Chemical Additives and Their Effect on Cat Food Scores

The scoring methodology applies penalties for the presence of certain chemical additives, reflecting their potential risks.

Types of Chemical Additives in Dry Cat Food

Preservatives

Preservatives are added to dry cat food to extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage caused by microbial growth, oxidation, and other chemical reactions. Some commonly used preservatives have raised concerns due to their potential adverse effects on feline health.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

BHA is a synthetic antioxidant that prevents fats and oils from becoming rancid. Studies have suggested that BHA may be carcinogenic, as it has been linked to the development of certain types of cancers, particularly forestomach tumors in rodents. While the relevance of these findings to cats remains unclear, the potential risks have prompted calls to reduce or eliminate the use of BHA in pet foods.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Like BHA, BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative in dry cat food. In animal studies, it has been associated with various health issues, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and reproductive problems. The long-term effects of BHT exposure in cats are not well-documented, but its potential toxicity has raised concerns among pet owners and veterinary professionals.

Ethoxyquin

Ethoxyquin is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve fats and oils in pet foods. It has been linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as potential reproductive and developmental effects in animal studies. While the risks to cats are not fully understood, some pet food manufacturers have voluntarily removed ethoxyquin from their products due to consumer concerns.

Food Colors

Artificial colors, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2, are often added to dry cat food to enhance its visual appeal to consumers. These colors offer no nutritional value and have been associated with allergic reactions and potential behavioral issues in some animals. While the risks to cats are not well documented, the use of artificial colors in pet foods remains a topic of debate.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are added to dry cat food to prevent the oxidation of fats and oils, which can lead to rancidity and the formation of potentially harmful compounds. While some antioxidants are naturally derived from plant sources, others are synthetic and have raised concerns regarding their safety.

Synthetic antioxidants such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin (discussed above) have been associated with various health issues in animal studies. In contrast, natural antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, and plant-based extracts are generally considered safer alternatives, although their effectiveness and stability in pet foods may vary.

It is important to note that while these preservatives and additives are approved for use in pet foods, their long-term effects on feline health are not fully understood. When possible, it's strongly advised to consider alternative options, such as fresher, less-processed foods or those with natural preservatives.

Scoring Chemical Additives

Penalties for Preservatives

The scoring methodology assigns penalties for the presence of harmful chemical preservatives:

• BHT, BHA, Ethoxyquin: -5 points.

Penalties for Food Colors

Artificial food colors result in additional point deductions:

• Food colors: -2 points.

Combined Example Calculation

For a dry cat food containing BHA, Ethoxyquin, and two artificial colors:

• BHA penalty: -5 points

• Food color penalty: -2 points

• Total deduction: -7 points

Sources

• PubMed - Study on BHA

• Semantic Scholar - Research on Preservatives

• Semantic Scholar - BHT Study

• Semantic Scholar - Ethoxyquin Research

• Semantic Scholar - Pet Food Additives