Researchers find hormone-disrupting parabens in pet food

Why is this cancer-causing chemical in pet food?

Despite how much we worry and fuss over our four-legged family members, the number of dogs and cats with diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or cancer is rising every year.

Diabetes, for example, has increased in dogs by a whopping 79 percent over the last decade, and cats have become almost 20 percent more likely to have the disease over the same time.

As far as canine cancer goes, statistics reveal that half of all pups will develop some form of the disease.

So, what’s going on? Shouldn’t our beloved furry friends be living longer, healthier lives?

Although there are certainly a lot of unanswered questions, a recent study has turned up what looks to be a very big part of the puzzle. And it’s something we’re literally dishing out to our pets every single day.

The problem with parabens

When researchers from the New York State Department of Health wanted to answer the question of why pampered pooches and coddled kitties are coming down with diseases at record rates, interestingly, they decided to check pets for a type of synthetic preservative known as parabens.

Parabens are put into all sorts of products, foods (for pets and people), shampoos, sunscreens, creams, and even makeup.

And ever since a study done in 2004 found a clear link between breast cancer and parabens, regulators and panicked industry groups have been trying to sell us on the idea that the study was flawed and there’s really nothing to worry about.

The issue with parabens, however, which have been shown to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals (just like BPAs), is far from settled. And as this new study found, it’s a big problem for our pets, too.

The New York researchers discovered that in urine samples taken from dogs and cats, along with an analysis of 58 different types of pet foods (both canned and dry), parabens showed up more often than not. They also found that dogs appear to be exposed to higher levels than cats.

As I said, our pets aren’t the only ones at risk, as these preservatives can turn up almost anywhere. In fact, the presence of parabens in dog shampoo is likely why Fido and Buddy appear to have more exposure to the chemical. After all, when was the last time you gave your cat a bath?

And while you’ve probably heard a lot more about BPA (used in the manufacturing of plastic bottles and containers, as well as the lining of food cans) and how that chemical can interfere with and even imitate hormones in our bodies, there’s no reason to believe that parabens can’t do exactly the same kind of damage.

Even though we know that these chemicals can mimic estrogen and are linked to cancer, obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease, the FDA is – unbelievably — sticking with its story that they’re safe.

The CDC goes a little further, saying that the health effects from exposure to “low levels of parabens are unknown,” but that’s as far as it’s willing to go.

Well, thanks for nothing!

In addition to these new findings on pet foods, it looks like we’re putting our best friends in double jeopardy, as a recent study also found BPA in canned pet food.

But while you won’t find BPA listed on a product’s label (unless it says “BPA-free”), thank goodness that you can check ingredients for the presence of parabens.

These chemicals go under several different names (including ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben), but they will all end the same way – with the word paraben. And not only should you be checking your pet’s food, but your own as well – along with toothpaste, lotions, shampoos, and other cosmetics.

I’m quite sure that in the near future we’ll be hearing a lot more disastrous news about parabens. And by eliminating them as much as possible from your home, you’ll be a giant step ahead in keeping all members of your family as safe as possible!

“How cats and dogs are consuming and processing parabens” ACS, March 7, 2018, acs.org