Cancerous Dog Foods to Watch Out For
We all want to enjoy the company of our pets for the entirety of their lives. That’s why it is important to monitor what they eat. Jordan Walker, the lead content curator of Coops and Cages, shares a couple of food items that may lead to cancer for pets.
Dogs are sensitive creatures. In fact, they suffer ailments like we do, such as cancer. Based on studies, cancer affects a large population of pet population which is why we need to be wary of it. While most of these canines rely on dog food for their sustenance, we as their owners need to be careful what we feed them.
Sometimes, there’s no telling when one of the food we regularly feed them is found to be carcinogenic.
To give you an idea about these foods, here are some that are said to result in cancer in dogs.
Aflatoxin In Food
Aflatoxins are harmful substances that are produced by specific types of moulds. These moulds typically grow in grains, soil, hay, and rotten vegetation. Since they flourish in certain ways, they can be easily found in staple commodities like corn, peanuts, rice, wheat, sunflower seeds, and the like.
This only means that it can be bad news as the majority of these foods are processed into both human and pet food. Corn, in particular, has been found to be a major source of aflatoxins. As much as possible, avoid or minimise any pet food containing corn just to be on the safe side.
BHA In Food
BHA or butylated hydroxyanisole is an antioxidant that is commonly used as a food additive. Because of its chemical properties, it makes an excellent preservative of petroleum products, food and animal feed.
Researchers at the US National Institutes of Health in Maryland have reason to believe that BHA already shows signs of carcinogenicity in animals.
Animals subjected to this substance are said to develop tumours or suffer an immune deficiency syndrome. While the FDA still permits its use as a fat preservative, it is already listed as a carcinogen in the State of California.
Be cautious when feeding your dog food that contains this substance. Small portions won’t hurt, but cumulative exposure to it could be worrisome.
Processed Pet Food
Busy as we are, we often can’t afford to feed our pets natural feeders. Due to time constraints, we often buy kibbles and leave it at that.
Most manufacturers argue that their ingredients are “all-natural” and nutritious. Although you can’t legally question their ingredients, there will always remain a shade of doubt as to the authenticity of their ingredients.
That’s why, if time permits, you have to feed your dog natural diets. Things like raw meat and bones work quite well with them.
Maple Syrup
Though it is said to be found in only 1 percent of pet food, this common ingredient is said to be a cause of cancer because of its sugar contents.
Unless we grow our own food, we can never truly trust the food we purchase. Even if these are usually backed by quality standards and certifications, we can only hope that nothing goes awry.
Whenever possible, treat your pet with natural food and use natural pet remedies as often as you can.
About The Author: Jordan Walker
Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops and Cages as well as other pet-related blogs.
* The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified pet health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Always make a pet health care decision in partnership with a qualified veterinary or pet health care professional.
*This article was updated on 11 May Apr 2021. It first appeared in PetsMagazine.com.sg on 11 Apr 2016.
