Tricalcium Phosphate
Our ingredient score: 3 / 5 · Mineral · How We Score
Tricalcium phosphate provides calcium and phosphorus together, both needed to build bones and teeth; it is also used to keep the food from clumping. It dissolves very poorly in water, so it is thought to be absorbed more slowly than fast-absorbing phosphate additives such as sodium phosphates. Still, it is one of the added (inorganic) phosphate sources. High amounts of added phosphate can strain the kidneys, especially in older cats and cats with kidney disease. Because a meat-based food already contains phosphorus, small amounts are enough.
Common Questions
Is tricalcium phosphate better than other phosphate additives?
It dissolves very poorly in water, so it is thought to be absorbed more slowly than fast-absorbing additives such as sodium phosphates. It is still added phosphate.
Is tricalcium phosphate safe for cats?
Tricalcium phosphate is a calcium phosphate compound that supplies calcium and phosphorus and can also keep powders free-flowing. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that calcium and phosphorus deficiencies are uncommon in dogs and cats eating complete and balanced diets. If your cat has kidney disease or urinary stones, ask your veterinarian about its mineral intake.
Source: merckvetmanual.com
Why is tricalcium phosphate in cat food?
Tricalcium phosphate is added as a calcium and phosphorus source. It is also used as an anticaking agent, which stops powders from clumping. It appears on only two of the dry foods we track. The amount is small, so it appears low in the ingredient list.
Is tricalcium phosphate the same as bone ash?
Bone mineral is mostly a form of calcium phosphate called hydroxyapatite, which is chemically close to tricalcium phosphate. Feed-grade tricalcium phosphate is usually a purified mineral, though some is made from bone. On a label it is listed by its chemical name.
Is tricalcium phosphate an anticaking agent?
Yes, tricalcium phosphate is commonly used as an anticaking agent in foods because it absorbs moisture and keeps powders flowing. In cat food it may serve that role while also adding calcium and phosphorus. The label lists it by its chemical name either way.
How does Pettings score tricalcium phosphate?
Pettings gives tricalcium phosphate 3 out of 5 and lists it as a mineral. It appears on 2 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 Tricalcium Phosphate Compare
Tricalcium Phosphate is on the label of 2 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.