First synthesized more than a century ago, DMSO is a natural by - product of wood -
pulp manufacture and has been used for decades
as an industrial solvent, paint thinner and
additive in a number of chemical products.
Manufactured pet foods can contain umectants like sugar / sucrose, corn syrup, sorbitol and molasses; antimicrobial preservatives like propionic, sorbic and phosphoric acids, sodium nitrite, sodium and calcium propionate and potassium sorbate; natural coloring agents like iron oxide and caramel, and synthetic coloring agents like coal - tar derived azo - dyes such
as Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 2; emulsifying agents used
as stabilizers and thickeners, such
as seaweed, seed, and microbial gums, gums from trees, and chemically modified plant cellulose like citrus pectin, xanthan and guar gum, and carrageenan; flavor and palatability enhances include «natural» flavors, «animal digest», and even MSG (monosodium glutamate); natural fiber like beet
pulp, and miscellaneous
additives like polyphosphates that help retain natural moisture, condition and texture of manufactured pet foods.