Charcoal
other · base score 0.5 · also listed as charcoal
What is it?
Charcoal is another common food ingredient. Graded medium: nutritionally adequate and nothing to worry about, but not a standout ingredient either way.
At a glance
- Category
- other
- Grade
- medium
- Base score
- 0.5 (from −1 to 1; higher is better)
- Found in
- 22 products
- Also listed as
- charcoal
Common questions about charcoal
Is Charcoal good for dogs?
It is nutritionally fine: we grade it medium, meaning adequate and nothing to worry about, but not a standout either way. The overall recipe matters more than any single ingredient.
How many UK dog foods contain charcoal?
22 UK products list charcoal as an ingredient in our database. The full list is shown below, sorted by rating.
What else is charcoal called on labels?
Manufacturers list it under several names: charcoal. We match all of these to the same glossary entry when we read a label.
How does Open Dog Food grade charcoal?
We grade it medium: nutritionally adequate, but nothing special either way. Every ingredient is converted to its dry-matter share and scored from our glossary before a recipe gets its 1-100 rating; the full method is on our methodology page.
Why is charcoal added to dog food?
Activated charcoal is sometimes included as an adsorbent ingredient in certain specialist foods or treats. It is not a nutritional ingredient and should not be confused with everyday fuel charcoal.
Is charcoal in dog food safe for all dogs?
Charcoal used in pet foods is generally regarded as safe in small amounts as an additive. Some dogs are sensitive to novel ingredients, so speak to your vet if you have concerns.











