DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, NAGOYA CITY UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL, JAPAN.
A recent study was completed to determine the toxicology of BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin and Propyl Gallate. The following is an overview of the findings:
ETHOXYQUIN:
* Promoted kidney carcinogenesis
* Significantly increased the incidence of stomach tumors
* Enhanced bladder carcinogenesis
* Significantly increased number of colon tumors
BHA:
* Causes squamous-cell carcinomas in stomachs of rats and hamsters. (Cancers of this type are among the most lethal and fastest acting, the swiftest effects being seen among animals with light colored fur. Many white cats die within months after getting squamous-cell black tumors on their skin). 
* Enhanced stomach and urinary bladder carcinogenesis
BHT:
* Promoted urinary bladder carcinogenesis
* Could be a promoter of thyroid carcinogenesis
The study noted that BHA and other such antioxidants, particularly Propyl Gallate and Ethoxyquin, showed additive effects in inducing stomach hyperplasia and cytotoxicity.
According to Dr. Wendell O. Belfield, D.V.M., practicing veterinarian for some 26 years, co-author of "How to Have a Healthier Dog" and "The Very Healthy Cat", and founder of the first Orthomolecular Veterinary Hospital in the United States, both BHA and BHT are known to cause liver and kidney dysfunction and are banned in some European countries. He adds that Ethoxyquin is suspected of causing cancer and that Propylene Glycol, another common pet food ingredient (closely related to anti-freeze), causes the destruction of red blood cells.
ETHOXYQUIN (Often in the past listed as simply "E" on pet food labels)
(Some dog food makers fail to list Ethoxyquin on their labels but when pressured to disclose the facts will admit its use). In late 1992 (and perhaps even today), one of the most expensive dog foods, touted by its manufacturer to be "all natural", listed "E" as an ingredient.
Ethoxyquin is manufactured by Monsanto, who requires employees handling the substance to wear eye and respiratory protection. Containers are marked with a skull and crossbones and prominently display the word "POISON". Ethoxyquin is listed and identified as a hazardous chemical by OSHA. Ethoxyquin has a rating of "3" in the Chemical Toxicology of Commercial Products listings (on a scale of 1 to 6, with 6 being super toxic requiring less than 7 drops to cause death).
The Department of Agriculture lists Ethoxyquin as a pesticide. It is also used as a rubber preservative. It is also approved for use in livestock feeds (such as food for laying hens and dehydrated forage crops of alfalfa, barley, clovers, corn, oats, wheat, fescue and various grasses), its residues therefore entering the human food chain. Based on body weight, the FDA allows Ethoxyquin to be used in PET foods at a rate 300 times higher than permitted as residue in beef, pork, etc. consumed by humans!
Monsanto issues a disclaimer regarding use of Ethoxyquin, stating that "Although the information and recommendations set forth herein are presented in good faith ... Monsanto Company makes no representations as to the completeness or accuracy thereof ... [users must] make their own determination as to its suitability ... Monsanto will not be responsible for damages of any nature whatsoever ..."
Article in "Natural Health" Magazine - May 1999
FOOD NOT FIT FOR A PET
MANY COMMERCIAL PET FOODS ARE MADE FROM OLD AND DISEASED ANIMALS. DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S IN YOUR PET'S FOOD? ........... by Claire Krulikowski
If your pet eats processed pet food you may be surprised to learn what he's eating. For starters, animals and animal parts judged unfit for human consumption are routinely sold to rendering facilities. At these facilities, animal parts (including heads, bowels, and hooves) and other undesirable parts (including cancerous tissues and contaminated blood) are ground up, cooked, and processed. The final product is then sold as meat to pet food manufacturers. Ann Martin, animal nutrition researcher and author of Food Pets Die For (Newsage Press, 1997), says that euthanized household pets are sent to these rendering plants, along with disabled, diseased, dead, and dying farm animals, and find their way into your pet's food dish.
Additionally, human food-processing rejects, like moldy grains, spoiled foods, and even floor sweepings, are commonly recycled as commercial pet food fillers. It is no coincidence that the majority of the pet food manufacturers in the United States are subsidiaries of major multinational food production companies. H.J. Heinz Company, for example, manufactures 9 Lives, Amore, Gravy Train, Kibbles 'n Bits, Ken-L Ration, and Vets. This is an ideal situation for these manufacturers, since they can minimize waste and save money. But this partnership threatens the health and well-being of our pets.
John Heinerman, Ph.D., author of Natural Pet Cures (Prentice Hall, 1998), believes this commercial pet food will satisfy an animal's hunger, but won't provide any real nourishment. Feeding your pet highly processed foods that are not only a questionable source of nutrition but also full of chemical preservatives and artificial colorings (commonly added to pet foods) will weaken your pet's immune system, leaving him vulnerable to health problems.
There are things you can do to safeguard your pet: Read the labels on your pet's food and avoid ingredients that may be hazardous to his health. Consider making your animal's meals at home with fresh whole-food ingredients. Or try one of the natural brands of pet food that can be purchased at most natural food stores.
WHAT'S IN THE BAG? 8 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:
The first step in protecting your pet from potentially harmful ingredients is to know what to look for on the label. Avoid ingredients like the following:
* Byproducts, often described on labels as chicken byproducts or beef byproducts, include proteins such as feathers, intestines, and connective tissue, which cannot be easily digested. Instead, look for specific proteins such as lamb, chicken, or beef.
* Ethoxyquin, a pet food preservative, was originally developed for use in rubber production. According to Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., author of Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats (Rodale Press, 1995), it might be the underlying cause of many severe health problems in pets, such as thyroid, liver, and immune disorders, though the FDA has not found any conclusive evidence of its danger.
* BHA and BHT are preservatives that prevent oils in pet foods from going rancid. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a division of the World Health Organization, considers BHA a possible carcinogen, and California has officially listed it as a carcinogen. BHA and BHT are both suspected of contributing to liver damage, white blood cell depression, and immune system suppression.
* Propylene Glycol is a chemical preservative and humectant used in moist pet foods. In cats it can cause a red blood cell disorder that reduces red blood cell survival time, making these cells more susceptible to oxidative damage and increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other diseases associated with aging.
* Low-nutrition grains such as Corn Gluten Meal and Rice Gluten are low-cost substitutes for higher quality ingredients such as brown rice, whole wheat, and oatmeal.
* Sweeteners, including Corn Syrup and Sucrose, stress the pancreas and adrenals, which can result in diabetes. Wet and semi-moist pet foods, which are often up to 25% sugar, can cause tooth decay and obesity.
* Artificial Colorings such as Red 40, Yellow 6 and Blue 2 introduce unnecessary chemicals into your pet's food. To date, the effects of these additives on human and animal health have not been documented. Still, because these colorings are of no benefit to your pet - and are used only to make the food look attractive to pet owners - there's no need to expose your pet to them.
WHAT SHOULD YOU FEED YOUR PET?
Pitcairn and other holistic veterinarians and pet nutrition experts recommend a diet of fresh and preferably organic foods, like raw meats, fresh vegetables, and whole grains. "Life energy may be the most important missing nutrient in processed pet foods," Pitcairn says. "There's an innate energy in living things that differentiates them from dead or inanimate objects. This concept is embedded in every fundamental healing medicine except Western allopathic medicine." Fresh, whole foods, according to Pitcairn, not only fill an animal's belly, but also give him essential life energy.
Nutritional needs of dogs and cats differ. Dogs are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods. Cats, however, require a significant amount of meat protein; because their bodies cannot manufacture the amino acid taurine, they must get it from sources such as fish and raw meat. Taurine deficiencies can lead to blindness and heart disease. (Never feed your pet raw fish, raw pork, or raw rabbit meat, says Pitcairn, as they generally have more parasites than meats like chicken or beef, and could make your pet sick).
Animal nutrition researcher Martin suggests that a cat's diet be two-thirds meat and the rest an equal mix of vegetables and whole grains. Dogs require one-third meat, one third vegetables, and one-third whole grains.
"BUT I DON'T EVEN COOK FOR ME!"
If cooking for your animal sounds too time-consuming, pet food alternatives can be found in most natural food stores.
Complete frozen pet meals are available from several manufacturers, including Pat McKay and Teddy's Freezer. Companies such as FLINT RIVER RANCH, Halo Purely for Pets, Natura, Pet Guard, Precise, and Wysong's sell all-natural kibble and canned food with human-grade (and often organically raised) meats and grains, and no artificial preservatives, additives, or sweeteners. Some also include vitamins and minerals as well as other dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coats, and glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to prevent and treat arthritis.
