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Synthetic preservatives
BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin — still common in mainstream U.S. kibble. Ethoxyquin was originally developed as a rubber stabilizer.
NTP "reasonably anticipated carcinogen" listing · EU food ban
🐶 Barkode
What's really in your dog's food? Scan any kibble, treat, wet food, or supplement — we read the label, flag the bad stuff, and tell you straight.
Why BarkodeThe pet food industry
isn't on your dog's side.
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Unnamed by-products
"Animal by-product meal" is a legal AAFCO catch-all that can include rendered material from unnamed sources, including condemned tissue.
AAFCO 2025 Official Publication, Ch. 9
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Artificial dyes
Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 2. Zero nutritional purpose. EU bans them in pet food entirely; U.S. still allows them.
EU Reg. 1333/2008 · FDA 21 CFR 73
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Treats are often worse
Corn syrup, propylene glycol, artificial colors, and chocolate-based flavorings show up regularly. We score treats on the same scale as kibble.
Common in mainstream U.S. treat brands
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"Premium" isn't legal
FDA has no legal definition for "premium," "natural," or "holistic" on pet food labels. It's marketing copy, not regulation.
FDA CVM Pet Food Labels Guide
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Few clean brands
Across the U.S. aisle, very few brands meet a clean ingredient bar. Barkode flags what's bad and points you to better.
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