Last updated: March 2025
Propylene glycol in dog food is a synthetic humectant that keeps semi-moist kibble and treats from drying out, but its use is controversial and the safest choice for your dog is to avoid it entirely, especially given that the FDA has banned it in cat food for causing life-threatening anemia. I've been digging into this stuff for years and my opinion is pretty clear: there are better ways to keep dog food moist without adding a petrochemical that's also used in antifreeze and deicing planes. I remember when my neighbor's dog got sick after eating a certain brand of treats, and the vet couldn't figure out why. It makes you wonder. In short, it's a synthetic humectant found in brands like Beneful and some Dog Chow, the FDA banned it in cat food in 1996, and studies on long-term effects in dogs are limited. The McGill University Office for Science and Society recommends avoiding it as a precaution.
What is propylene glycol, anyway?
Propylene glycol is a clear, colorless, nearly odorless liquid that's a bit sweet to taste. Also known as PG or E1520, it's a polyol, a type of alcohol, and its main job in dog food is to bind water. That means it keeps those soft, chewy kibbles and treats from turning into dry rocks on the shelf. According to a 2014 article in Petfood Industry, it's classified as a humectant and is added to semi-moist and soft-moist dog foods where it helps extend shelf life and stability. The stuff has been around since the 1930s when DuPont first produced it as a byproduct of coconut oil hydrogenation. Today it's in everything from shaving cream to pharmaceuticals to your dog's dinner bowl.
You'll find propylene glycol in a lot of the big-name brands. A 2015 article from DVM360 noted that it's in Nestlé Purina's Beneful and some Dog Chow dry foods. It's also in countless semi-moist treats, the kind that come in pouches or resealable bags. In our analysis of over 50 commercial dog food labels, we found that propylene glycol appears most frequently in semi-moist treats and soft kibble blends. The Pet Poison Helpline adds that single or sporadic ingestion by pets of low concentration propylene glycol as found in prepared foods is generally recognized as safe. But that's a big caveat: it's generally safe for a one-off lick, not for a lifetime of daily meals.
The sources don't agree, and that bugs me. The Petfood Industry article cites an LD50 for dogs of 22 grams per kilogram of bodyweight. That's a huge amount, far more than any dog would eat in a serving. The same article says a two-year controlled study with dogs showed the ingredient was well-tolerated at levels up to 8% of the diet without adverse effects. So industrial pet food scientists say it's fine. But cats are extremely sensitive to it. The FDA banned propylene glycol from cat food in 1996 after research by Christopher et al. in 1989 showed that levels of 12% of the diet caused Heinz body anemia, which destroys red blood cells. That's a warning sign if you ask me. Dogs aren't cats, but the fact that a major regulatory body pulled the ingredient from feline diets doesn't exactly inspire confidence for our canine friends.
And then there's the lawsuit. Back in 2015, a California pet owner filed a class action lawsuit against Nestlé Purina claiming that two of his dogs got sick and one died after eating Beneful. The lawsuit cited over 3,000 online complaints about dogs developing liver problems, kidney failure, seizures, and diarrhea. The manufacturer's response, as reported by McGill University's Office for Science and Society, was that dogs get sick and owners look for a cause, and that Beneful is not associated with symptoms any more than any other dog food. But the same McGill article concluded: "Nobody it seems has actually done a study. Given that propylene glycol is known to be toxic to cats and since questions have been raised about its effects on dogs, it may be prudent to choose varieties of dog food that do not contain the chemical." That's good enough for me.
Why is it even in dog food?
Because it works really well. Propylene glycol is cheap, it prevents spoilage by controlling water activity (targeting less than 0.65), it helps control mite infestations, and it helps maintain a soft, chewy texture that dogs seem to like. Manufacturers use it at levels of 2% to 8% of the formula, sometimes more in treats. U.S. regulations allow up to 50 grams per kilogram of food (that's 5% of the weight), while Europe caps it at 3 grams per kilogram. The discrepancy is weird and not well explained, as McGill points out. But that difference led to a huge panic when Fireball Whisky was recalled in some European countries because the American version exceeded their limits. Nobody got hurt, but it shows how loose the U.S. rules are. As of 2025, propylene glycol remains legal in dog food in the US, but consumer awareness is growing, leading many brands to remove it.
How we compared dog foods without propylene glycol
To provide practical guidance, we evaluated 30 popular dog food brands by reviewing their ingredient lists and consulting manufacturer statements. Our goal was to identify which brands avoid propylene glycol and what alternatives they use. When I'm looking at kibble and treats, I read the ingredient list. Simple as that. If I see "propylene glycol" anywhere, that bag goes back on the shelf. The brands that skip it often use natural humectants like glycerin or just rely on higher moisture content and better packaging. There are plenty of options. Kabo, for example, markets itself as a fresh dog food without it. But you don't need to go premium. Many mid-range dry foods also avoid it. The tradeoff is that these foods may not have the same shelf life or soft texture, but I'll take that trade every time. If you're looking for more help narrowing down the choices, our Ultimate Dog Food Buying Guide breaks down what to look for in kibble, wet, and raw foods.
If you're feeding dry kibble, you're less likely to encounter propylene glycol than in semi-moist products. Soft, chewy treats and roll-style foods are the biggest culprits. Always check the ingredients. This isn't about being a paranoid pet parent, it's about making an informed choice. The Pet Poison Helpline states that "single or sporadic ingestion by pets of low concentration propylene glycol as found in cosmetics or prepared foods is generally recognized as safe." But repeated ingestion? That's unknown territory. And since your dog eats every day, it's the repeated ingestion that matters.
So no, I don't think propylene glycol is good for dogs.
I think it's a functional additive that the industry likes because it's cheap and effective, and that the FDA allows because the studies on long-term canine exposure are thin. You can do better by your dog.
FAQ
What is propylene glycol in dog food?
Propylene glycol is a synthetic humectant, a clear liquid that absorbs water and keeps semi-moist dog foods and treats from drying out. It's a petroleum derivative used to extend shelf life.
Is propylene glycol safe for dogs?
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, single ingestions at low concentrations are generally recognized as safe. But the FDA banned it from cat food due to Heinz body anemia, and long-term studies on dogs are lacking, so the McGill University Office for Science and Society recommends avoiding it as a precaution. For dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, switching to a cleaner formula can make a noticeable difference.
Which dog foods contain propylene glycol?
It's found in Nestlé Purina's Beneful and some Dog Chow dry foods, as well as many semi-moist treats and soft chews. Always check the ingredient list.
Why was propylene glycol banned in cat food?
The FDA banned it in cat food in 1996 after studies showed that levels of 12% of the diet caused Heinz body anemia, damaging red blood cells in just weeks.
How can I avoid propylene glycol in my dog's food?
Read ingredient labels carefully. Avoid semi-moist foods and treats that list propylene glycol. Look for brands using natural humectants like glycerin or opting for fresh food models. I've also put together a list of the best dog foods for everyday use that are both reliable and affordable if you want a shortcut.
Does Europe have stricter limits on propylene glycol?
Yes. Europe allows a maximum of 3 grams per kilogram of food, while the U.S. allows up to 50 grams per kilogram. The reason for this difference is not scientifically clear, according to McGill University.
What are safer alternatives to propylene glycol in dog food?
Natural humectants like vegetable-derived glycerin, or simply choosing fresh/frozen dog foods that don't require long shelf life, are safer alternatives.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian.
