Ethoxyquin

Why it matters

Synthetic preservative. FDA permits it with strict labeling and maximum-level rules, and after 1990s investigations found liver changes in dogs only at the highest doses, manufacturers voluntarily reduced levels to 75 ppm. It is nonetheless banned in EU pet food, and it commonly enters food undeclared through fish meal preserved before import. Penalized because transparent natural alternatives exist.

How PawScore treats it

Foods containing Ethoxyquin are heavily penalized when we grade the label. We don't publish the exact numeric weights so scores stay honest as the rubric evolves.

Source