Natural Preservatives

Natural preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of dog food by preventing oxidation of fats and inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mould. Common examples include mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary extract and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These are widely considered safer alternatives to synthetic preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. The use of natural preservatives is a positive indicator of quality, though the specific compounds used are not always declared on the label.