Monosodium Phosphate
Our ingredient score: 2 / 5 · Phosphate or acid additive · How We Score
Additives such as sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate and monosodium phosphate are used to hold the food's texture together, keep moisture in and add flavor. Sodium tripolyphosphate is also added to reduce tartar. These additives add quickly absorbed phosphorus to the food; studies published in 2018 reported signs of kidney strain in healthy cats fed high amounts of soluble added phosphate, such as sodium phosphate.
Common Questions
Is monosodium phosphate safe for cats?
Monosodium phosphate is a phosphate salt that FDA includes, under the name sodium phosphate, on its GRAS list for animal feed. It supplies phosphorus that the body absorbs quickly. A 2020 review in cats reported kidney injury in studies of experimental diets high in soluble phosphate salts, though it found no data showing commercial cat foods cause it. If your cat has kidney disease or another condition, ask your veterinarian.
Source: doi.org
What is monosodium phosphate in cat food?
Monosodium phosphate is a mineral salt made of sodium and phosphate. In cat food it helps hold texture and keep moisture in, and it adds phosphorus to the recipe. It usually appears in the lower half of the ingredient list. It is one of several phosphate additives used in pet food.
Is phosphorus from additives different from phosphorus in meat?
Yes, the form matters. Phosphorus in meat and bone is mostly bound to proteins and minerals and is absorbed more gradually. Soluble phosphate salts such as monosodium phosphate dissolve readily and are absorbed fast. A 2020 review in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine said not all phosphorus sources affect the feline kidney the same way, and that limiting highly soluble phosphates appears to be important.
Source: doi.org
What is the difference between monosodium phosphate and disodium phosphate?
The difference is how many sodium atoms are attached to each phosphate. Monosodium phosphate has one and is mildly acidic. Disodium phosphate has two and is mildly alkaline. Both are sodium phosphates that add phosphorus and help with texture, and FDA groups them under sodium phosphate on its animal feed GRAS list.
Source: ecfr.gov
How does Pettings score monosodium phosphate?
Pettings gives monosodium phosphate 2 out of 5 and lists it as a phosphate or acid additive. It appears on 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The score reflects a useful technical ingredient that also adds quickly absorbed phosphorus. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.
How Foods With Monosodium Phosphate Compare
Monosodium Phosphate is on the label of 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.