Dog owners today are more aware than ever of what goes into their pets’ food. One topic that often raises concern is additives. But what exactly are additives in dog food – and should you be worried about them?
Let’s take a closer look.
What are additives in dog food?
Additives are ingredients added to dog food to improve taste, texture, safety, or shelf life. They can be natural or synthetic, and they serve important purposes such as:
- Preservatives – to prevent spoilage and extend freshness
- Colourants – to make food look more appealing
- Flavour enhancers – to make food tastier for picky eaters
- Vitamins and minerals – to ensure a complete and balanced diet
Not all additives are bad. In fact, many are essential for maintaining quality and safety in pet food.
Are additives in dog food harmful?
In short: some can be, but most are safe when used responsibly and in the right amounts.
✅ Safe Additives
Natural preservatives like vitamin E (tocopherols) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are safe and effective. They help prevent fats from turning rancid and support your dog’s immune health.
At Alvar, we only use natural antioxidants and gentle, safe preservatives that protect the food – without adding anything unnecessary or artificial. You’ll regularly see us feature natural tocopherols as the preservative in products.
⚠️ Additives to watch out for
Concerns arise when pet foods use cheap synthetic additives as these have been linked to allergies, sensitivities, and, in some cases, long-term health concerns.
When additives turn dangerous
Recently, many dogs have fallen ill from low-quality chews and treats, especially those imported from overseas factories with poor regulation, such as some products from China.
These porducts have, in some cases, contained harmful additives, chemical residues, and unsafe preservatives that led to:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Skin irritations
- Liver and kidney problems
- Even toxic reactions in severe cases
At Alvar, we believe that quality control and transparency are non-negotiable.
That’s why every ingredient we use – from protein sources to natural additives – is carefully tested for safety, traceability, and nutritional value. You’ll never find hidden chemicals or artificial flavour boosters in our products: what you see on the ingredient list is exactly what you get.
Natural Alternatives to Artificial Additives
Many natural ingredients can safely preserve food and enhance taste without any synthetic chemicals.
At Alvar, we rely on natural antioxidants and mild, plant-based extracts such as:
- Herb and berry extracts
- Mixed tocopherols (vitamin E)
- Natural broths for flavour
These options help maintain freshness while supporting overall health – naturally.
How to choose dog food with safe additives
Here’s what to look for when selecting safe and transparent dog food:
- Check the label for artificial preservatives or colours – avoid those when possible.
- Look for clear ingredient transparency – trustworthy brands share what’s in the bag and why.
- Choose food preserved with natural antioxidants, like vitamin E and rosemary extract.
- Select brands that emphasise ingredient traceability and safety testing, like we do at Alvar.
- Consult your vet if your dog shows signs of sensitivities, itching, or digestive upset.
Common questions about additives in dog food
Are food additives necessary in dog food?
Yes — some are crucial to keep food fresh and nutritionally balanced. The key is using natural, safe, and transparent ingredients, as we do at Alvar.
How can I tell if a dog food contains harmful additives?
Be cautious of complex chemical names like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. At Alvar, we never use any synthetic preservatives or artificial colorants.
Can additives cause allergies in dogs?
Yes, certain artificial additives may trigger allergies or digestive problems. Dogs with sensitive stomachs especially benefit from natural, clean-label foods.
How does Alvar ensure safety when it comes to additives?
We only source ingredients that meet our quality and safety standards. Our mission is to keep dog food clean, transparent, and nutritionally balanced – without compromise.
Final thoughts: Transparency and trust matter most
Additives in dog food aren’t automatically harmful: they’re often vital for nutrition and freshness.
The difference lies in quality, source, and purpose.
At Alvar Pet, we believe that pet owners deserve complete trust in what they feed their dogs.
That’s why we only use natural, carefully selected additives that support both health and safety – nothing more, nothing less.
