Sodium Caseinate (Milk Protein)

Most can. Sodium caseinate contains very little lactose, so most cats that cannot digest lactose tolerate it without problems.

Sodium caseinate is a protein made from casein, the main protein in milk. FDA lists sodium caseinate in its GRAS regulations for animal feed at 21 CFR 582.1748, for use under good manufacturing or feeding practice. It contains very little lactose. If your cat has a dairy allergy or another medical condition, ask your veterinarian whether a food with this ingredient suits your cat.

Source: govinfo.gov

Sodium caseinate adds a milk protein that mixes easily with water and fat. It boosts the protein content and helps balance amino acids alongside meat. It also works as a binder and emulsifier, which helps the texture of the food hold together. Pettings counts it in 5 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.

Yes. Sodium caseinate comes from milk, so it is a dairy ingredient even though most of the lactose is removed. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists dairy among the less common food allergens in cats. A cat with a confirmed milk protein allergy may react to it. Lactose intolerance and milk allergy are different problems, and a veterinarian can tell them apart.

Source: merckvetmanual.com

Casein is the main protein in milk, and it does not dissolve well in water. Sodium caseinate is casein treated with a sodium-based alkali, which makes it dissolve and blend into foods more easily. The protein itself is the same milk protein. Food makers pick sodium caseinate when they want a protein that also helps mix fat and water.

Pettings gives sodium caseinate 4 out of 5 and lists it as a milk protein. It appears on 5 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. It loses a point because it comes from milk rather than meat or fish. Each food's page shows how the whole recipe scores overall.