The Truth About Preservatives in Dog Treats: Natural vs. Artificial

You check your own food for artificial preservatives. You should be able to do the same for your dog's treats without needing a chemistry degree. Words like "BHA," "BHT," and "ethoxyquin" are common on pet food labels, but what do they mean, and are they safe?

The truth is, preservatives are necessary to prevent spoilage and fat rancidity in shelf-stable foods. But the type of preservative makes all the difference. Let's pull back the curtain on this confusing topic.

The Artificial Lineup: Preservatives to Look Out For

These are synthetic chemicals added to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life, sometimes indefinitely.

• BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): The most common synthetic antioxidants. While approved for use in both human and pet food in small amounts, organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have listed BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" based on animal studies. Many pet owners choose to avoid them.

• Ethoxyquin: Originally developed as a rubber stabilizer, it's a potent preservative. Its use in pet food is controversial, and it's banned from human food in many countries. While still FDA-approved for animals, its potential long-term effects are a concern for many.

The Bottom Line: These preservatives are effective but come with question marks about long-term health impacts. Many premium and holistic brands, including Duke's Delights, have committed to avoiding them entirely.

The Natural Alternatives: How Nature Preserves

Thankfully, there are effective, safe ways to preserve food that don't involve synthetic chemicals.

1. The Power of Processing: BAKING

   • How it works: This is our primary method. The controlled, high heat of baking naturally eliminates moisture (which bacteria need to grow) and creates a low-moisture environment that is inherently shelf-stable. It's one of the oldest and most trusted forms of food preservation.

2. Natural Antioxidants:

   • Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E): Derived from vegetable oils, these are a safe, natural antioxidant that prevents fats from going rancid. You'll often see this in higher-quality foods.

   • Rosemary Extract: A powerful natural antioxidant and antimicrobial. It's a clean-label favorite for preserving freshness.

3. Packaging & Storage:

   • Airtight, opaque packaging (like our resealable bags) protects treats from light and oxygen, the two main culprits of spoilage.

How Duke's Delights Stays Fresh & Safe: Our Preservation Promise

Our approach is simple: we use method over chemicals.

• Baked, Not Just Dried: Our core preservation is the baking process itself. By carefully removing moisture through baking, we create a treat that is naturally resistant to microbial growth.

• Simple, Stable Ingredients: We start with ingredients that have good natural shelf lives (like lean proteins and root vegetables) and don't contain unstable, highly-processed fats that require strong preservatives.

• No Synthetic Additives: You will never find BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin on our ingredient list. Ever.

• Freshness Through Simplicity: Because our treats are made in small batches and move quickly to homes where dogs devour them, the need for extreme, long-term preservation is minimal.

 

"Our philosophy is that if you wouldn't feel comfortable with an ingredient in your own pantry, it has no place in our treats. We preserve through craft, not chemicals." – The Duke's Delights Team

Your Action Plan as a Dog Parent

1. Flip the Bag: Always check the ingredient list. Look for "mixed tocopherols" or "rosemary extract" as natural preservatives. Be wary of BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin.

2. Embrace "Shorter" Shelf Lives: A treat that uses natural preservation methods might have a "best by" date of 9-12 months, not 2+ years. This is often a good sign.

3. Store Treats Properly: Keep them in a cool, dark place and seal the bag tightly after opening.

Choose Clarity Over Chemistry

You have the right to know exactly how your dog's food stays fresh. By choosing brands that prioritize natural methods and transparent labeling, you vote for a healthier, clearer future for all our pets.

See the difference a simple ingredient list makes.

Explore all our treats and read our clean, preservative-free labels.

Have a question about an ingredient on any label? We believe in transparency. Ask us—we're happy to help you decode it.