What is butylated hydroxyanisole?
Butylated hydroxyanisole is a synthetic additive that acts as an antioxidant. This means that it prevents fats and oils from becoming rancid and smelling or tasting unpleasant. It is mainly used in dry food and snacks for dogs to extend shelf life.
What are the benefits of butylated hydroxyanisole?
The benefit of butylated hydroxyanisole is that it keeps the food fresh and therefore improves the quality and taste. It can also help to make your dog less susceptible to infections as it scavenges free radicals that can cause cell damage.
What are the disadvantages of butylated hydroxyanisole?
The disadvantage of butylated hydroxyanisole is that it can be harmful in high doses. It is suspected of being carcinogenic and damaging to the liver. It can also trigger allergic reactions or gastrointestinal complaints. It can also impair the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
How much butylated hydroxyanisole is allowed?
The European Union has set a maximum amount of 150 mg/kg feed for butylated hydroxyanisole. This amount is considered safe for dogs as long as it is not regularly exceeded. However, there are also countries that have a lower limit or ban butylated hydroxyanisole altogether.
How can you avoid butylated hydroxyanisole?
If you want to avoid butylated hydroxyanisole, you should check the label of the food. The additive must be labeled there with its name or the E number E320. You can also look for food that contains natural antioxidants such as vitamin E or rosemary extract. These are not only healthier for your dog, but also for the environment.
