I did receive a response from an inquiry I emailed to Diamond concerning ethoxyquin use. That's the preservative I was referring to that is considered a carcinogen in humans. Diamonds preservative policy is:
The preservation systems used by our vendors are considered proprietary information. The heat from our pet food process destroys antioxidants that are used in the ingredients that we purchase. The cooking process at our facilities is at or above 240 degrees. After the heat process (extrusion and drying), we apply natural tocopherols (Vitamins A & E) in order to carry the shelf life of the food. Diamond does not preserve any of its products with ethoxyquin, only with mixed tocopherols.
Unfortunately that is so unclear as to be almost useless. What it tells me is they don't use ethoxyquin in the product themselves but, since their vendors preservation systems are proprietary, they could very well use it in ingredients supplied to Diamond and then used in their food. I have no idea what the cooking process may do to eliminate or destroy ethoxyquin. I told them that the only answer I could accept is: No, we don't use ethoxyquin in our product and we don't use ingredients from vendors who do. Since it doesn't look like I'll be getting that, I may be going with the CANIDAE brand.
I still look forward to comments from others. Thanks again guys.
- Byron |