‌Tetrasodium pyrophosphate in dog food​

I. Introduction

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate（TSPP）, also known as sodium pyrophosphate (SPP，click to read what is sodium pyrophosphate) , is usually used alone when making dog food. So, is tetrasodium pyrophosphate safe for dogs?

Generally speaking, the main use of sodium pyrophosphate‘s in dog food is as an lure agent. Beside this effert, it also play other roles in dog food. We shall note the over dosage of this chemical would lead to health risk to dogs, so moderate use is necessary. In the modern lives, we usually buy finished dog food which may contains tetrasodium pyrophosphate. So, this article also gives tips on buying the dog food, hope it can help you.

II. Roles of sodium pyrophosphate in dog food

• Food attractant: Improving the texture and flavor of dog food. It improves the texture and flavor of the dog food better and increases the dog’s appetite and food consumption. Studies have shown a significant increase in food consumption when using 0.5% sodium pyrophosphate coated dog food.
• Provides Phosphorus: Sodium Pyrophosphate is an inorganic phosphate with the chemical formula Na2HPO4. In dog food, Sodium Pyrophosphate serves as a source of phosphorus, which contributes to the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth in your pet’s body.
• Prevents fat oxidation: Sodium pyrophosphate inhibits oxidation and fermentation of food at high pH levels, helping to maintain the freshness and stability of dog food.
• Improve nutritional value: Sodium pyrophosphate can aggregate with calcium ions to form relatively stable compounds, thus improving the nutritional value of dog food and promoting the healthy growth of pets

III. Side Effects of Sodium Pyrophosphate on Dogs

Moderate use of sodium pyrophosphate has a low impact on your dog’s health, but excessive intake may have a negative impact on your dog’s health. Excessive intake may lead to problems such as calcium malabsorption and increased kidney burden. Therefore, it is recommended that when using dog food containing sodium pyrophosphate, care should be taken to control the intake and avoid excessive consumption over a long period of time.

IV. Safe dosage of sodium pyrophosphate in dog food

The safe dosage of sodium pyrophosphate in dog food is usually based on its standardization as a food additive. According to the relevant regulations, the use of sodium pyrophosphate in dog food is safe as long as the specified limits are not exceeded. For example, the European Union has set the maximum use level of sodium pyrophosphate in pet food at not more than 5 grams per kilogram of pet food.

V. Tips for buying dog food

A. Pay attention to the dosage

As long as sodium pyrophosphate is produced in a safe manner, there is no difference between it and the “natural product” that occurs in nature. For high-quality pet food with high meat content and good ingredients, sodium pyrophosphate is the icing on the cake, boosting appetite and ensuring that your pet gets enough nutrients from a good staple food.

B. Labeling and Certification

When purchasing, be sure to look carefully at the product’s labeling and certification information. Legitimate products will have a clear list of ingredients, production date, shelf life and other information, and will also be labeled with whether or not they have passed relevant safety certifications. All of this information is an important basis for judging product quality.

Safety certifications on dog food in various countries:

VI. Conclusion

As you can see, tetrasodium pyrophosphate is a relatively common dog food enticement, and in addition to its ability to increase your dog’s appetite, it also serves as a nutritional supplement and preservative. It should be noted that excessive intake of sodium pyrophosphate can have a negative impact on the health of dogs, but fortunately, dog food from regular manufacturers is added in accordance with the food additive standards, which has almost no effect on the dog. Therefore, when shopping for dog food, it is important to carefully produce look at the product’s labeling and certification information to make sure that it is a regular product and has the relevant safety certifications.

---

Related article:

Sodium pyrophosphate uses in food.