I recently purchased two new types of dog treats: Salmon Jerky by Blue Ridge Naturals and Louisiana Alligator Jerky by Think Dog Natural. Both were a big (and I mean really B-I-G) hit with Calliope.
I noticed, however, that both contain "Natural Smoke Flavor." When I was growing up, I remember my mom going through our kitchen cupboards and throwing out a bottle of "Liquid Smoke" because she had just learned that it contained carcinogens. I took my mom's word verbatim and have never used "Liquid Smoke" and do my best to avoid foods with smoke flavoring.
...but...was she right? Are smoke flavorings carcinogenic? If they are, why are they still in our food?
I did a quick Google search. Yes, there are carcinogens in smoke flavoring. Is smoke flavoring safe? Yes, in moderation.
How are smoke flavorings produced? It's a somewhat complex system, but essentially wood is burned and the smoke it produces is captured, condensed, and mixed with water. When you burn wood, or grill any type of meat, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are produced. PAHs are carcinogenic. However, the amount of PAHs found in smoke flavoring or your favorite rotisserie chicken are minuscule.
As great as this information is, why is it necessary to have smoke flavoring in our food? It isn't. We have grown accustomed to grilled and smoked meats. Smoke flavoring is a way to get the same taste sensation without actually setting something on fire.
Is it really necessary to have smoke flavoring in dog food or treats? Absolutely not! They aren't accustomed to having meat grilled or smoked, so why would we give them products with a carcinogenic additive to mimic the taste?
It was my oversight that I didn't read the ingredients completely when purchasing the treats. Does Calliope like them? You betcha! She's bonkers for both of them. However, after giving her a few of the Alligator Jerky treats, I wont give her any more. I am disappointed with the Alligator Jerky due to the intense chemical smoke smell. Just opening the bag floods a room with a strong chemical odor.
I may consider buying the Salmon Jerky again in the future, despite it containing natural smoke flavor. However, I will not be purchasing the Alligator Jerky again.
Source
1. EFSA - Smoke Flavourings
I noticed, however, that both contain "Natural Smoke Flavor." When I was growing up, I remember my mom going through our kitchen cupboards and throwing out a bottle of "Liquid Smoke" because she had just learned that it contained carcinogens. I took my mom's word verbatim and have never used "Liquid Smoke" and do my best to avoid foods with smoke flavoring.
...but...was she right? Are smoke flavorings carcinogenic? If they are, why are they still in our food?
I did a quick Google search. Yes, there are carcinogens in smoke flavoring. Is smoke flavoring safe? Yes, in moderation.
How are smoke flavorings produced? It's a somewhat complex system, but essentially wood is burned and the smoke it produces is captured, condensed, and mixed with water. When you burn wood, or grill any type of meat, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are produced. PAHs are carcinogenic. However, the amount of PAHs found in smoke flavoring or your favorite rotisserie chicken are minuscule.
As great as this information is, why is it necessary to have smoke flavoring in our food? It isn't. We have grown accustomed to grilled and smoked meats. Smoke flavoring is a way to get the same taste sensation without actually setting something on fire.
Is it really necessary to have smoke flavoring in dog food or treats? Absolutely not! They aren't accustomed to having meat grilled or smoked, so why would we give them products with a carcinogenic additive to mimic the taste?
It was my oversight that I didn't read the ingredients completely when purchasing the treats. Does Calliope like them? You betcha! She's bonkers for both of them. However, after giving her a few of the Alligator Jerky treats, I wont give her any more. I am disappointed with the Alligator Jerky due to the intense chemical smoke smell. Just opening the bag floods a room with a strong chemical odor.
I may consider buying the Salmon Jerky again in the future, despite it containing natural smoke flavor. However, I will not be purchasing the Alligator Jerky again.
Source
1. EFSA - Smoke Flavourings