BHA and BHT
Also appears on labels as: BHA preservative
Synthetic phenolic antioxidants that keep fats from oxidizing, far more durably than vitamin E does.
Watched ingredients get highlighted on every product panel you open.
- Where it comes from
- Chemical synthesis.
- Why it's in the product
- Extends shelf life, especially in fat sprayed onto kibble after extrusion.
- Safety and toxicity
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on high-dose rodent studies, and it appears on California's Prop 65 list. Levels in pet food are far below those study doses. Our objection is exposure pattern: pets eat the same food daily for years, and mixed tocopherols do the same job without the question mark.
- Interactions and who should be careful
- None established at food levels.
What the research says
BHA keeps fats from going rancid. The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists it as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on tumor findings in high-dose rodent studies, and California's Prop 65 list includes it.
The dose in pet food is far below study levels, but pets eat the same food every day for years, and mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) preserve fat without the question marks. Many premium brands have already dropped BHA, which tells you it isn't necessary.
Placeholder Sources: Source citations for this entry will be linked here once the citations feed is connected. Until then, ask us for the reading list any time: [email protected].
General reference, not veterinary advice. Dose, breed, and existing conditions change the answer, so talk to your vet before changing what your pet eats. Think we got this wrong? Tell us and we log it publicly.
Found in 26 scored products
We flag it by name on 26 of them. Lowest scores first.
Canine Carry OutsSausage Links, Beef Flavorimported, not reviewedflagged on this product's score page
9LivesPlus Careimported, not reviewedflagged on this product's score page
Meow MixTender Centers Salmon & Chickenflagged on this product's score page
Kibbles 'n BitsOriginal Savory Beef & Chickenflagged on this product's score page
Milk-BoneSoft & Chewy Training Mini, Filet Mignonflagged on this product's score page
CesarFilet Mignon Flavor & Spring Vegetables Garnish Small Breed Dryflagged on this product's score page
9LivesDaily Essentials Dry Cat Foodflagged on this product's score page
Milk-BoneFlavor Snacks Dog Biscuitsflagged on this product's score page
Milk-BoneMaroSnacks With Real Bone Marrowflagged on this product's score page
TemptationsBlock Party BBQ Flavor Dry Cat Foodimported, not reviewedflagged on this product's score page
PurinaBeggin' Strips Original With Baconflagged on this product's score page
Pup-PeroniOriginal Beef Flavorflagged on this product's score page
Gravy TrainChunks In Gravy With Chicken Chunksflagged on this product's score page
PedigreeComplete Nutrition Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetableflagged on this product's score page
Milk-BoneBrushing Chews Daily Dental Treats, Small/Mediumflagged on this product's score page
PedigreeTasty Biscuits Peanut Butter Bacon Flavorimported, not reviewedflagged on this product's score page
PedigreeAdult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavorimported, not reviewedflagged on this product's score page
Gravy TrainChunks In Gravy With Beef Chunksflagged on this product's score page
Beggin'Purina Beggin Flavor Stix With Peanut Butter Flavorimported, not reviewedflagged on this product's score page
Milk-BoneOriginal Medium Biscuitsflagged on this product's score page
WhiskasIndoor Cat Chicken Flavorimported, not reviewedflagged on this product's score page
Bil JacDessert Jacs Pumpkin Flavored Treatsimported, not reviewedflagged on this product's score page
Bil JacDry Food Senior Select Formula With Chicken & Oatmealimported, not reviewedflagged on this product's score page
Ol' RoyComplete Nutrition Dry Dog Foodflagged on this product's score page
2 more scored products list this ingredient. Showing the 24 lowest-scoring.