Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid

Yes. Here it works with natural vitamin E to keep fats fresh, as part of a natural way to preserve the food.

This label phrase means the food's fats are kept fresh with natural vitamin E compounds, helped by citric acid. FDA lists both tocopherols and citric acid as GRAS for animal feed under good manufacturing or feeding practice. Tufts veterinary nutritionists say there is no scientific proof of health effects from synthetic preservatives, and that natural ones protect food for a shorter time. If your cat has a medical condition, ask your veterinarian.

Source: govinfo.gov

They work as a team. Mixed tocopherols slow fat oxidation directly, while citric acid binds trace metals that would speed oxidation up. Together they keep fats fresh longer than tocopherols alone. That is why the two so often appear as one phrase in the ingredient list, usually right after a fat such as chicken fat.

Yes, both parts come from natural sources. Tocopherols are forms of vitamin E, usually taken from vegetable oils, and citric acid is the acid found in citrus fruit. Pet food makers use the pair as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives such as BHA and BHT. Natural does not mean longer lasting, though, and the bag still has a best by date.

The choice mostly comes down to preference and shelf life. FDA still lists BHA as GRAS in animal feed within a 0.02% limit on total antioxidants in the fat, and Tufts veterinary nutritionists say there is no scientific proof of health effects from synthetic preservatives. The trade-off Tufts points to is time, since natural preservatives protect food for a shorter period.

Source: sites.tufts.edu

Pettings gives mixed tocopherols and citric acid 4 out of 5 and lists it as a natural preservative or acidifier. It appears on 20 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The score is the same as mixed tocopherols listed on their own. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.