To protect the food supply in the United States, including pet food, the government has put in place restrictions on what products can be imported into the United States. Answer Horses are not raised for food in the United States so they are not generally used in commercial pet foods. The same preservatives are used in food for people and pet food. They are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, are safe and are used in very small quantities. Pet foods contain preservatives for the same reason food for people does - to keep it fresh.
Preservatives keep food from spoiling.
Eating spoiled food can cause illness in pets just as it can in people. 2001 Pet Food Institute. All Rights Reserved.