Propylene glycol

Q: Is Propylene glycol safe for cats?

Toxic: Toxic to cats in food-level exposure — this is not ethylene glycol antifreeze, but cats still should not eat it. Propylene glycol is a humectant once used in some soft dog foods and treats. It can cause Heinz-body anemia in cats. It is chemically related to, but not the same as, ethylene glycol antifreeze. Cat food sold as complete and balanced in the US should not rely on it; it still shows up in some non-cat products cats steal. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Ethoxyquin also safe for cats?

Caution: Caution — a regulated preservative, not an acute household toxin.

Toxic

Verdict

Toxic to cats in food-level exposure — this is not ethylene glycol antifreeze, but cats still should not eat it.

Toxic principle: propylene glycol (Heinz-body anemia risk in cats; not the same as antifreeze)

Also called: pg, e1520

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-08-13

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Propylene glycol is a humectant once used in some soft dog foods and treats. It can cause Heinz-body anemia in cats. It is chemically related to, but not the same as, ethylene glycol antifreeze. Cat food sold as complete and balanced in the US should not rely on it; it still shows up in some non-cat products cats steal.

Quick comparison

Chemical	Where it shows up	Cat risk
Ethylene glycol	Antifreeze	Dangerous — emergency
Propylene glycol	Some dog foods / treats	Toxic — anemia risk
Glycerin	Many treats	Generally used as a humectant; not the same