Found in most stores like Walmart, Target and the like, they are marketed as tasty snacks for your dogs. Many people grab these on the go as a quick treat to give their dog. We urge you to leave them on shelf!
These treats are cheap and abundant for a reason. They contain BHA and Propylene Glycol which are both toxic additives that simply help extend the shelf life of foods like this.
BHA is a chemical preservative unfortunately found in many dog foods and treats. Because it is considered "safe" in low doses, the government still allows it for use in pet foods. However, multiple studies have linked BHA to cancer and reproductive disorders in humans and malignant tumors in lab animals. Long term ingestion of this artificial preservative is very likely to be harmful to your dog. This chemical is actually banned for use as a preservative in many countries.
Propylene Glycol is another additive / preservative found in Pupperoni treats and many other semi-moist and soft-moist dog foods and treats that is used to help maintain moisture in the food. Although this additive has been banned for use in cat food / treats, it is still allowed to be used for dog foods and treats due to the fact that it does not cause the same abnormalities in dogs at the dosage they should be ingesting as it does for cats. However, it is still a synthetic chemical additive that is not natural and if ingested at a high dose can be very toxic.
Any foods or treats containing these ingredients should be avoided! These chemicals are allowed to be in the foods we give our dogs simply because the amount they are to be fed are not toxic enough to cause immediate issue. However, most people feed their dog the same food every day, and use the same treats often as well. Giving something slightly toxic to your dog every day for years can very well be cause for cancer or other malignancies to manifest over time. Propylene Glycol has a lethal dose possibility, meaning that there is an amount that can be ingested that can put your dog into a toxic shock, leading to nervous system depression and lactic acidosis, causing severe sedation, ataxia, seizures, tremors, anemia and lethargy and potentially death.
Any foods or treats that contain ingredients with known carcinogens or have the potential for a toxic overdose are ones that we will always want to avoid. Stay away from the marketing schemes of these toxin containing treats and do your best to find natural, organic treats that will not put your dog at risk for future health issues!
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