Susan Thixton’sTruthaboutPetFood.com

List of Pet Foods I would NOTfeed to my own pets and why

(The other List)

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2016

for my pets!

for my pets!I would not give my own pets any of the following pet foods; details of each pet food follow this page.

These are pet foods I am familiar with and with certainty I would not give to my own pets.This is not an all inclusive list of pet foods.

AAcana

Addiction

Alpo

Artemis

AvoDerm

Azmira

Ainsworth

BBeneful

BilJac

Blue Buffalo

Blue Seal

By Nature

CCanidae

Castor Pollux

Cesar

Chef Michael

Chicken Soup

Cornucopia

EEagle Pack

Earthborn Holistic

Eukanuba

Evangers

Evo

Evolve

FFancy Feast

Flint River Ranch

FreshPet

Friskies

Fromm

II and Love and You

Iams

KKibbles ‘n Bits

LLife’s Abundance

Loyall

MMeow Mix

Merrick

OOrijen

D

Diamond

Dad’s

Dave’s

Diamond

Dogswell

Drs Foster & Smith

GGood Life Recipe

Great Life

HHalo

Holistic Select

NNatural Balance

Natural Planet

Nature’s Recipe

Nature’s Variety

Nutram

Nutrience

Nutrish

NutriSource

Nutro

PParty Animal

Pedigree

Performatrin

Petcurean

Pet Guard

Pinnacle

Premium Edge

Private LabelBrands

Party Animal

Pedigree

Performatrin

Petcurean

Pet Guard

Pinnacle

Premium Edge

Private LabelBrands

Professional Plus

Pure Vita

Purina Chow

PPurina One

Purina ProPlan

Dad’s

Dave’s

D

RRoyal Canin

SScience Diet

Solid Gold

Special Kitty

Stella & Chewy

TTaste of the Wild

Timberwolf

TLC

VVet’s Choice

Viand

WWellness

Weruva

Wysong

YYoung Again

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ZZiwi Peak

Pet Foods I would not give to my own pets (details on my ingredients of concern are foundat the end of this document)…

Acana Pet FoodIn 2008 Champion Pet Food (parent company of Acana and Orijen Pet Foods) began selling pet food in Austra-lia (Orijen). Australian regulations required the pet foods to be irradiated. As it turned out, the irradiation de-stroyed vitamins in the pet food which caused many serious illnesses and deaths of cats in Australia. ChampionPet Food told the public they did not know the food would be irradiated, but that explanation proved to be in-correct. Consumers in Australia – through Freedom of Information Act – obtained documents showing Champi-on did know of the required irradiation and signed documents waiving their right to test the pet food afterirradiation. For more information Click Here.

Addiction Pet FoodAddiction Pet Food appears to contain quality ingredients, but with pet food appearances don’t always holdtrue. The pet food company has never responded to questions about their foods (from me), they have been askedmultiple times. Addiction provided the Pledge to Quality and Origin in 2016, but they neglected to include qual-ity and origin of vitamins and minerals; the company did not provide a complete Pledge. It would be a concernif supplements are sourced from Chinese suppliers. Addiction has been asked multiple times to provide thecompleted Pledge, no response has been received.

Alpo Pet FoodAlpo Pet Foods contains the ingredients GM grains, Meat and Bone meal, Animal Fat, Animal Digest, Dyes,Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite and some ingredients are sourced from China.

Artemis Pet FoodArtemis Pet Foods contains the ingredients Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite and some ingredients are sourcedfrom China.

AvoDerm Pet FoodAvoDerm Pet Foods contain ingredients sourced from China, Sodium Selenite and Copper Sulfate.

Azmira Pet FoodAzmira did not disclose who manufactures for them (they use a co-packer). Several manufacturers have a ques-tionable history. For my own pets - I have to know the manufacturer is reputable. Pet foods contain GM grains,Copper Sulfate and Sodium Selenite.

Back to Basics Pet FoodBack to Basics Pet Foods contain ingredients sourced from China and Sodium Selenite.

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Beneful Pet FoodBeneful Pet Foods contain ingredients whose legal definitions allow them to violate federal law (Poultry byproduct meal, Animal Digest). Beneful also includes the ingredients Copper Sulfate and Sodium Selenite. Thispet food is currently involved in a lawsuit claiming numerous pets have died or became ill due to consuming thefood. Since that lawsuit came out, Beneful dramatically changed the formula of the pet food. FDA has receivedmany consumer complaints on this pet food, but has never investigated.

BilJac Pet FoodBilJac Pet Foods include ingredients whose legal definitions allow them to violate federal law (Chicken byproducts and by-product meal). BilJac pet foods also include Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite and BHA (dryfoods).

Blue Buffalo Pet FoodBecause of a lawsuit filed by Purina, consumers learned that Blue Buffalo used ingredients that were not listedon the packaging and not in line with company advertising. The lawsuit proved a supplier of ingredients to BlueBuffalo mislabeled chicken by-product meal as chicken meal. Blue Buffalo agreed their pet foods included by-product meal, settled a $35 million class action lawsuit with consumers, but they did not accept full responsibil-ity and recall the pet foods.

Grain free pet foods of this brand include multiple pea ingredients. Some foods contain caramel dye. And mostfoods contain Sodium Selenite. Blue Buffalo would not disclose country of origin of supplements to me – onlystating they are “sourced from reputable foreign suppliers.”

Blue Seal Pet FoodBlue Seal Pet Foods contain ingredients sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate and some foodscontain multiple pea ingredients.

Brothers Pet FoodBrothers Pet Food states meat ingredients are sourced from verified humanely raised animals, an excellent meatsource and rare in pet food. However, Brothers Pet Foods include the ingredient Copper Sulfate and SodiumSelenite.

Canidae Pet FoodCanidae Pet Foods include the ingredients Sodium Selenite and Copper Sulfate.

Canine CaviarLast information I was provided regarding this pet food, Evangers manufacturers the canned foods. Evangerspet food is a manufacturer I would not trust for my own pets (see Evangers Pet Food). Also, some foods appearto have high levels of salt and the company does not disclose the source of Selenium supplement.

Castor Pollux Pet FoodCastor Pollux was first purchased by Merrick, then Purina purchased both companies. With ownership by Puri-na, it is unknown if the pet food is sourcing from China (they have not disclosed this information).

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Cesar Pet FoodMany of Cesar’s pet foods have names implying premium ingredients – such as Filet Mignon Flavor Dog Food.Flavor does not mean the pet food includes filet mignon, it is only flavored with it. Many consumers are misledby pet food names like this; even though pet food regulations allow these misleading names, I do not support apet food that misleads consumers.

Chef Michael Pet FoodIt appears that Purina has stopped production of this pet food. However, if still available: Chef Michael PetFoods contains Animal Fat, Animal Digest, Dyes, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, and some ingredients aresourced from China.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet FoodChicken Soup for the Soul Pet Foods include ingredients sourced from China, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite,and some foods appear to contain high levels of salt.

Cornucopia Pet FoodCornucopia Pet Foods include multiple certified organic ingredients, however the pet foods include Sodium Sel-enite.

Dad’s Pet FoodDad’s Pet Foods include Animal Fat, GM grains, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, and Dyes.

Dave’s Pet FoodSome of the canned foods of this brand are made at Evangers; some canned cat foods are made in Thailand. Iwould not give my own pets a food made at either location. Dave’s Pet Foods also contain Copper sulfate.

Diamond Pet FoodIn 2012, the Diamond Pet Food manufacturing facility in South Carolina was the source of a major pet food re-call for Salmonella. FDA published the inspection report of this pet food facility stating equipment was beingheld together with duct tape and cardboard. No follow up inspection report has ever been provided. For me, aninspection showing inferior material used on manufacturing equipment is unacceptable. To read the FDA in-spection report Click Here.

Diamond Pet Foods include the ingredients Chicken by-product meal, GM Grains, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Sel-enite, and some supplements are sourced from China.

Dogswell Pet FoodDogswell was an importer of Chinese jerky treats that have been linked to pet illness and deaths. I cannot trust acompany that would continue to import Chinese products after the very first report of an illness or death.

Dogswell Pet Foods (Nutrisca, Vitality and Happy Hips) contain Sodium Selenite, and some supplements aresourced from China.

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Drs. Foster & SmithDrs. Foster & Smith Pet Foods contain Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, and some supplements are sourcedfrom China.

Eagle Pack Pet FoodEagle Pack Pet Foods contain the ingredients Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, and some supplements aresourced from China.

Earthborn Holistic Pet FoodEarthborn Holistic Pet Foods contain Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, some supplements sourced from China,and some foods include multiple pea ingredients.

Eukanuba Pet FoodEukanuba Pet Foods contain Chicken by-product meal, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, and some supple-ments sourced from China.

Evangers Pet FoodEvangers Pet Food has made the news several times in recent years. There is a lawsuit pending against the com-pany – charges are utility theft, $2 million gas and electric. There were also charges for bribery of a witness. Icannot trust a pet food company with news like this surrounding them. Click Here and Here to learn more aboutthese charges.

Evo Pet FoodEvo Pet Food is owned by Mars Petcare, formerly owned by P&G. Some of Mars Petcare products include in-gredients sourced from China, ingredients that violate federal law (per legal definition), and other ingredients Iconsider risk. I do not give my pets a food manufactured by a company that would use these types of ingredi-ents.

Evolve Pet FoodEvolve Pet Foods contain Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, and some foods appear to contain high levels ofsalt.

Fancy Feast Pet FoodFancy Feast Cat Foods contain Poultry by-products, Dyes, GM grains, Carrageenan, and Copper Sulfate.

Flint River Ranch Pet FoodFlint River Ranch Pet Foods contain Copper Sulfate and Sodium Selenite.

FreshPet Pet FoodFreshPet Pet Foods use misleading images on pet food labels; images displayed show grilled meat - the meat inthe pet food is not grilled. These pet foods also include Carrageenan and Sodium Selenite.

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Friskies Pet FoodFriskies Pet Foods include some ingredients sourced from China, Chicken by-product meal, Turkey by-productmeal, Meat and bone meal, GM grains, Copper Sulfate, Dyes, Salt, and some canned foods contain Carrageen-an.

Fromm Pet FoodOver the years I have had several conversations with representatives of Fromm. Some of these conversationswere good, some were not good. In my opinion, it is concerning when a company has an employee that is disre-spectful to a consumer (and a consumer advocate). Some of Fromm Pet Foods contain Copper Sulfate and Sodi-um Selenite.

Goodlife RecipeGoodlife Recipe pet foods include Copper Sulfate, Chicken by-product meal, Animal Fat, Caramel Color, andsome varieties appear to have high levels of salt.

Great Life Pet FoodI would not feed my own pets this brand because they have not responded to my questions - on multiple occa-sions.

Halo Pet FoodHalo Pet Food does not disclose who manufactures for them. Several manufacturers have a questionable histo-ry; thus for my own pets I have to know who the manufacturer is. Halo Pet Food varieties include multiple peaingredients, and include Sodium Selenite.

Holistic Select Pet FoodHolistic Select Pet Foods include Sodium Selenite, and some supplements are sourced from China.

I and Love and You Pet FoodI and Love and You Pet Food uses multiple manufacturers; the company does not disclose who those manufac-turers are. Several manufacturers have a questionable history, thus for my own pets I have to know who themanufacturer is. Pet foods include the ingredients Copper Sulfate and Sodium Selenite.

Iams Pet FoodIams Pet Foods include multiple pea ingredients, Copper Sulfate, and some supplements are sourced from Chi-na.

Kibbles ‘n Bits Pet FoodKibbles ‘n Bits Dog Foods include the ingredients Beef and Bone Meal, Animal Digest, Propylene Glycol, Car-amel color, Dyes, Copper Sulfate, and Sodium Selenite. Some supplements are sourced from China, and somefoods appear to contain high levels of salt.

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Life’s Abundance Pet FoodLife’s Abundance Pet Foods include Copper Sulfate, and some foods appear to contain high levels of salt.

Loyall Pet FoodLoyall Pet Foods include GM grains, some supplements sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, Chickenby-product meal, and Copper Sulfate.

Merrick Pet FoodMerrick Pet Food is owned by Purina Pet Foods. Prior to Purina’s purchase of this pet food, the company wasowned by the Merrick family. Garth Merrick (who originally started the company) made a concerning statementto the FDA when the ban of specified risk material (animal material of risk to spread Mad Cow Disease) includ-ed pet food. Mr. Merrick’s concern was the expense to industry if FDA banned specified risk material in petfood. I could not give my own pets a food from a company that felt specified risk material was suitable for petsto consume. To read more Click Here.

Merrick Pet Foods include some supplements sourced from China and Sodium Selenite.

Natural Balance Pet FoodNatural Balance Pet Foods include the ingredients Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, and some supplements aresourced from China.

Natural Planet Pet FoodNatural Planet Pet Foods include supplements sourced from China; some varieties appear to have high levels ofsalt.

Nature’s Recipe Pet FoodNature’s Recipe Pet Foods include the ingredients Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, and some supplements aresourced from China.

Nature’s Variety Pet FoodNature’s Variety dry pet foods include the ingredient Sodium Selenite; some foods appear to contain high levelsof salt.

Nutram Pet FoodNutram Pet Foods include the ingredients Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, multiple pea ingredients, some sup-plements are sourced from China, and some varieties appear to contain high levels of salt.

Nutrience Pet FoodNutrience Pet Foods include some supplements sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, and Copper Sulfate.

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Nutrish Pet FoodNutrish Pet Foods include some supplements sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, GM grains,Dyes, and some varieties appear to contain high levels of salt.

NutriSource Pet FoodNutriSource Pet Foods include some supplements sourced from China, multiple pea ingredients in the grain freefoods.

Nutro Pet FoodNutro Pet Foods include ingredients sourced from China, GM grains, and Carrageenan.

Party Animal Pet FoodParty Animal Pet Food has not responded to multiple questions sent. I cannot trust a pet food for my own pets ifthe manufacturer does not respond. Some varieties appear to contain high levels of salt.

Pedigree Pet FoodPedigree Pet Foods include ingredients sourced from China, GM grains, Copper Sulfate, Poultry by-productmeal, Meat and bone meal, Animal fat, Dyes, and some varieties appear to contain high levels of salt.

Performatrin Pet FoodPerformatrin Pet Foods include ingredients sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, GM grains,and some varieties appear to contain high levels of salt.

Petcurean Pet FoodPetcurean Pet Foods include the ingredient Copper Sulfate, and some varieties include multiple pea ingredients.

Pet Guard Pet FoodPet Guard Pet Foods include the ingredient Sodium Selenite.

Pinnacle Pet FoodPinnacle’s cat foods are made in Thailand. This brand includes the ingredients Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate,some varieties include multiple pea ingredients and some appear to contain high levels of salt.

Premium Edge Pet FoodPremium Edge Pet Foods is a Diamond Pet Food brand. See Diamond Pet Food for more information on themanufacturer. This brand includes some supplements sourced from China, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite,and some varieties appear to contain high levels of salt.

Professional Plus Pet FoodProfessional Plus Pet Foods contain supplements sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, andsome varieties include multiple pea ingredients.

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PureVita Pet FoodPureVita Pet Foods contain supplements sourced from China, and some varieties appear to contain high levelsof salt.

Purina Dog/Cat Chow Pet FoodPurina Cat and Dog Chow contains ingredients sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, AnimalFat, Animal Digest, Poultry by-product meal, Meat and bone meal, GM grains, and Dyes.

Purina One Pet FoodPurina One Pet Foods contain ingredients sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, Animal Fat,Animal Digest, Poultry by-product meal, Meat and bone meal, GM grains, and Dyes.

Purina Pro Plan Pet FoodPurina Pro Plan Pet Foods contain ingredients sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, AnimalFat, Animal Digest, Poultry by-product meal, Meat and bone meal, GM grains, and Dyes.

Royal Canin Pet FoodRoyal Canin Pet Foods include ingredients sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, GM grains, Copper Sulfate,and Chicken by-product meal.

Science DietScience Diet Pet Foods include ingredients sourced from China, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, and GMgrains.

Solid Gold Pet FoodSold Gold Pet Foods include the ingredients Copper Sulfate and Sodium Selenite.

Stella & Chewy’s Pet FoodStella & Chewy’s Pet Foods include the ingredients Copper Sulfate and Sodium Selenite.

Taste of the Wild Pet FoodTaste of the Wild Pet Foods include the ingredients Copper Sulfate, multiple pea ingredients, Sodium Selenite,and some varieties appear to contain high levels of salt.

Timberwolf Pet FoodTimberwolf Pet Foods source some ingredients from China and contain the ingredient Sodium Selenite.

TLC Pet FoodTLC Pet Foods contain the ingredient Sodium Selenite.

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Vet’s Choice Pet FoodVet’s Choice Pet Foods contain the ingredient Sodium Selenite; some varieties appear to contain high levels ofsalt.

Viand Pet FoodViand Pet Foods contain ingredients sourced from China, and Sodium Selenite.

Wellness Pet FoodI appreciate that Wellness Pet Food alerts me and other pet websites with every recall the company has had overthe past several years; they have notified me in advance and always offered to answer any questions. WellnessPet Foods contain some ingredients sourced from China, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, and some cannedfoods contain Carrageenan.

Weruva Pet FoodMany of Weruva Pet Foods are manufactured in Thailand; some ingredients are sourced from China and con-tain the ingredient Copper Sulfate.

Wysong Pet FoodI appreciate that Wysong Pet Food has never used misleading images on their labels (as many do) and I appreci-ate and respect this company for their pursuit of honest pet food labeling (filed a lawsuit against many major petfood manufacturers). Wysong Pet Foods contain some ingredients sourced from China, Copper Sulfate, SodiumSelenite and some foods appear to contain high levels of salt.

Young Again Pet FoodYoung Again Pet Foods contain ingredients sourced from China and Sodium Selenite.

Ziwi Peak Pet FoodSome Ziwi Peak pet foods contain sodium selenite.

Private Label Pet FoodsPet foods manufactured for big retailers such as Costco, Petsmart and Walmart brand pet foods.

Private label brands often look identical to named brands at a cheaper price. My biggest issue with private labelpet foods (made for major retailers) is customer service. In my experience, I’ve never found a private labelbrand to have a customer service department – specific to the pet foods - to call or ask questions to. A privatelabel brand might – emphasis might – contact the actual manufacturer (known as a co-packer) for answers toyour questions, but in my experience that could take weeks for a response. Not ideal circumstances should a petbecome sick and your veterinarian needs answers quickly. Not ideal circumstances in any situation when a con-sumer needs answers.

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The following is my personal opinion to various pet food ingredients discussed on previous pages of this docu-ment. This is not an all inclusive list of ingredients I would not provide to my own pets, but it is the major is-sues I look at when considering a food for my pets.

Animal Protein or Animal Fat IngredientsAnimal FatThe legal definition of this ingredient allows it to be sourced from dead, non-slaughtered, diseased, or even eu-thanized animals. I have read and heard sufficient evidence to believe that it is common practice for dead, non-slaughtered, diseased, and/or even euthanized animals to be included in this common pet food ingredient on aconsistent basis.

Because the legal definition of this ingredient allows it to be sourced from dead, non-slaughtered, diseased, oreven euthanized animals – it violates U.S. federal food safety law.

While some sources of Animal Fat could be from legal material (healthy slaughtered animals), a pet food con-sumer is provided with no guarantee to that. I would not give my own pets a food, treat or supplement that in-cluded this ingredient.

Animal DigestJust like the ingredient Animal Fat, the legal definition of Animal Digest allows it to be sourced from dead,non-slaughtered, diseased, or even euthanized animals.

The legal definition of this ingredient labels it a violation of U.S. federal food safety law.

While some sources of Animal Digest could be from legal material (healthy slaughtered animals), a pet foodconsumer is provided with no guarantee to that. I would not give my own pets a food, treat or supplement thatincluded this ingredient.

Meat and Bone Meal, Beef and Bone MealJust like the above ingredients, the legal definition of these ingredients allow them to be sourced from dead,non-slaughtered, diseased, or even euthanized animals.

The legal definition of these ingredients labels them a violation of U.S. federal food safety law.

While some sources of Meat and Bone Meal or Beef and Bone Meal could be from legal material (healthyslaughtered animals), a pet food consumer is provided with no guarantee to that. I would not give my own petsa food, treat or supplement that included this ingredient.

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Chicken by-products, Turkey by-products, Poultry by-products, Chicken by-product meal, Turkey by-product meal, Poultry by-product mealJust like the previously discussed ingredients, the legal definition of these ingredients allows them to be sourcedfrom dead, non-slaughtered, diseased animals and it is common for these ingredients to be sourced from groundalive spent laying hens (no longer producing eggs) or day old male chicks - including feathers and feces.

The legal definition of these ingredients labels them a violation of U.S. federal food safety law.

While some sources of these ingredients could be from legal material (healthy slaughtered animals), a pet foodconsumer is provided with no guarantee to that. I would not give my own pets a food, treat or supplement thatincluded these ingredients.

Meat Meal, Beef Meal, Lamb Meal, Venison MealThese ingredients as well are allowed through their legal definition to be sourced from dead, non-slaughtered,diseased animals. While I believe in many cases these ingredients are sourced from USDA inspected and ap-proved animal sources, consumers have no guarantee to that.

The legal definition of these ingredients labels them a violation of U.S. federal food safety law.

While some sources of these ingredients could be from legal material (healthy slaughtered animals), a pet foodconsumer is provided with no guarantee to that. I would not give my own pets a food, treat or supplement thatincluded these ingredients.

Additional information to Animal Protein and Fat IngredientsSuppliers of the previous animal origin pet food ingredients are obligated to abide by U.S. federal food safetylaw; however, FDA and each State Department of Agriculture openly advises industry law will not be enforced.Consumers have no guarantee if the ingredient is legal – sourced from USDA inspected and approved slaugh-tered animals, or if the ingredient is illegal – sourced from dead, non-slaughtered, diseased, ground alive, or eu-thanized animals.

Without a guarantee – a public guarantee the pet food does not contain even the slightest part of a diseased,non-slaughtered, ground alive or euthanized animal – I would not feed my own pets a food that included any ofthe previously discussed ingredients. And unfortunately, I’ve never seen any pet food using one of these ingre-dients make that guarantee.

The certain risk – in my opinion – of ingredients sourced from dead/non-slaughtered, diseased, ground alive, oreuthanized animals is endotoxins. Dead animals contain massive amounts of bacteria, when bacteria is killedduring cooking of the pet food or cooking of the ingredients endotoxins are produced (from gram-negative bac-teria such as Salmonella). High levels of bacteria produces high levels of endotoxins; high levels of endotoxinsare deadly. To learn more about the risk of endotoxins, Click Here.

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Additional ingredients I would not allow my pets to consume (in a pet food, treat or sup-plement).

GM GrainsI would not give my pets a food that contained genetically modified grains. The certain risk – in my opinion – isglyphosate (testing has confirmed the presence of glyphosate in pet food). Glyphosate in pet food is a cancerrisk, a risk I am not willing to take for my own pets. To learn more about glyphosate testing of pet food ClickHere.

Sodium SeleniteThis ingredient is a commonly used supplement source of selenium; if human error occurred (overdose), thisingredient could kill a pet quickly. Even below maximum dosage (for dogs), this ingredient could (and I’m cer-tain does) cause toxicity issues for dogs and cats alike. (AAFCO has not established a maximum selenium levelfor cat food.) If a supplement is used, the safer supplement for dog food is selenium yeast (to my knowledgedoes not have the toxicity issues as sodium selenite). For cats, there is no safer supplement; FDA has not ap-proved selenium yeast for cat food – very unfortunate. FDA has told me they are waiting for pet food manufac-turers to provide safety information to the agency to determine approval of selenium yeast for cats. For cat food,I would look for a product that contained no selenium supplement (no sodium selenite); food ingredients in thepet food can easily provide the necessary selenium to the diet (the same holds true for dog food too). Foodsources that provide selenium are tuna, pork, clams, brown rice, seeds, broccoli, cabbage, spinach and manymore foods. A small amount of any of these foods would meet the selenium requirement in pet foods; no sup-plementation is needed. I would not give my own pets a food, treat or supplement that contained sodium sele-nite. To learn more about selenium toxicity, Click Here.

Copper SulfateIn 2015 I learned of a veterinarian whose own dog died linked to this pet food supplement. I have spoken withthis vet numerous times and learned that this extremely common pet food supplement has been documented asthe probable source of copper storage disease in more than 100 dogs (by a Cornell University veterinarian). Theoriginal approval of this pet food ingredient was based on a study for pigs (not cats and dogs). This ingredient isan inexpensive feed grade ingredient I would never give to my own pets. To learn more about Copper SulfateClick Here.

Dyes or Caramel ColorDyes or Caramel Color in pet food does absolutely nothing to benefit a cat or dog, and they come with risks.Caramel Color contains a known carcinogen; other dyes come with certain risks as well. Again, these are risksthat I am not willing to take for my own pets. To learn more about Dyes Click Here; to learn more about Cara-mel Color Click Here.

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CarrageenanThe ingredient Carrageenan is used in moist pet foods as a thickener. Multiple studies have linked this ingredi-ent with gastrointestinal disease: “prolonged inflammation is a precursor to more serious diseases, includingcancer.” I would not provide my own pets a food that contains the ingredient Carrageenan. To learn more aboutthe pet food ingredient Carrageenan Click Here.

Feed Grade IngredientsThis deal breaker is a little more difficult to explain than the previous ingredients. Unknown to most consumers,pet food comes in two different categories - food grade and feed grade (but they are all called pet ‘food’). Foodgrade is human edible meat and vegetable/fruit ingredients, human grade supplements, and manufactured in ahuman food facility. Feed grade is all others: pet foods that contain human grade ingredients and/or pet foodsthat contain illegal ingredients, pet foods that use human grade supplements and/or pet foods that use animalsupplements such as copper sulfate (mentioned previously in this document). About the only thing that is cer-tain about a feed grade pet food is that they are not manufactured in a human food facility. It is unfair and frus-trating for consumers to not be provided - on the pet food label - sound information regarding the quality ofingredients used in the pet food. Unfortunately, existing regulations do not allow a pet food to tell consumersthe quality of ingredients. The only thing a consumer can do is talk or email with the company and ask them.Ask if all ingredients are USDA inspected and approved for human consumption. The best we have at this pointis to ask and trust our guts to the honesty of the company.

Multiple Pea IngredientsMultiple pea ingredients are linked to gastrointestinal issues with cats and dogs. I would not give my own pets afood that contained multiple pea ingredients; it’s not worth the health risks. To read more about peas ClickHere.

Pet Foods manufactured in ThailandThailand has a very concerning recent history using slave labor. With so much unknown, I would not give myown pets a food manufactured in Thailand. To learn more about slave labor in Thailand Click Here.

Ingredients sourced from ChinaI would not give my own pets a food that contained ingredients from China. Recent history has shown there areconcerning quality control issues with foods or ingredients sourced from China. This is not to say that every-thing sourced from China has quality control issues; my concern is pet food related products.

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