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Commercial dog food is what most owners feed their dogs because it’s convenient, and affordable compared to homemade food, and typically offers all the nutrients that a dog needs to thrive and enjoy a high quality of life. Many different ingredients are used in dog food, such as chicken, beef, corn, sweet potatoes, and tocopherols. The problem is that some ingredients, like tocopherols, can seem suspicious if you don’t know what they are. So, what are tocopherols in dog food, and are they safe for your pooch to consume? In general, tocopherols are a source of vitamin E. Here’s what you need to know.
Mixed Tocopherols Are Vitamin-Rich Preservatives
Simply put, tocopherols are a source of vitamin E. Most dog food brands use mixed tocopherols in their recipes, which are made up of a combination of tocopherol sources, including:
- Alpha-Tocopherols
- Beta-Tocopherols
- Gamma-Tocopherols
- Delta-Tocopherols
However, each form of tocopherol varies slightly when it comes to chemical structure. Tocopherols are extracted from plant and seed oils. When added to dog food, these tocopherols work as preservatives and help keep the protein and other ingredients in the food from going rancid and spoiling.
Tocopherols Can Be Good for Dogs
In addition to preserving dog food, tocopherols offer a source of vitamin E that your pooch can absorb. Vitamin E is extremely important in a dog’s diet. It helps cells carry out their important jobs and may help serve a protective function for cell membranes against oxidative damage. Also, it seems to reduce risk for blood clots.
Are Mixed Tocopherols Safe for Dogs?
When all is said and done, mixed tocopherols are safe for dogs and a great addition to their food, especially when compared to possibly harmful synthetic preservatives like TBHQ. If you see tocopherols in the ingredients list, you can have peace of mind knowing that the food is naturally preserved and offers plenty of vitamin E so one need not worry about potential vitamin E deficiency. Keep in mind that dog treats and other products for consumption can also include tocopherols. If not, synthetic preservatives may be used. So, check the ingredients list on any product that you buy your dog.
Final Thoughts
Tocopherols are nothing to be worried about when it comes to dog food. If you are ever in doubt about an ingredient, it is a good idea to schedule a consultation appointment with your veterinarian.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
See also:
- What Is Choline Chloride in Dog Food? Is It Healthy?
- What Is Crude Fiber in Dog Food? Is It Healthy?
Featured Image Credit: cottonbro, Unsplash
