Be Cautious About BHT in Dog Food

by Mike Sagman
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BHT is the official abbreviation for a common dog food additive known as (gasp)… butylated hydroxytoluene.

Watch Out for BHTThe chemical is used in certain dog foods to prevent fats and oils from going bad too soon.

In other words, BHT can extend the shelf life of a fat-containing product.

But that’s not all it can do.

BHT can also be found in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil and embalming fluid.1

Yes… embalming fluid!

Now, like so many other artificial preservatives, BHT is the subject of considerable controversy.

It seems the same properties which make BHT an effective preservative can also make it a suspect for causing cancerous tumors.2

Some evidence has suggested certain individuals may have difficulty breaking down the chemical in the liver… which is capable of causing notable behavioral changes.3

BHT has been banned as a preservative in food in the countries of Japan, Romania, Sweden and Australia.

You know… it just doesn’t make sense.  Why would so many dog food companies insist on using BHT when safer alternatives already exist?

For example, vitamins C or E can provide a completely natural way to extend the shelf life of fats in dog food.  As a matter of fact, many quality-oriented dog food companies already use these safer compounds as fat preservatives in their own products.

So, why take the risk?  Steer clear of any dog food that uses BHT in its products.

  1. Wikipedia ↩
  2. About.com ↩
  3. AllExperts.com ↩
Dog Food Advisor IconThe Dog Food Advisor publishes independent reviews to help pet owners make better choices when shopping for dog food.


  • Confused

    thanks Mike but  don’t you think the retailers could do a better job???

  • Confused

    Thanks Bob…guess I need to get better educated!!

  • Bob K

    Confused – There are many places to buy quality dog food at an affordable price in a variety of packaging from 5lb – 50lb packages depending on the mfg.  You do not have to order dog food mailorder and pay $3.00/lb.  Usually the price per pound is less with larger bags.  Large petshop retailers like Petsmart, Petco along with Menards, Farm & Fleet stores sell many brands and formulas.    Costco also sells Kirklands, Natures Domain and perhaps Triumph and Pelican Bay.  You sometimes find a 3 star rated dog food at the big box stores but you often pay a premium.  Use this website for education and dog food ratings as your guide.  Remember to transition to a new dog food slowly

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Confused,

    Like with buying cars, make your choice primarily based upon the brand and the product. Once you decide what you want, then go to where you get the best deal, freshest product and convenience.

    Hope this helps.

  • Confused

    As a new dog owner, does anyone have issues with retail chains, like a PetSmart, being more people friendly, meaning I get confused when I look at all of the products as to what’s best for my dog. The manufactures don’t really help much either when you start reading the labels. Also, if I was a woman, I would have issues with carrying these large bags of food, shouldn’t they come up with a better way?

  • The Dog Whisperer

    I’m writing a dog book right now & intend to do a section on dog nutrition & feeding. These articles are super helpful! May God bless you richly for your dedication to “saving good dogs from bad dog food”.