Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
5 toxic chemicals in dog toys and food packaging you must protect your dog from

5 toxic chemicals in dog toys and food packaging you must protect your dog from

What living creature can eat and thrive on plastic?

Lately, I have been noticing that many people do not pay as much attention to materials that come in contact with food. The reality is these materials can contain toxic chemicals that can affect you and your dog’s health.

There are 37 billion chemical reactions happening in the body every second, and foreign substances can seriously affect you or your dog’s health. Here are the five most common materials you should avoid:

1. Aluminum foil or pots and pans

You may have noticed that many restaurants still use aluminum dishes. They are cheap, light, and conduct heat very well. Many people use aluminum foil in the oven to cover pots and pans or even wrap food in it for cooking or storage.

The problem is that aluminum is a toxic metal that leaches in food, especially when it is exposed to high temperatures or more acidic foods.

Research has shown that aluminum can increase the rates of breast cancer in genetically predisposed women and it accumulates in brain and nerve tissue.Some people also suggest that increased levels of aluminum correlate with the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, but this connection has not been completely confirmed.

Ideally, avoid cooking and packaging food in aluminum, and use glass containers instead.

2. Tin cans

Most people do not think twice about canned food. It has been around for a long time, and it is a convenient method of food preservation. Unfortunately, the protective lacquer finish inside cans contains Bisphenol A (commonly known as BPA), a xenoestrogen - a chemical that imitates estrogen hormones and seriously affects fertility and hormonal balance.

3. Plastic containers

There are many reasons why we should avoid or at least reduce the use of plastic when it comes to food packaging and storage. Bisphenols are one reason, toxic fillers and colorants are another. For example, lead has been found in dog bowls and dog and children's toys made in China.

Unlike natural materials, plastic does not disintegrate easily, and microscopic particles seriously affect the lives of marine animals, from plankton and krill to fish and marine mammals.

One of the most common sources of plastic contamination are water bottles. The easiest solution is to avoid them completely. Ideally, install a home water filtration system and use glass and stainless steel water bottles. If you or your employer purchase water containers for water coolers, switch to companies that use glass containers.

Supplement companies frequently use plastic containers for their products to save money and prevent breakage during transportation.  These products remain in contact with the plastic for extended periods of time which results in plastic contamination.  This is the main reason why we package our all natural dog supplements in glass (GreenMin, GutSense and SoulFood).

4. Polystyrene (Styrofoam)

This particular type of packaging does not affect dogs as much as people but it is worth mentioning anyway. If you like to order a take out from time to time, you may have noticed that some restaurants still use polystyrene packaging. I see this as a telltale sign that a restaurant cares more about saving money than protecting customers and the environment.

When you see this, I suggest ordering in instead and ideally have a conversation with the restaurant management about more environmentally friendly options. If they resist or do not see styrofoam to be a problem you may want to choose a different restaurant.

Some countries and states have successfully banned polystyrene, however, it is still readily used around the world.

Polystyrene has been labeled as possibly carcinogenic and burning polystyrene releases 51 artificial and mostly toxic chemicals. One of the most dangerous ways of using styrofoam is by putting hot tea or hot coffee in a styrofoam cup.

Interesting point: Research shows that mealworms, the larvae of Mealworm Beetle, can actually survive and thrive by eating styrofoam. The “digested styrofoam” can then be used in gardens as a compost. This is one of the examples that nature is evolving to help to heal our blue planet.

5. Phthalates in dog toys and medical equipment

Phthalates are used in plastic toys and medical supplies, such as IV tubing because they make them more flexible and harder to break.

These substances appear to be hormonal disruptors with anti-androgenic effects. This means it may reduce the ability of males to reproduce. Some phthalates are possibly carcinogenic and others have been connected to asthma and allergies.

Summary

We live in a world where avoiding toxic and artificial substances is impossible. However, learning, along with increased awareness can make a significant difference when it comes to protecting your animal friend.

Avoiding the above materials, taking supplements that are packaged in glass (GreenMin, GutSense and SoulFood), and taking your dog through a semi-annual liver cleanse will reduce exposure and eliminate toxins from your dog's body, leading to a longer, healthier, and happier life.

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close