What Are Tocopherols in Dog Food? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts
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View 2 More +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:
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 a veterinarian.
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Featured Image Credit: cottonbro, Unsplash
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Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000. In this time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need, both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and flock of chickens.
