No artificial flavors does not equal no additives
Natural pet foods often claim "no artificial flavors/colors," but this does not mean they are additive-free!
Manufacturers will add "natural flavorings" to compensate for the loss of natural taste during the manufacturing, storage, and even sterilization processes.
Manufacturers' trade secrets
Veterinarian Dr. Gruenstern pointed out that the FDA allows ambiguity in the term "natural flavors" on food labels due to trade secret issues, so you won't know what these "flavors" actually are?!
And MSG (monosodium glutamate), which we don't eat, is actually considered a "natural flavor"!
The doctor said that although "natural flavors" are not all harmful, these "flavors" have the potential to produce carcinogenic substances during the extraction process!
Foods containing chemical ingredients can also be called natural foods.
Dr. Gruenstern also mentioned that AAFCO allows "natural foods" to include chemically synthesized vitamins and minerals, as long as the packaging states "Natural with added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients."
In summary of the doctor's words
It turns out that "natural food" originally doesn't have a very high taste and nutrient content, so the FDA allows manufacturers to add "flavors" and "nutrients" to dry food.
So we can just mix the nutrients and flavor into the water for the dog to drink.
So "natural food" is only natural in name!
Doctor's advice
The doctor still recommends that dog owners should stop buying so-called "natural" dog food, because it is not worth the risk of purchasing "natural" food that may contain carcinogenic substances before ensuring that the food ingredients are truly safe and genuine.
Natural pet foods often claim "no artificial flavors/colors," but this does not mean they are additive-free!
Manufacturers will add "natural flavorings" to compensate for the loss of natural taste during the manufacturing, storage, and even sterilization processes.
Manufacturers' trade secrets
Veterinarian Dr. Gruenstern pointed out that the FDA allows ambiguity in the term "natural flavors" on food labels due to trade secret issues, so you won't know what these "flavors" actually are?!
And MSG (monosodium glutamate), which we don't eat, is actually considered a "natural flavor"!
The doctor said that although "natural flavors" are not all harmful, these "flavors" have the potential to produce carcinogenic substances during the extraction process!
Foods containing chemical ingredients can also be called natural foods.
Dr. Gruenstern also mentioned that AAFCO allows "natural foods" to include chemically synthesized vitamins and minerals, as long as the packaging states "Natural with added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients."
In summary of the doctor's words
It turns out that "natural food" originally doesn't have a very high taste and nutrient content, so the FDA allows manufacturers to add "flavors" and "nutrients" to dry food.
So we can just mix the nutrients and flavor into the water for the dog to drink.
So "natural food" is only natural in name!
Doctor's advice
The doctor still recommends that dog owners should stop buying so-called "natural" dog food, because it is not worth the risk of purchasing "natural" food that may contain carcinogenic substances before ensuring that the food ingredients are truly safe and genuine.
Reference link:
bit.ly/獸醫呼籲停止購買天然糧
Link to the article written by scientist David Andrews on CNN:
bit.ly/天然香料的真正身份
TailorMeat tailormade raw meals for dogs and cats are freshly made in Hong Kong. Pet meals have passed food safety tests by SGS, an international testing agency. All meals are only made from human food grade ingredients and do not contain any artificial additives or preservatives. Each meal is individually vacuum-packaged in its serving size and delivered through a cold chain door-to-door delivery service.
We also provide one-stop pet health consultation service, including dedicated weight tracking and control, healthy growth, as well as behavioral counseling. Pet owners can sit back and enjoy a joyful time with their dogs and cats while we prepare safe and healthy meals at all stages of their life.