Skip to content

The Dirty Dozen – 12 Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid

on

The Dirty Dozen: Ingredients to Avoid in Your Dog's Food

Ever wondered what ingredients you should steer clear of when choosing dog food? We call them "The Dirty Dozen"—the most dangerous and disgusting additions found in some pet foods. Here's why you should avoid them and opt for products that are 100% real, free from by-products.

1. Wheat

  • Why It's Bad: Top allergen for dogs, contributes to obesity.

2. Corn

  • Why It's Bad: Useless filler, known allergen, difficult to digest.

3. Corn Gluten Meal

  • Why It's Bad: Originally patented as a weed killer, cheap filler.

4. Soy

  • Why It's Bad: Low-quality protein, triggers food allergies in pets.

5. Animal Digest

  • Why It's Bad: Unspecified parts of unspecified animals.

6. By-Product Meal

  • Why It's Bad: Contains heads, feet, feathers, bones, blood, intestines, and more.

7. Ethoxyquin

  • Why It's Bad: Used in rubber production, banned in human food.

8. Cellulose

  • Why It's Bad: Essentially sawdust.

9. Egg Product

  • Why It's Bad: May include spoiled or rancid eggs.

10. Brewers Rice

  • Why It's Bad: Rice fragments lacking nutrients, discarded by other processes.

11. Sugar in any form

  • Why It's Bad: Adds empty calories, unnecessary.

12. Propylene Glycol

  • Why It's Bad: Used as a sweetener, found in antifreeze and hydraulic fluids.

Why Choose Healthy Dogma?

At Healthy Dogma, we believe in clean ingredients. Our PetMix meals feature recognizable ingredients that you can pronounce, ensuring your dog gets wholesome nutrition without the risks associated with "The Dirty Dozen." Check your dog's food labels and make the switch to Healthy Dogma for a healthier, happier pet.

    Related Posts

    A variety of fish and shrimp are displayed on a red surface, representing different types of fish, some of which are among the types of fish that dogs can eat
    August 29, 2025
    5 Types of Fish Dogs Can Eat

    Can dogs eat fish? Yes! Discover 5 safe and healthy types. Our guide covers how to prepare them safely &...

    Read More
    A black and white dog sitting happily, a perfect image for celebrating National Dog Day
    August 26, 2025
    YES! It's National Dog Day

    It's National Dog Day! Learn why this day is so important for dog adoption & get 7 heartwarming ideas...

    Read More
    Drawer Title
    Similar Products