For pet owners trying to make healthy choices for their pets, the ingredients used in pet products can be confusing and overwhelming. There are hundreds of ingredients that are difficult to pronounce, and even harder to understand. Trying to decipher between the myriad of beneficial and detrimental ingredients used in today’s consumable pet products can make your head spin.
While most of us try to focus on pet food ingredients that are completely natural and beneficial, it can take some research to figure out what they are.
What Are Mixed Tocopherols?
Mixed tocopherols are one of those commonly misunderstood ingredients. Tocopherols are found in everything from kibble, to training treats, supplements, shampoo, and more. In fact, tocopherols are one of the most common ingredients used in pet goods. But what are they, and why are they so popular?
To explain it simply, mixed tocopherols are a combination of different sources of Vitamin E. They can be a mixture of alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and delta-tocopherol, which are all natural forms of Vitamin E. Tocopherols do differ very slightly in chemical structure, but are essentially the same. They’re usually sourced from nuts, seeds, healthy oils, and even spinach.
Vitamin E is important for many pets, including dogs and cats, as it serves a variety of important functions. Firstly, Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping prevent cell damage from free radicals, which are closely associated with a number of serious diseases including cancers, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and more. Secondly, Vitamin E is a dynamic helper for both the immune system, as well as the circulatory system. It helps to maintain strong, healthy muscles, keeping your pet agile as they age. On top of these benefits, Vitamin E also contributes to better eyesight, a healthy skin and coat, and more!
While Vitamin E deficiency is rare in pets, cats can be slightly more susceptible to it than dogs. For example, all-fish diets are generally lower in Vitamin E – which is essential for natural fat metabolism – so without proper supplementation pets may be at risk of developing a disorder called Yellow Fat Disease. Most commercial pet foods are properly balanced in this regard, so diet-related Vitamin E deficiencies are not a common problem today.
Surprisingly, the reason Vitamin E is found in so many pet products isn’t because of its health benefits; mixed tocopherols are an exceptionally effective preservative. Over the last couple decades, pet product manufacturers have been meeting an increasing demand for all natural, healthy pet foods and treats. Part of this trend has been the removal of unwanted synthetic preservatives.
Mixed Tocopherols as a Preservative
When being used as a preservative, mixed tocopherols work by naturally reducing oxidation of ingredients in consumable pet products, extending it’s shelf life significantly.
Synthetic preservatives are less costly to the manufacturer than mixed tocopherols, and preserve pet foods longer. However, there are many concerns regarding the safety of long-term exposure to artificial preservatives like BHT, BHA, propylene glycol, propyl gallate, and ethoxyquin. The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists BHA as a possible human carcinogen. While ethoxyquin is considered to be non-toxic to pets if used properly, it is also used in pesticides and in making rubber products, like tires. This really makes you question the number of potentially harmful things our pets are unknowingly exposed to.
When it comes to our pets, we only want what is best for them. The next time you choose a consumable product for your pet (or yourself), ask first what it is preserved with?
Hi Brandon,
I have a dog with epilepsy and I’ve read that rosemary extract and mixed tocopherols (which can include rosemary extract) can sometimes worsen seizures. I’ve discovered most of our treats and kibble contain these ingredients. Are there any that don’t?
Thank you!
I got a sensitivity test done for my cat, and it appears that he is severely sensitive to synthetic gamma tocopherol. He has no sensitivity to any other tocopherol. Is there a way to know if dry foods with mixed tocopherols are synthetic or not?
I got my cats some treats and I read the back one day and it kind of shocked me. It warns not to give them more than 16 treats per day. Feed them 4 pieces per 6 lbs. I saw mixed tocopherols in the ingredients so I looked it up and saw if feed to much can cause internal bleeding.
What would happen if I gave them some treats then someone else gave them some and my son would give them some none of us knowing the other gave them treats and next thing they have died. I really don’t thing treats need vitamins. I wish having pets wasn’t so scary. I could not live with knowing I was a reason my cats got ill or died.
I think I will not treat them.
If my dog is allergic to salmon, is she also allergic to salmon oil?
Hi, I’m considering switching my 2 year old dog to a food brand that goes by the name of rawbble it’s freeze dried kibble and all the ingredients are amazing. But they did list mixed Tocopherols (a preservative) which makes me wonder if it would be a good fit? Also if a dog food lists garlic is that a red flag? I’ve grown up hearing garlic is poisonous to dogs so how could they release a dog food with garlic? Any information would be much appreciated
Hello, Alexandria.
Thanks for reaching out with your questions! Rawbble is indeed an excellent brand that we often recommend for its high-quality ingredients and commitment to providing nutritious meals for pets.
Regarding your question about mixed tocopherols, these are actually a form of vitamin E and are commonly used as a natural preservative in pet foods. They are not only safe, but they also have beneficial antioxidant properties, so there’s no need for concern there.
As for garlic, it’s a bit more nuanced. While it’s true that garlic can be toxic to dogs, toxicity is generally only a concern when it’s consumed in large amounts. To put it in perspective, a 50lb dog would need to ingest more than 1.25 ounces of garlic (about 5 cloves) for it to potentially be harmful. Many dog food brands use garlic in very small quantities for flavor, which doesn’t pose a risk. That said, if you’re uncomfortable with garlic in your dog’s food, it’s perfectly fine to choose a brand that doesn’t include it.
I hope this information puts your mind at ease and helps inform your decision. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
What about if my dog has been diagnosed as allergic to beef. Can I use this food or is the beef fat an issue and do I need to go to the more expensive hydrazided vet prescribed kibble?
Hello, Bruce. Thanks for posting.
Allergies are reactions to proteins, and beef fat (if a single ingredient), should be free of any protein as it is a lipid. If there is no protein, there cannot be an allergic reaction. Just to be certain, it is best to check with the manufacturer for confirmation.
With that said, there are plenty of high quality, hypoallergenic, beef-free dog foods on the market. Check out my Top 23 Canadian Dog Foods 2023 Rankings.
Hi, I’m curious about the mixed trocopheryls.. is any part of chicken fat used? My little friend gets really itchy and scratchy when any form of chicken is in her food..
Hello, Elle. Thank you for your post.
Chicken fat is only a fat, it does not contain protein. For an allergic reaction to transpire, there must be protein present. Even if your dog has an allergy to chicken, she cannot have an allergic reaction to chicken fat. In fact, many of the industry’s most popular hypoallergenic dog foods contain chicken fat.
I hope this is helpful.
What about eggs? If a dog is allergic to chicken, are they also allergic to eggs? What about other fowl? Thanks so much!!
Hello, Alison.
While it is true that a dog can have an allergy to both chicken and eggs at the same time, this is not as common as you may think. The proteins found in eggs and chicken are different, so most dogs with allergies to chicken will most likely be fine with eggs. With regards to other fowl, the same rule applies; all animal proteins are different, so having an allergy to one does not mean an allergy to all.
I hope this is helpful.
Hello Brandon,
I think there is some controversy on this issue. I have been told by my vet that chicken fat will affect a poultry allergy, and have seen this online from other vets as well (I have a dog that is very allergic to chicken). Some dog food manufacturers claim that they preserve the chicken fat with mixed tocopherols, and that this method of preservation won’t “flag” an allergy system to react. My dog always reacts to any food with chicken fat, no matter how it is preserved. She has been tested for all kinds of allergens, and ultimately just does best on a diet we prepare for her where we can control what is actually going into the food. Chicken fat in dog foods is almost always a highly processed by-product (and is not the same as chicken fat you would have at home). Typically, it is a cheap alternative to more beneficial oils.
Hello, Karey. Thank you for posting.
Not all chicken fats are created equal. Many high quality pet food brands, like FirstMate for example, their chicken fat is produced using a centrifuge to separate the chicken fat from the chicken protein. This does not apply to all forms of chicken fat used in pet food, so it is important to check with the manufacturer. You can learn more about this by clicking here.
I hope this is helpful.
Thanks for the information Brandon. I did look at FirstMate, but it didn’t meet my standards – fish meal is used vs. whole fish, and the next two ingredients are both varieties of white potatoes. I do like that the chicken fat is taken via a centrifuge vs. extracted from leftovers (and I also loved that they carry food that is pea-free – don’t get me started on peas, esp. field peas). I feed my dogs just as well as I feed my kids :). Certainly FirstMate looks much better than most kibble out there. If you have any other brand recommendation, I would love them. I still just feel like the best diet for our dogs is homemade, but realize most people don’t want to purchase a meat grinder and deal with grinding organs and bone.
I am happy to help you with this. Please email me brandon@canadianpetconnection.ca and we can continue this conversation.
I look forward to hearing from you, Karey! 🙂
I also was concerned with chicken fat mixed with tocopherols. This answered my question. Thanks reviewer and Brandon..
Using mixed tocopherals when making pet treats – how much should be used? I usually make a batch of treats for several dogs I own – keeping them in the fridge prolongs their shelf life a little but not much. So this would be ideal for me
Hello, Lori. Thank you for your question.
Unfortunately, I do not have the information you need. You will need to speak to someone in pet food/treat manufacturing to determine the correct amount of mixed tocopherol to be used in your treats.
Where do you get your mixed tocopherols from?
Hello, Jeremy. Thank you for your questions. Canadian Pet Connection is not a manufacturer of pet goods, so we do not source any mixed tocopherols. If there is a product you are inquiring about, I suggest you speak with the manufacturer directly and they will be able to answer your questions. 🙂
Hi…I have 3 dogs and our go to food was canned wet Lean Beef Tri-V out of BC and I don’t know if they went out of business. There still is product but not as good. Now am at a loss as to what I should feed my dogs…help??
Hello, Moseley. Thank you for your post.
My best advise is to check out my Top 22 Canadian Dog Foods 2022 list. These are my highest rated Canadian-made dog foods.
I hope this is helpful!
So would BHA be under the umbrella of mixed Tocopherols?
Hello, Mark. Thank you for your question.
BHA is not a mixed tocopherol. BHA is a water soluble acid, and is a synthetic alternative to natural antioxidants like Vitamin E. While BHA is approved for use in pet foods by the FDA, it is considered to be a carcinogen according to the National Toxicology Program (NTP).
I would advise not feeding your pets any products containing BHA.
Great info! I am trying to develop a deeper understanding of what I feed my dog, and this article has been very helpful.
Thank you, Wes!
Are Lungs, tripe and liver products that are cooked commercially a healthy part of a pet’s diet? I see these products and think that they may be a more natural part of a dog’s diet. Do you have any concerns about these items?
Hello, Jerry. Thank you for taking the time to post your questions.
Organ meats can be a very important part of a dog’s diet. Raw diets for dogs and cats are highly meat based, and much of that are organ meats. What is important to consider is the quality of the meat itself, and feeding in the right portions as it best suits your dog’s lifestyle.