Onion Extract in Pet Food

Grade F-5 ptsAdditives & Colorings

What It Is

"A flavoring extract derived from onion."

Health Impact

Onions — and the whole allium family, including garlic and leeks — contain compounds that damage red blood cells in dogs and cats, causing oxidative damage and potentially hemolytic anemia. Veterinary toxicology generally regards onion as more potent per unit weight than garlic for this exact mechanism. Whatever flavor benefit this provides is not worth introducing a documented toxin into a product a dog eats regularly.

Why This Grade

Our most serious tier: a documented carcinogen finding, an outright ban in at least one country or species, or an unspecified source that can legally include 4D (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) animals. -5 pts deducted.

Sources & Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Onion Extract safe for dogs and cats?

Rated F (-5 pts) by PetPro-tectors™. Onions — and the whole allium family, including garlic and leeks — contain compounds that damage red blood cells in dogs and cats, causing oxidative damage and potentially hemolytic anemia. Veterinary toxicology generally regards onion as more potent per unit weight than garlic for this exact mechanism. Whatever flavor benefit this provides is not worth introducing a documented toxin into a product a dog eats regularly.

What is Onion Extract in pet food?

A flavoring extract derived from onion.

Related Additives & Colorings Ingredients

CarrageenanDisodium InosinateDisodium GuanylateMono- and Diglycerides
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Sources: FDA, AAFCO Official Publication, National Toxicology Program,
WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, Journal of Animal Science.

PetPro-tection League™