Choosing the right dog food isn’t just about picking a reputable brand — it’s also about understanding the ingredient list. Some ingredients may appear harmless but offer little nutritional value, while others may have potential negative effects on your dog’s health. This guide breaks down the key ingredients to avoid in dog food, explains why they can be problematic, and helps you read and interpret labels more effectively, so you can make safer choices for your furry companion. We’ll also point you toward clean-ingredient options on Chewy that prioritize quality nutrition.
Why Ingredients Matter in Dog Food
Every ingredient in your dog’s food contributes to their overall health — from energy levels to coat quality, digestion, immune function, and even long-term disease risk. Avoiding low-quality or potentially harmful ingredients helps ensure your dog gets nutrition that supports their well-being. Ingredients listed at the top of a dog food label make up most of the formula, so reading labels carefully is essential.
Common Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food
Here are the most important ingredients you should watch out for:
🛑 Artificial Preservatives
Chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are often added to extend shelf life, but they’ve been linked to health concerns such as liver and kidney stress when consumed over time.
👉 Better alternative: Natural preservatives like vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
🛑 Artificial Colors and Dyes
Dog food doesn’t need bright colors to appeal to your pet. Colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, or Blue 2 are unnecessary and have been associated with allergies and hyperactivity in sensitive dogs.
🛑 Corn Syrup & Added Sugars
Sugar-rich ingredients, such as corn syrup or other sweeteners, provide no real nutrition and can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and dental problems.
🛑 Low-Quality Fillers
Ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, and brewer’s rice are inexpensive carbohydrates that bulk up food without offering much nutritional value. They may also be common allergens for dogs.
🛑 Unspecified Meat By-Products
Terms such as “meat by-products,” “meat meal,” or animal digest don’t tell you what animal the protein came from, which makes the quality unpredictable. Using generic by-products can mean lower-quality protein and potential contaminants.
🛑 Rendered Fat
Generic rendered fat or animal fat can come from poor-quality sources and may contain contaminants; it’s often used simply to enhance flavor rather than nutrition.
🛑 Propylene Glycol
Although recognized as safe in humans, this additive — used to help maintain moisture — offers no nutritional benefit and may not be ideal for long-term canine diets.
🛑 Excessive Salt & Synthetic Additives
High levels of salt can stress the kidneys and contribute to high blood pressure, while synthetic additives like MSG or nitrates add little to no benefit and may increase health risks.
How to Read Dog Food Labels
Reading dog food labels can feel like deciphering a science textbook, but a few key tips can help:
📌 Look at the First Few Ingredients
Ingredients are listed by weight — so if the first 2–3 ingredients are whole meats (e.g., “chicken,” “beef,” “salmon”), that’s generally a good sign.
📌 Avoid Vague Terms
Words like “meat meal” or “animal digest” without specifying the animal source are red flags.
📌 Check for Fillers Near the Top
Corn, wheat, soy, and brewer’s rice near the top of the ingredient list suggest a less nutrient-dense formula.
📌 Spot Preservatives and Additives
If you see chemical preservatives (like BHA/BHT) or artificial colors early in the ingredient list, consider a cleaner formula.
Also read about How Do I Switch My Dog’s Food Without Causing Diarrhea?
Why Some Ingredients Aren’t Always “Bad”
Not all ingredients that appear questionable are automatically harmful — dogs with specific allergies or sensitivities may react differently. For example, grains like corn or wheat aren’t inherently toxic for most dogs, but they can cause allergies in some. Always tailor your choices to your dog’s individual needs and consult your vet if unsure.
Healthy Ingredients to Look For
Instead of fillers and additives, prioritize foods that contain:
- Named animal protein: chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, salmon
- Whole vegetables and fruits: sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries
- Healthy fats: fish oil, flaxseed
- Natural preservatives: mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
These ingredients support overall health, digestion, and a strong immune system.
To help your dog thrive, choose foods that are free from harmful additives and rich in wholesome nutrition. On Chewy, you’ll find a wide selection of clean-ingredient dog foods that avoid artificial colors, fillers, and preservatives — ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and owners who want transparency in what they feed their pet.
👉 Browse high-quality, clean-ingredient dog foods on Chewy now!
FAQ: Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid
Also read about Is Cheap Dog Food Bad for Dogs?
📌 What ingredients should I never see in dog food?
Avoid artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin; artificial colors; corn syrup; unspecified by-products; and excessive fillers like corn or wheat.
📌 Are “animal by-products” always bad?
Not necessarily — specific organ meats can be nutritious, but generic terms like “meat by-products” don’t tell you the source and may indicate low quality.
📌 Should I avoid all grains in dog food?
Grains aren’t harmful for most dogs unless your pet has a diagnosed allergy or sensitivity — they provide fiber and energy for many dogs.
📌 What’s a natural preservative to look for?
Ingredients like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) help keep food fresh without chemicals.
