Introduction

In an inspiring tale of curiosity and scientific inquiry, 14-year-old Mackensey Wilson stumbled upon a pressing concern for pet owners everywhere — potentially harmful preservatives in popular dog foods. Initially not interested in science fairs, her journey began when she noticed that one of her dogs was continuously plagued by rashes. Determined to find out whether the food she was feeding her furry companion was the culprit, Mackensey dove deep into the world of food chemistry.

Discovery of BHT

Through her research, she discovered alarming studies indicating that a preservative known as Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) might possess toxic properties. This discovery ignited her passion and led her to investigate its presence in commercial dog foods. Armed with a mortar and pestle, she ground up several brands of dry dog food highly recommended by friends and family, including popular names like Acana, Wilderness, and Wellness.

Methods

To extract BHT from the dog food samples, Mackensey employed advanced methodologies, specifically soaking the ground powder in alcohol. With the assistance of analytical techniques like mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, she found a troubling discovery: each of the brands contained approximately 0.1% BHT, yet none had this chemical disclosed on their nutrition labels, raising concerns about transparency in pet food manufacturing.

Recognition and Experience

Mackensey, who aspires to be a veterinarian, presented her findings during the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, where her hard work paid off — she became a finalist and secured the second-place Science Award. This accolade is part of a program run by the Society for Science, which publishes well-regarded materials such as Science News Explores.

Personal Growth

Reflecting on her invaluable experience, Mackensey shared, “Definitely using all the machines was my favorite part. Learning how they work in a high school lab setting was incredibly exciting.” The project not only honed her scientific skills but also allowed her to engage with local dog food users, sharing her findings to the benefit of data-driven pet ownership.

Challenges and Advice

Stepping into the world of science fairs for the first time, Mackensey admitted, “It was very nerve-wracking. I had never done anything like that before.” Yet, she embraced the opportunity, making new friends and nourishing her budding scientific interests. “You can really learn more about science just from being at a science fair,” she noted, underscoring the value of community and collaboration in STEM education.

However, the pursuit of scientific discovery came with its challenges. Juggling her school commitments, extracurricular activities, and the rigorous demands of her science project proved to be a test of time management. “I had nationals for field hockey during one of the weekends, so I had to go in right before leaving for Pennsylvania to practice my whole science presentation,” she recounted.

On managing multiple responsibilities, Mackensey advises, “Organization is key. I use a Google Calendar to help manage everything.” Her encouraging words to potential young scientists who may hesitate: “Just give it a shot. It may end up being great for you — and if not, you learn something for next time.”

Conclusion

Mackensey Wilson's journey not only highlights a grave concern regarding pet food safety but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of curiosity and diligence in the pursuit of knowledge. As pet owners, we must be vigilant about the contents of the food we provide our pets, thanks to young scientists like Mackensey who are determined to protect our furry friends.