Sausage Links - Beef Flavor

by Canine Carry Outs

Overall Score: 67/100

Ingredients

1. WHEAT FLOUR (carbohydrate)
2. BEEF (protein)
3. SOY FLOUR (carbohydrate)
4. CORN SYRUP (other)
5. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (additive)
6. WATER (other)
7. LIVER (other)
8. DRIED CHEESE (other)
9. CHICKEN BY-PRODUCT MEAL (protein)
10. CALCIUM SULFATE (other)
11. POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (mineral)
12. SALT (mineral)
13. PHOSPHORIC ACID (other)
14. ANIMAL FAT (BHA USED AS A PRESERVATIVE) (other)
15. GARLIC POWDER (other)
16. CARAMEL COLOR (additive)
17. SORBIC ACID (USED AS A PRESERVATIVE) (other)
18. POTASSIUM SORBATE (USED AS A PRESERVATIVE) (other)
19. RED 40 LAKE (other)
20. YELLOW 6 LAKE (other)
21. NATURAL SMOKE FLAVOR (other)
22. BHA (USED AS A PRESERVATIVE) (other)
23. LACTIC ACID (other)
24. CITRIC ACID (USED AS A PRESERVATIVE) (other)
25. NATURAL SAUSAGE FLAVOR. NP03 (other)

Ingredient concerns

• Wheat (medium concern): Wheat is a common allergen in dogs and cats. While it provides digestible carbohydrates and some protein, it is frequently used as an inexpensive filler. Pets with wheat sensitivities may experience skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, or chronic ear infections.
• Soy (medium concern): Soy is a common allergen in dogs and cats. It contains phytoestrogens that may affect hormonal balance, though the clinical significance in pets is not fully established. Often used as an inexpensive protein and carbohydrate filler. Most soy in pet food is genetically modified.
• Propylene Glycol (high concern): The FDA has banned propylene glycol from use in cat food because it causes Heinz body formation in feline red blood cells, leading to anemia. It is still permitted in dog food. While 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) for dogs and humans at approved levels, its presence in pet food is increasingly viewed negatively by consumers due to its industrial applications (antifreeze component, though less toxic than ethylene glycol). Some pets may experience gastrointestinal upset.
• Chicken By-Product Meal (medium concern): While nutritionally adequate, by-product meals can vary widely in quality and digestibility. They include parts like necks, feet, and intestines, which some consumers find objectionable. Quality control is less consistent than named muscle meat sources.
• Animal Fat (medium concern): Generic 'animal fat' does not identify the source species, raising the same transparency and quality control issues as generic meat meals. The species used may vary between batches, making it unsuitable for pets with specific protein allergies.
• Caramel Color (high concern): Certain classes of caramel color (Class III and IV, produced with ammonia or ammonia-sulfite processes) contain 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), which has been classified as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B) by IARC. California's Proposition 65 lists 4-MEI as a carcinogen. Like other color additives, it provides no nutritional benefit to pets.
• BHA (high concern): Classified as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Animal studies have shown BHA can cause forestomach tumors in rodents. While the FDA still permits its use in pet food at controlled levels, many pet food manufacturers have voluntarily removed it in favor of natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols.

Dry food, with grains, for the adult life stage.

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