Very High Risk Ingredient

Propylene glycol

Score impact: −80 pts per affected product

Banned in cat food in the EU. Damages red blood cells and causes Heinz body anaemia.

Score Rationale

Maximum deduction because EU Regulation 1831/2003 prohibits propylene glycol in cat food entirely. Cats have a species-specific sensitivity — unlike dogs, they cannot adequately metabolise propylene glycol, leading to oxidative damage of red blood cells at routine dietary exposure levels.

Scientific Evidence

Established science

· European Commission Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition.
· Robertson SA et al. (1992). Clinical effects of propylene glycol administered orally to healthy cats. American Journal of Veterinary Research 53(6):1007–1012.
· FDA (2001). Food and Drug Administration: Propylene Glycol in Cat Food. Federal Register.

Affected Products (0 of 60)

None of the 60 reviewed products have been identified with this risk factor. It is included because it appears in commercial cat food and is worth checking when reading labels.