Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol is a hardworking chemical. According to Wikipedia, propylene glycol is the main ingredient in many deodorant sticks. Propylene glycol is also used as an anti-freeze and coolant, and as an additive to many items ranging from massage oil to "black light" tattoo ink. It is used in traps to kill ground beetles. It even de-ices airplanes. It lubricates air conditioning compressors and hydraulics.

And it may be in your food and your pet's food.

Propylene Glycol is a chemical that is used as a solvent, an emulsifier, cooling agent, and stabilizer. It is also approved by the FDA as an additive to human food, pet treats and dog food.

As a humectant, propylene glycol helps foods and things like tobacco products and cosmetics hold moisture. It is also often used in soft-moist pet foods. Propylene glycol is what gives these products their unique moist texture and taste. Propylene Glycol was affirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in human and animal food before the advent of soft-moist foods.

Propylene Glycol Controversy

Propylene Glycol is a controversial chemical. It has been accused of causing a long list of health problem ranging from developmental/reproductive problems (caused skeletal malformation in offspring of animals fed propylene glycol), allergies and immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption. Propylene Glycol can alter the structure of your skin. It is used in pharmaceutical patches.

According to information published by the FDA, it was known for some time that propylene glycol caused Heinz Body formation in the red blood cells of cats (small clumps of proteins seen in the cells when viewed under the microscope), but it could not be shown to cause overt anemia or other clinical effects. However, reports in the veterinary literature of scientifically sound studies have shown that propylene glycol reduces red blood cell life span, renders red blood cells more susceptible to oxidative damage, and has other adverse health effects in cats consuming the substance at levels found in soft-moist food. In light of these new data, The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) amended its regulations to expressly prohibit the use of propylene glycol in cat foods. It is still allowed in cat treats.

It is our policy not to sell any food or treat that we feel may contain propylene glycol.

Links:
Food and Drug Administration on Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol at Wikipedia