7 Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food (and What to Buy Instead)

At Sam’s Cats and Dogs, we believe every pet parent deserves to know what goes into their dog’s food. But reading ingredient labels can feel like decoding a foreign language. Is corn bad? What’s a meat by-product? And what even is BHA?

We’re here to make it simple. This post breaks down seven common dog food ingredients to avoid, why they’re concerning, and what better options you can look for instead. Our goal isn’t to scare you—it’s to help you make confident, informed choices about what’s in your dog’s bowl.

1. Meat By-Products and Meat Meal from Unnamed Sources

What it is:

"Meat by-products" or vague terms like "animal meal" or "meat meal" often mean scraps leftover after animals are processed for human food. These could include organs, bone, or tissue from unidentified animals.

Why it could be harmful:

When the source isn’t named (like "chicken" or "beef"), the protein could come from lower-quality meats or even multiple mixed species. Quality and nutritional value can vary widely—and so can safety.

Better choice:

Look for named proteins like "chicken meal", "lamb", or "beef". These are more transparent and usually held to higher standards.

2. Artificial Preservatives: BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin

What they are:

These are chemical preservatives used to extend shelf life. You’ll often see BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), or Ethoxyquin in lower-cost kibble.

Why they can be harmful:

Some studies have linked these additives to potential cancer risks and organ damage in animals. While still approved for use, their safety remains controversial—especially for long-term exposure.

Better choice:

Seek out foods preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E), rosemary extract, or citric acid.

3. Artificial Colors and Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, etc.)

What they are:

These synthetic colors are used to make kibble more visually appealing—to humans, not dogs.

Why they can be harmful:

Dogs don’t care what color their food is. Some dyes have been linked to behavioral issues and allergic reactions in pets. They offer zero nutritional value.

Better choice:

Choose foods with natural ingredients and no added dyes. Real food color = real ingredients.

4. Corn Syrup or Added Sugars

What it is:

Corn syrup, sucrose, and other sugars are sometimes added to dog food to make it more palatable.

Why it can be harmful:

Excess sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental issues in dogs. It also creates a cycle of food addiction where dogs crave more sugary kibble.

Better choice:

Look for low-glycemic ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or brown rice as healthier sources of carbs and flavor.

5. Rendered Fat from Unnamed Sources

What it is:

“Animal fat” or “poultry fat” without a named source can be rendered from various unidentified animal tissues.

Why it can be harmful:

These fats may come from lower-quality or spoiled animal parts. Plus, they’re often used as a coating on kibble to make it more appealing, especially in lower-cost brands.

Better choice:

Pick foods with named fats, like chicken fat or salmon oil, which are more digestible and often provide beneficial omega fatty acids.

6. Excessive Fillers (Corn, Wheat, and Soy)

What they are:

These ingredients are used to bulk up kibble and keep costs low.

Why they can be harmful:

While not inherently "toxic," these fillers offer minimal nutritional value and can trigger allergies or sensitivities in some dogs. High amounts may crowd out higher-quality ingredients your dog actually needs.

Better choice:

Opt for dog foods that list meat or named animal protein as the first ingredient and use whole grains or vegetables (like brown rice, oats, peas) as complementary carbs.

7. Carrageenan (in Wet Food)

What it is:

Carrageenan is a thickener often used in canned dog food to improve texture.

Why it can be harmful:

Some studies suggest carrageenan may trigger gut inflammation and digestive problems, particularly in sensitive dogs.

Better choice:

Choose wet foods without carrageenan or with alternatives like guar gum or agar-agar, or opt for brands that avoid thickeners entirely.

What to Look for Instead: A Quick Checklist

When choosing a better dog food, keep these simple guidelines in mind:

✅ Named proteins: Chicken, lamb, beef, salmon—avoid vague terms like "meat" or "animal".
✅ Whole ingredients: Look for real fruits, vegetables, and grains.
✅ Natural preservatives: Tocopherols, rosemary, or vitamin C.
✅ No artificial dyes or sugars: Keep it clean and simple.
✅ Digestible carbs: Brown rice, sweet potato, oats.
✅ Transparency: The more specific the label, the better.

Some Trusted Brands to Explore

We’re proud to stock a variety of high-quality, trustworthy foods at Sam’s Cats and Dogs. Some customer favorites include:

• Fromm Family Foods – Small-batch, high-quality ingredients with a strong safety track record.

• Farmina – Nutritionally balanced, no artificial preservatives, and highly digestible.

• Open Farm – Ethically sourced, human-grade ingredients, with full transparency.

• Acana / Orijen – High protein and low filler, with regional ingredients.

Every dog is unique, and the best food for your pup depends on their age, breed, health needs, and preferences. We’re happy to help you find the right fit.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, feeding your dog well doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The more you learn to read and understand labels, the easier it becomes to make confident choices that support your dog’s long-term health.

Need help choosing a food? Stop by Sam’s Cats and Dogs—we’ll help you find something your dog loves and you can trust.

Sam’s Cats and Dogs