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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.

Watched ingredients get highlighted on every product panel you open.

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 43 scored products

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

Panel Score 51 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
Canine Carry OutsSausage Links - Beef Flavorcommunity import
Panel Score 60 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Pup-PeroniOriginal Beef Flavor
Panel Score 60 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
9LivesPlus Carecommunity import
Panel Score 63 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Meow MixOriginal Choice Dry Cat Food
Panel Score 63 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
PedigreeComplete Nutrition Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable
Panel Score 63 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
PurinaBeggin' Thick Cut Hickory Smoke Flavorcommunity import
Panel Score 71 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
TemptationsBlock Party BBQcommunity import
Panel Score 79 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Purina Cat ChowComplete Chicken Dry Cat Food
Panel Score 79 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
TemptationsTasty Chicken Flavorcommunity import
Panel Score 79 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
TemptationsCreamy dairy flavorcommunity import
Panel Score 83 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
TemptationsClassic Tasty Chicken Cat Treats
Panel Score 83 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
FriskiesSurfin' & Turfin' Favorites Dry Cat Food
Panel Score 86 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Earthborn HolisticEarthBites Lamb Meal Recipe Grain-Free Moist Dog Treatscommunity import
Panel Score 87 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Heritage Ranch by H-E-BAdult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipecommunity import
Panel Score 87 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Mars Petcare USFeline Greenies Dental Treats Catnip Flavorcommunity import
Panel Score 87 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Pure BalanceChicken & Pea Recipe Dog Foodcommunity import
Panel Score 87 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Simply NourishLamb & Brown Rice Recipecommunity import
Panel Score 87 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Ahealth ShredsChicken & Rice Formulacommunity import
Panel Score 87 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Hartwick FieldsLamb and Whole Graincommunity import
Panel Score 87 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Blue wildernessTasty Chicken Flavorcommunity import
Panel Score 87 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Pet HonestyCalming Health Supplement For Catscommunity import
Panel Score 90 out of 100, grade A: Pretty good
Natural BalanceOriginal Ultra Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
Panel Score 90 out of 100, grade A: Pretty good
Zuke'sMini Naturals Chicken Recipe Training Treats
Panel Score 90 out of 100, grade A: Pretty good
NutroNatural Choice Adult Chicken & Brown Rice

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