright additions of the preservative and stay away from them. As a guide, Anitra recommends her three "clean" brands: Pet Guard, Nature's Recipe and Wysong, (these petfood sites cannot be found, if you know where to get them let cheyenne know, these animal food brands are available at most feed stores and large pet store companies) but she says a homemade diet is best of all. Proven recipes are available in her book, as well as in "Dr. Pitcairn'sComplete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats." |