Encyclopedia / Problematic additives

Problematic additives

Added sugars

E

Avoid

Description

Sugar, molasses, glucose syrup...

Benefits

Palatability

Risks

Obesity, diabetes, dental problems

Controversies and what to watch for

Added sugars (sucrose, glucose syrup, molasses, caramel) appear in cheap wet food pouches (Whiskas, Friskies, Felix, Sheba, Cesar) to boost palatability and mask the bland taste of low-meat formulas. Dogs and cats have fewer sweet taste receptors than humans but the sugar still triggers a feeding response that increases consumption. The health consequences mirror those in humans: dental caries, obesity, insulin resistance, and in cats specifically, increased risk of type 2 diabetes. There is zero nutritional justification for added sugar in any pet food formula. PetFoodRate automatically downgrades any product listing sugar, sucrose, glucose syrup, molasses, or caramel in the composition.

Species adaptability

Avoid for

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Rabbits
  • Hamsters
  • Guinea pigs

Products containing this ingredient

B
Whiskas Whiskas Duo Surf and Turf
B
Carrefour EXPERT Sterilized En sauce x2 Au Saumon x2 A la Dinde
B
Carrefour, Companino EXPERT Sterilized En sauce x2 Au Saumon x2 A la Dinde
B
Nestlé,félix,purina émincés de gelée Félix
B
American Style mckennedy hot dogs
B
Carrefour EXPERT Special hair En sauce x2 Au saumon x2 A la dinde
B
Carrefour EXPERT Sterilized En sauce x2 Au Saumon x2 Au Thon x2 Au Bœuf x2 A la Dinde
B
Carrefour SIMPL Emincés en gelée MULTIPACK X12
B
Carrefour EXPERT Junior / 2-12 mois En sauce x4 Au Saumon
B
Carrefour EXPERT Senior / 7 ans et + En sauce x 2 au veau x 2 à la dinde
B
OPTIMEAL Optimeal for carnivores - Saumon & Crevettes
B
Frolic Frolic - Mighty Mix Adult