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Ingredient library

Neutral · Acidulant and preservative

Citric acid

Also appears on labels as: citric acid (preservative), lactic acid, malic acid, phosphoric acid, sorbic acid (preservative), potassium sorbate

Food-grade organic acids and their salts, used to control pH and inhibit mold and bacteria.

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Where it comes from
Fermentation, mostly, with phosphoric acid coming from mineral processing.
Why it's in the product
Preservation, tartness, and pH control. Citric acid also boosts the effectiveness of antioxidant preservatives.
Safety and toxicity
Safe and among the least controversial preservatives available. There was an old theory linking citric acid to bloat risk in dogs when kibble was moistened before feeding; it never held up.

General reference, not veterinary advice. Dose, breed, and existing conditions change the answer, so talk to your vet before changing what your pet eats. Think we got this wrong? Tell us and we log it publicly.

Found in 188 scored products

Lowest scores first. Its presence here is not what drove those scores.

Panel Score 40 out of 100, grade F: We'd skip it
Canine Carry OutsSausage Links, Beef Flavorimported, not reviewed
Panel Score 44 out of 100, grade F: We'd skip it
9LivesPlus Careimported, not reviewed
Panel Score 47 out of 100, grade F: We'd skip it
Meow MixTender Centers Salmon & Chicken
Panel Score 48 out of 100, grade F: We'd skip it
Kibbles 'n BitsOriginal Savory Beef & Chicken
Panel Score 51 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
Milk-BoneSoft & Chewy Training Mini, Filet Mignon
Panel Score 51 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
CesarFilet Mignon Flavor & Spring Vegetables Garnish Small Breed Dry
Panel Score 52 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
9LivesDaily Essentials Dry Cat Food
Panel Score 55 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
TemptationsBlock Party BBQ Flavor Dry Cat Foodimported, not reviewed
Panel Score 56 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
PurinaBeggin' Strips Original With Bacon
Panel Score 56 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
Pup-PeroniOriginal Beef Flavor
Panel Score 59 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
PedigreeComplete Nutrition Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable
Panel Score 59 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
Milk-BoneBrushing Chews Daily Dental Treats, Small/Medium
Panel Score 59 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
PedigreeTasty Biscuits Peanut Butter Bacon Flavorimported, not reviewed
Panel Score 60 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Beggin'Purina Beggin Flavor Stix With Peanut Butter Flavorimported, not reviewed
Panel Score 63 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Meow MixOriginal Choice Dry Cat Food
Panel Score 64 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
WhiskasIndoor Cat Chicken Flavorimported, not reviewed
Panel Score 68 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
9LivesHearty Cuts With Real Turkey, Chicken & Cheese In Gravyimported, not reviewed
Panel Score 71 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
CesarFilet Mignon Flavor Wet Dog Food
Panel Score 71 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
PurinaFriskies Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food
Panel Score 71 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
CesarClassic Loaf in Sauce Grilled Steak & Eggs Flavorimported, not reviewed
Panel Score 72 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Bil JacDessert Jacs Pumpkin Flavored Treatsimported, not reviewed
Panel Score 72 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Bil JacDry Food Senior Select Formula With Chicken & Oatmealimported, not reviewed
Panel Score 75 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Purina Cat ChowComplete Chicken Dry Cat Food
Panel Score 75 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
TemptationsSeafood Medley Cat Treats

164 more scored products list this ingredient. Showing the 24 lowest-scoring.