Is Beneful REALLY Harming My Pet???

by Kelly N. CVT

By now, most major news sources have run the story about a massive lawsuit filed by an individual in northern California that claims Purina Beneful has caused the death of one of his dogs and severe illness in his other two dogs.  There are now several thousand complaints against Beneful and the harm it is causing pets. 

Take a deep breath.
Like many pet food recalls, this lawsuit story is getting hugely blown out of proportion.  Let’s look at this label from a bag of Beneful:

As I understand it, the lawsuit suggests that propylene glycol is the ingredient causing internal bleeding, liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and kidney failure.  The problem here is that PROPYLENE glycol sounds very similar to ETHYLENE glycol.  Ethylene glycol is antifreeze, a substance that is very toxic when ingested.  Propylene glycol, on the other hand, is not antifreeze.  In fact, anyone reading this blog has most likely ingested propylene glycol today.

How can this be?  

Propylene glycol is a PRESERVATIVE that is in many food products and medications.

According to the FDA, propylene glycol, as a food additive, is metabolized well in the body and is used as a normal carbohydate.  The FDA recognizes propylene glycol as an additive that is “safe” for use in food.  Long-term use and substantial quantities can be consumed without causing toxicity.

There is one ingredient on that list that concerns me. 

Look at what is listed just BEFORE propylene glycol.  SUGAR.  I don't believe sugar has any business being in dog food.  Dogs don’t need it.  Sure, the food tastes great and dogs will readily eat it; too much of it, actually.  Many of the dogs that I see eating Beneful are overweight.  Being overweight has more health risks than the so-called “killer food additive”.

We love our pets and want to do the best we can for them.  Nutrition for our furry friends has become a hot topic recently. Last month I attended the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas and spent hours attending pet nutrition lectures presented by board certified veterinary nutritionists.  If you ever have questions or concerns about what you’re feeding your pet, please contact me.