{"id":9326,"date":"2026-01-15T11:25:44","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T09:25:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/?p=9326"},"modified":"2026-01-16T11:08:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T09:08:44","slug":"preservatives-in-dog-food-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/preservatives-in-dog-food-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Preservatives in Dog Food, Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Let\u2019s be honest, the word preservatives does not exactly sound comforting. Over the past few years, they have gained a bad reputation, and not without reason. Some synthetic preservatives have been linked in scientific studies to potential health problems such as hyperactivity, digestive issues, breathing problems and even an increased risk of serious diseases like cancer and diabetes. This has led both researchers and companies to look for gentler and more natural solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most promising approaches is <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Biopreservation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">biopreservation,<\/a> using substances derived from nature, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10610427\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plants<\/a> and insects, to keep food safe and stable without compromising health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"preservatives in dog food\" class=\"wp-image-9345 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;width:750px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-1.jpg 1500w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-2-xl-font-size\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Proper preservation is what keeps your dog\u2019s food <strong>safe, nutritious and stable<\/strong> from the first scoop to the last. At Nala Health, our approach is designed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep fats <strong>fresh<\/strong> and prevent them from turning rancid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Protect<\/strong> vitamins and other sensitive nutrients<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduce the risk<\/strong> of harmful bacteria, moulds and yeasts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure a consistent, <strong>safe<\/strong> and reliable shelf life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">What Would Happen Without Preservation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Food naturally deteriorates over time. Bacteria, moulds and fungi grow, fats turn rancid and nutrients slowly break down. Preservation is what keeps food safe, nutritious, tasty and stable until the moment your dog eats it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 40%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Without proper preservation, several things can happen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vitamins and sensitive nutrients can be lost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fats can turn rancid (oxidation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli can survive and, under the right conditions, multiply<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mould and yeast can start to grow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hoykant-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"preservatives in dog food\" class=\"wp-image-9348 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hoykant-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hoykant-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hoykant-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hoykant-1-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Hoykant-1.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 683px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 683\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Preservatives also help maintain the smell, taste, shape and appearance of the food, which is important because even the healthiest food is not very useful if your dog refuses to eat it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">Preservatives Do More Than Protect Your Dog\u2019s Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Food preservation is not a modern invention. For thousands of years, it has been essential to human survival. Long before fridges and freezers existed, people dried, salted, fermented and stored food to survive winters, droughts and long journeys. Preservation is one of the reasons human societies were able to grow, settle and thrive. And it is just as important today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A staggering amount of the world\u2019s food is wasted every single day. Good preservation is one of the most powerful tools we have to change that. By protecting food from spoilage, we can feed more people and pets, waste less, and reduce the environmental footprint that comes from endless production and transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"preservatives in dog food\" class=\"wp-image-9346 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;width:750px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-1.jpg 1500w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Preservation also allows us to store surplus, stay resilient during power outages and other crises, and smooth out seasonal fluctuations, so nutritious food remains available even when certain ingredients are not in season. In this way, proper preservation helps build a food system that is not only safer and more reliable, but also more fair, more resilient and more sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">Natural vs Synthetic Preservatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main types of preservatives, natural and artificial (synthetic). Both serve the same fundamental purpose: to protect food and extend its shelf life. However, they can differ significantly in how they are made and how they affect the body over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Nala Health, we use gentler, nature-based solutions whenever possible. We believe this choice is especially important for dogs, who eat the same food every day and are therefore exposed to the same ingredients over long periods of time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common natural preservatives: <\/strong>Citric acid, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, sorbic acid, rosemary extract and herbs such as cinnamon, oregano, chestnut and paprika (capsicum), tocopherols\/vitamin E, sodium\/salt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:40% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"preservatives in dog food\" class=\"wp-image-9327 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 683px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 683\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">How Do Preservatives Actually Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most preservatives work in two main ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Antimicrobial preservation <\/strong>helps prevent the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, mould and fungi that can spoil food or make it unsafe to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Antioxidant preservation <\/strong>slows down or stops oxidation, which is what makes fats go rancid and breaks down sensitive nutrients like vitamins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both are essential to keep dog food safe, nutritious and stable.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">How We Protect and Preserve Nala Health Dog Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Preservation is not just about what you add at the end. It is about the entire process. Our approach includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High-quality raw ingredients (because input always affects output)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gentle processing. We mill most ingredients ourselves, then steam cook at around 116\u00b0C and gently bake the food<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carefully selected natural preservatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No artificial food colouring or synthetic flavour enhancers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laboratory testing before the food leaves the factory, and approval by state veterinarians<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food-safe packaging with a velcro locking system to protect against air, moisture and contamination.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We also always recommend storing the food in a cool, dry and dark place, and to keep it in its original packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">Preservatives Used in Nala Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 40%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>We use several gentle, complementary layers of protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clay minerals:<\/strong> These help bind excess moisture, certain toxins and improve overall product stability and safety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Botanical extracts: <\/strong>Rosemary extract and botanical extracts from cinnamon, oregano, capsicum and chestnut help protect fats and oils from oxidation and inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria. These herbs also support gut health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Natural antioxidants:<\/strong> Tocopherols (vitamin E) and vitamin C help extend shelf life naturally, protect fats from going rancid, protect sensitive nutrients and help maintain taste and smell.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Organic acids:<\/strong> Gentle, food-safe acids help lower pH and protect against Salmonella, E. coli, spoilage bacteria, moulds and yeasts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"preservatives in dog food\" class=\"wp-image-9328 size-full lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 683px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 683\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">We Follow the EU Precautionary Principle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nala Health follows EU regulations, which are rooted in what is known as the Precautionary Principle. This means that substances can be restricted or avoided when there is scientific uncertainty about their long-term effects, even before harm is fully proven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, we choose caution, care and responsibility over taking unnecessary risks with your dog\u2019s health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">Naturally Stable Fat Profile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthy fatty acids play a crucial role in a dog\u2019s overall health and well-being. They provide energy, help keep the body warm, protect vital organs, and are necessary for the absorption of important vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some fatty acids, known as essential fatty acids (EFAs), are especially important because dogs cannot produce enough of them on their own and therefore must get them through their diet. This includes, among others, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These essential fatty acids are vital for healthy skin and a shiny coat, a strong immune system, and the normal development of the brain and cognitive functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing we may not always think about is that different fat sources provide different health benefits. In addition, different types of fats become rancid in different ways. The key is a balanced composition of fats and oils. That is why we choose, among other things, more stable oils:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Coconut oil: <\/strong>Naturally stable and acts as a natural preservative due to its content of lauric acid and capric acid, which have antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cold-pressed (virgin) canola oil:<\/strong> Naturally contains antioxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and phenolic compounds, which help protect the oil and extend shelf life without artificial preservatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fats from black soldier fly larvae:<\/strong> Contain lauric acid, which has antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties and supports skin, coat, digestion and immune health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">Preservatives and Additives We Choose to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We follow a precautionary approach and avoid several controversial additives such as BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, artificial dyes and similar substances that are either banned or strictly limited under EU regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"preservatives in dog food\" class=\"wp-image-9347 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;width:750px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-1.jpg 1500w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In August 2022, the European Commission banned <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/eli\/reg_impl\/2022\/1375\/oj\/eng\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ethoxyquin<\/a> in animal feed, and all pet food sold in or imported into the EU must be completely free from it. Nala Health follows these rules fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">Looking to the Future, How Insects Can Help Make Food Even Safer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Insects are not only a sustainable protein source. They also play an exciting role in the future of natural food preservation. Researchers are currently exploring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myfoodresearch.com\/uploads\/8\/4\/8\/5\/84855864\/_15__fr-2022-007_gita.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chitosan<\/a>, derived from chitin in insect exoskeletons, can help stabilise pH and inhibit mould growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S2772950823004077\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Antimicrobial peptides<\/a>, which insects use as part of their immune defence and which can target harmful bacteria<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lauric acid, which helps control pathogenic bacteria<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Natural polyphenols, which help protect fats from going rancid<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is part of why insect-based nutrition is so exciting, not only for sustainability, but also for food safety and quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-4-xl-font-size\">Our Philosophy in the End<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Preserving food is not about cutting corners or making compromises. It is about protecting quality, safety and nutrition in the most responsible way possible. How food is made matters just as much as what it contains. That is why we choose gentle processing, carefully selected natural preservation methods and strict quality control, all with your dog\u2019s long-term health in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are open and transparent about what goes into our food, and we continuously work to stay up to date within our field, so that the dogs who eat Nala Health can live long, healthy and happy lives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let\u2019s be honest, the word preservatives does not exactly sound comforting. Over the past few years, they have gained a bad reputation, and not without reason. Some synthetic preservatives have been linked in scientific studies to potential health problems such as hyperactivity, digestive issues, breathing problems and even an increased risk of serious diseases like &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nalahealth.dog\/za\/preservatives-in-dog-food-explained\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":9334,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9326","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-nutrition"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Preservatives in Dog Food, Explained - Nala Health<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The word preservatives does not exactly sound comforting. 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