GENERAL INFORMATION:
Many foods for pets contain chemical preservatives. These preservatives
are used to help prevent the oxidation of vitamins and to keep fats
and oils from becoming rancid and to prevent loss of color in certain
ingredients.
The most commonly used chemical preservatives are ethoxyquin,
BHT and BHA. Originally, ethoxyquin was developed as a preservative
for rubber and later it was used as a pesticide for apple trees.
Many years ago vitamins were subject to oxidation (loss of potency)
from exposure to heat, air, light and water from coming into contact
with salt and minerals. Thus, these preservatives were used as anti-oxidants.
Today’s technology in the manufacture of vitamins has all
but eliminated those problems. Most vitamins are “coated”
with starch and cellulose and are protected from oxidation thus
eliminating the need for chemical preservatives (anti-oxidants).
The natural enzymes in the digestive system break down these coatings
and thus release the vitamins so they can be used.
ARE CHEMICAL PRESERVATIVES HARMFUL?
There is no real definitive information that can be cited pertaining
to the effects of using chemical preservatives in foods for caged
birds and small animals. In 1988, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) conducted a study on rats for 23 weeks and reported that ethoxyquin
exhibited cancer causing potential and are supposedly conducting
additional experiments to determine the possible toxicity of this
chemical. Of course, these types of studies take years to complete.
A CHOICE:
While there are no hard scientific facts indicating chemical preservatives
are harmful, L'Avian Plus™ believes today's consumers, given
the choice, prefer more natural products which are free of chemical
preservatives.
OTHER ALTERNATIVES:
By using coated (protected) vitamins, and by using cold pressed
pellets, the need for added chemical preservatives is all but eliminated.
Of course, proper inventory rotation also helps. Where some type
of preservative is needed, the use of mixed tocopherols (vitamin
E) and citric acid (the natural acid from citrus fruits) have been
shown to act as a preservative and to help prevent the formation
of molds. This is a natural alternative to the use of chemical preservatives,
but often requires special equipment and is more expensive.
L’AVIAN PLUS™ - FREE OF ADDED CHEMICAL PRESERVATIVES:
L’Avian Plus™ made the decision to eliminate chemical
preservatives from its products. Where some type of preservative
is required, such as in L’Avian Plus™ Ferret Food, natural
mixed tocopherols and citric acid are used. In fruit and veggie
products, special human grade (edible) ingredients are used which
are low in moisture, thus helping to prevent the formation of molds.
A MORE NATURAL DIET:
It is the goal of L'Avian Plus™ to provide pets with a more
natural wholesome diet. With strict quality control and the use
of more expensive ingredients, virtually dust free products can
be made available to consumers for their pets, thus providing premium
natural nutrition.
--SPECIAL ALERT--
In 1997, pet food manufacturers were notified by the FDA
to
reduce the levels of Ethoxyquin (a chemical preservative)
used
in dog/cat foods because of potential health hazards.
While no reference was made to caged bird and small animal
foods, consumers might want to consider this potential
problem. L'AVIAN PLUS™ REMOVED THE CHEMICAL
PRESERVATIVE SEVERAL YEARS AGO....VOLUNTARILY.
You may want to check the ingredient section of various
products you are using. The most common chemical
preservatives are Ethoxyquin, BHT, BHA and Glycol.
L'AVIAN PLUS™
FREE OF ADDED CHEMICAL PRESERVATIVES.
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