Lactic Acid

It regulates acidity and slows the growth of microbes, which helps keep the food fresh.

Lactic acid is the same acid found in yogurt and other fermented foods. FDA lists lactic acid as GRAS for animal feed under good manufacturing or feeding practice (21 CFR 582.1061). Cat food uses it in small amounts to control acidity, and Pettings has found no known risk for cats at those levels. If your cat has a medical condition, your veterinarian can review its diet.

Source: ecfr.gov

Lactic acid is an organic acid made when bacteria ferment sugars. In cat food it lowers pH, which slows the growth of spoilage microbes, and it can add a mild tangy flavor. It is used in small amounts. On a label it may sit near other acids, such as citric acid or phosphoric acid.

No. Lactic acid gets its name from milk, where it was first found, but it is not a dairy ingredient and carries no lactose or milk protein. Commercial lactic acid is usually made by fermenting plant sugars. A cat with a milk allergy reacts to milk proteins, which lactic acid does not contain.

No. Lactic acid is a chemical, not a living organism. Probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Pediococcus produce lactic acid, which is why they are called lactic acid bacteria, but adding the acid alone adds no live bacteria. If a food contains probiotics, the label names the bacteria as a dried fermentation product.

Pettings gives lactic acid 3 out of 5 and lists it as a natural preservative or acidifier. It appears on 21 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. A middle score means we see no strong reason to favor or avoid it. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.