Monocalcium Phosphate
Our ingredient score: 3 / 5 · Mineral · How We Score
Dicalcium and monocalcium phosphate supply calcium and phosphorus together. Added phosphates are absorbed more easily than the phosphorus in meat and bone. In a 2018 study in healthy cats fed high amounts of added phosphate, sodium phosphate led to glucose in the urine, a sign of kidney strain, while calcium monophosphate did not. A meat-based food already contains phosphorus from the meat.
Common Questions
Is monocalcium phosphate safe for cats?
Monocalcium phosphate is a calcium phosphate compound that supplies more phosphorus than calcium. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that calcium and phosphorus deficiencies are uncommon in dogs and cats eating complete and balanced diets. For a cat with kidney disease or urinary stones, ask your veterinarian about its phosphorus and calcium intake.
Source: merckvetmanual.com
Why is monocalcium phosphate in cat food?
Monocalcium phosphate is added mainly as a phosphorus source, with some calcium. Formulators use it when a recipe needs more phosphorus to reach its target. It also dissolves more easily in water than other calcium phosphates. It is uncommon in cat food and appears on only a few dry foods we track.
What is the difference between monocalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate?
Monocalcium phosphate has one calcium for every two phosphate groups, so it is richer in phosphorus. Dicalcium phosphate has one calcium per phosphate group, giving a more even balance. Formulators pick the one that brings the recipe closer to its target ratio.
What is the right calcium to phosphorus ratio in cat food?
Cat foods are formulated to keep calcium slightly higher than or close to phosphorus. AAFCO nutrient profiles set minimums for both minerals for cats. Calcium and phosphorus are not always on the guaranteed analysis, but the manufacturer can usually supply the figures.
How does Pettings score monocalcium phosphate?
Pettings gives monocalcium phosphate 3 out of 5 and lists it as a mineral. It appears on 6 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. Our How We Score page explains how ingredient scores are set. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.
How Foods With Monocalcium Phosphate Compare
Monocalcium Phosphate is on the label of 6 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.