If you're anything like us, you want your pet to have the best! The best toys, the best belly rubs, and most importantly, the best food and treats. But even when a package screams "natural" or "healthy," sneaky and unwanted ingredients can slip in.
Let's examine hidden sugars and fillers, what they are, why they matter, and how to spot them like a pro!
Hidden Ingredients: Why Should You Care?
Sugars and fillers aren't just "empty." They can cause many problems for our pups and other pets. We're talking about problems that may include:
- Upset stomachs.
- Allergies and itchy skin.
- Weight gain.
- Sugar spikes.
- Low energy.
- Even long-term health issues like diabetes!
And the tricky part? Companies don't always call them "sugar" or "filler" right on the label. That's why knowing what you're looking for is crucial!
Common Sneaky Names for "Sugar"
Sugar isn't just listed as "sugar;" it comes wearing all kinds of disguises! Below are the terms you need to be on the lookout for when it comes to hidden sugar.
- Dextrose
- Maltose
- Cane molasses
- Corn syrup
- Fructose
- Malt syrup
- Glucose
⚠️ Caution
If you see the phrase "birch sugar," "wood sugar," "birch bark extract" or "sugar alcohols" on ANY label, AVOID that product for your pet!
Also known as the popular sweetener "xylitol," it's very toxic to dogs and may also cause adverse effects in cats and ferrets.
Source: FDA.gov
If you see any of these near the top of the ingredient list, it's a sign that there might be more sugar than you think. Even "honey" or "maple syrup," while natural, should be in tiny amounts for your dog's diet, including treats.
Another sneaky way dog products can hide sugars is by using sugary syrups as binders during manufacturing. For example, the ingredient list may simply say "sweet potato," but manufacturers aren't required to disclose that they've also added sweet potato sugar syrup.
💡 Marcy's Tip
If sugar (by any name) appears in the first five ingredients, that's a red flag! Be sure to research the ingredients to make sure they are all-natural and wholesome.
Fillers that Do NOT Belong!
Fillers are cheap ingredients to "bulk up" the product with no nutritional value. Some of the most common include:
- Corn Gluten Meal: a byproduct from milling. But vague meals (like meat meal or animal meal) can signal lower-quality or mystery sources.
- Wheat Middlings: a byproduct of milling that is not flour.
- Soybean Hulls: a byproduct of processing, the thin outer skin of the soybean.
- Rice Bran: a byproduct of milling, the hard outer layer.
- Pea Fiber: especially when it's super high up the list.
These fillers can make food seem hearty, but they're not doing much for your dog's health. Even worse? Fillers can be a nightmare for dogs with sensitive stomachs!
VIDEO: Dr. Karen Becker + Steve Brown: Pet Food Label Seminar
How to Read a Label Like a Detective
- Look at the first five ingredients; these are the real stars of the recipe.
- Watch out for "split" ingredients like peas, pea fiber and protein. These terms tend to trick you into thinking there's less of one ingredient than is true.
- Always ask yourself: Would I eat these ingredients? Would I want my best friend to ingest these ingredients?
PetMD: A Guide to Dog Food Ingredients and Reading Dog Food Labels
When in doubt, look for foods and treats with ingredients you recognize, such as real meat (not "byproducts" or "meal"), pumpkin, blueberries, or oats.
At Marcy's Pet Kitchen, we believe treats should be as simple and wholesome as the love you share with your dog. That's why we never use artificial fillers, hidden sugars, or anything we wouldn't proudly put on our dinner plates!
A Happy and Smiling Corgi Sitting Outside
The Final Bark: Smarter Choices = Healthier Dogs!
The more you know, the more empowered you are to make great choices for your furry family. If you ever have questions about ingredients, we're always here to help.
(Marcy's inbox is a judgment-free zone for dog parents!)
Because when it comes to your dog, they deserve nothing but the very best! 🐾❤️
Remember, always monitor and prioritize your dog's overall health and well-being with your vet's help.
Always Reward Naturally®!
Marcy Lambert-Pellegrino is the founder of Marcy's Pet Kitchen®, a small-batch dog treat company built on one belief: your dog deserves to eat well. After commercial treats caused recurring health issues in her own dogs, Marcy developed her own recipes using human-grade, allergen-friendly ingredients — including dandelion root as a natural prebiotic, one of the first companies to do so. MPK has been featured in Pets Plus Magazine and the Wellness Master Club.
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