Type: pH regulator
Source: Synthetic acidic salt
Sodium Bisulfate in Dog and Cat Food
Sodium bisulfate is an acidic salt used to regulate pH and preserve stability.
Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels
- Used for nutritional, functional, or formulation purposes
- Included to meet recipe or processing requirements
Where It Is Commonly Found
- Dry kibble
- Wet food
- Commercial pet diets
Label Context
This ingredient may appear exactly as listed or as part of a premix depending on manufacturer labeling.
Key details about sodium bisulfate in pet food:
- Purpose: Primarily used for feline urine acidification (reducing urinary tract disease risks) and as a preservative for pet food, soft treats, and liquid digests.
- Safety & Approval: It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and approved by AAFCO for use in pet food. Studies suggest it is safe for consumption up to the maximum recommended levels (0.5% as a pH regulator).
- Benefits: It helps to acidify urine to a range of 6.0 to 6.5, which is effective for reducing struvite stones in cats. It is also used to control Salmonella and Campylobacter on kibble.
- Usage: It is a dry, granular acid, which makes it safer and easier for manufacturers to handle compared to liquid acids.
Educational Note
This page is part of the PetFoodDecoded Label Ingredient Library and is provided for educational reference only.