Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate
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 sodium acid pyrophosphate safe for cats?
Sodium acid pyrophosphate, often shortened to SAPP, is a phosphate salt on FDA's GRAS list for animal feed. It helps food hold texture and moisture and adds flavor. Like other soluble phosphates, it adds phosphorus that is absorbed quickly, and a 2020 review linked high intake of such salts in experimental diets to kidney injury in cats. If your cat has kidney disease or another condition, ask your veterinarian.
Source: ecfr.gov
What is sodium acid pyrophosphate in cat food?
Sodium acid pyrophosphate is an acidic phosphate salt. In baked foods for people it works as a leavening acid, and in pet food it helps bind texture and improve flavor. It also adds phosphorus. It usually appears low on the ingredient list.
What is the difference between sodium acid pyrophosphate and sodium pyrophosphate?
Both are pyrophosphates, but they differ in acidity. Sodium acid pyrophosphate has two sodium atoms and two hydrogens, so it is acidic. Sodium pyrophosphate, also called tetrasodium pyrophosphate, has four sodium atoms and is alkaline. FDA lists them as separate entries on its GRAS list for animal feed, and both add phosphorus to the food.
Source: ecfr.gov
Is there an upper limit for phosphorus in cat food?
Researchers have looked for one, but a 2020 review in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine said there were not enough data to support a specific upper limit for phosphate intake in cats. The authors did say limiting highly soluble phosphate salts appears important, and that an inverse calcium to phosphorus ratio raises concern. Your veterinarian can advise on phosphorus for an older cat or one with kidney disease.
Source: doi.org
How does Pettings score sodium acid pyrophosphate?
Pettings gives sodium acid pyrophosphate 2 out of 5 and lists it as a phosphate or acid additive. It appears on 4 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. The score reflects a useful texture and flavor ingredient that also adds quickly absorbed phosphorus. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.
How Foods With Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate Compare
Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate is on the label of 4 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.