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Natural preservatives in cat food (overview)

Natural preservatives are often used as alternatives to synthetic preservatives in cat food. They can inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, and prevent the oxidation of fats, thereby extending the shelf life of the product. Here are a few natural preservatives that might be used in cat food:

Natural preservatives are often used as alternatives to synthetic preservatives in cat food. They can inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, and prevent the oxidation of fats, thereby extending the shelf life of the product. Here are a few natural preservatives that might be used in cat food:

  • Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols): Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that helps to prevent the oxidation of fats, thereby extending the shelf life of the product. It's often listed as "mixed tocopherols" on pet food labels.
  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Calcium Ascorbate): Like Vitamin E, Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can help to prevent the oxidation of fats. However, it's not as stable as Vitamin E, and so it's less commonly used as a preservative in pet food.
  • Rosemary Extract: Rosemary extract is a potent antioxidant that is sometimes used as a natural preservative in pet food. However, it should be used with caution, as it can cause allergic reactions in some cats.
  • Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract is another natural antioxidant that can help to prevent the oxidation of fats.
  • Citrin (bioflavonoid): a dietary supplement derived from Garcinia cambogia, a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia.
  • Hydroxytyrosol (polyphenol).


It's worth noting that while natural preservatives are generally safer than synthetic ones, they're also less effective, which means that cat food containing natural preservatives might have a shorter shelf life. Furthermore, all preservatives, whether natural or synthetic, should be used in moderation to avoid potential side effects. Always check the product's expiration date to ensure freshness and store the cat food properly.
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Nutrition