Are common food additives like dextrose and E-numbers safe for pets?

Hello. I see no problems with any of the ingredients except for the grape juice powder. Grapes, in any form, can be toxic to dogs, so I would leave this out. But everything else should be fine for either a horse or a dog. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

In looking up the ingredients of Equal, I see that it is made with dextrose and aspartame among other things. There is not xylitol, which is what is toxic to dogs. Check the ingredients of your packet to be sure, but as long as there is no xylitol in it, Goldie should be fine! If there is xylitol in the ingredients, then yes she would be in danger of xylitol toxicity and she should a vet immediately. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Dicalcium phosphate and sodium selenite are additives to food products in order to increase the levels of both calcium and selenium. Both of these are minerals required in the diet of a dog in certain quantities in order to be healthy. I do not know enough about the Menadione to speak intelligently about it, other than it is some sort of vitamin K pre cursor. Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that plays a large role in the clotting of blood in the body. Depending on the company of the food you use, I don't spend too much time looking at every ingredient on the label. I think it is great that you are being astute, but if you trust the company then I don't think you should be terribly worried. Additionally, if the company is reputable, you can always call up their veterinary nutrition department and ask for a detailed explanation as to the addition of the new stuff. Most of the time they are happy to talk to their clients. Hope this is helpful.

The maltodextrin likely won't harm him. It is a common ingredient in some canine supplements. Most fruits and vegetables, in moderation, are safe for dogs. Without knowing which herbs are in the powder, it is difficult to determine whether it is safe or not. Some herbs can be toxic to dogs.

If the only ingredient in the glucose tablets is glucose (sugar), he should be fine. Very large doses of sugar in dogs can cause excitement, high heart rate, jittery feelings, and even vomiting and diarrhea. If he displays any severe signs, call the Pet Poison Helpline or your local emergency vet for advice on if he needs to come in. Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Louey. Here are the ingredients I found from Google- Ingredients: Glucose Syrup (Wheat or Corn), Cane Sugar, Thickener (1401 or 1420)(Wheat), Gelatine, Food Acid (Citric), Flavours, Colours (171, 120, 160c, 160a, 153, 100, 141). Contains Wheat. Made on equipment that also processes products containing Milk. Nothing in here is a big concern, mostly glucose/sugar. An ingestion like this (dietary indiscretion) sometimes will lead to nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. I would monitor and be on the lookout for these problems/signs. If these signs develop, I would contact your vet unless they resolve quickly. Your vet can advise if the signs persist. Good luck with Louey and keep her out of the sweets!

Hello again! I’m now a vet on a meatworks plant, so I’m the perfect person to answer this. Cats and dogs are never used in pet food, but horses can be used. So can deer, ostriches, goats, and bison among other mammals. I hope this helps!