Meow Mix Hairball Control Dry Cat Food

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

Classified by the US National Toxicology Program as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, and banned from food in parts of the EU and Japan. Natural alternatives (mixed tocopherols, rosemary) do the same job.

Ethoxyquin

The FDA asked manufacturers to voluntarily halve its use over liver-enzyme concerns. It often enters food via fish meal without appearing on the label at all.

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

Linked to liver and kidney effects in animal studies at high doses. Widely avoided by premium brands in favour of natural preservation.

Chicken by-product meal

Nutritionally it can be fine (organs are nutrient-dense), but the exact mix isn't disclosed and varies batch to batch, so quality is unpredictable.

Artificial colours

Pets are effectively colour-blind to these distinctions — the dye exists to appeal to the human buying it. Some have been linked to hyperactivity in children and offer zero nutritional benefit.

Unnamed animal fat

Because the species isn't named, the source can change batch to batch — a problem if your pet has a protein allergy.