Avoid Sodium Hexametaphosphate in Dog Food

One of the least-known dog food ingredients known as sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is actually quite common in pet foods. It’s a white, powdery substance that is used as a preservative, emulsifier, and texturizer in many processed foods.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what sodium hexametaphosphate is and its role in dog food. We’ll also discuss the potential benefits and risks of this ingredient so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to feed your dog food that contains it.

What is Sodium hexametaphosphate?

Sodium hexametaphosphate is a white, powdery substance that is used as a preservative, emulsifier, and texturizer in many processed foods. SHMP is made up of sodium, phosphorus, and oxygen atoms bonded together in ahexagonal shape.

SHMP is derived from phosphate rock, which is mined from the earth. It’s then treated with acid to create a phosphoric acid solution. This solution is then neutralized with sodium hydroxide to create SHMP.

Its chemical structure is a long chain of phosphate molecules (hexametaphosphate) that are bonded together by sodium atoms. The chemical formula for SHMP is NaPO3·6H2O.

Uses of sodium hexametaphosphate:

SHMP is used in dog food as a preservative, emulsifier, and texturizer. It’s also used in human foods, such as processed cheese and baking mixes.

The sodium in SHMP is what gives it its preservative properties. When added to food, it creates an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria.

SHMP is also used as an emulsifier. This means it helps oils and water to mix together and stay mixed. This property is why it’s often added to salad dressings, sauces, and processed meats.

SHMP is also used as a texturizer. This means it can change the texture of food, making it more smooth or creamy. This property is why it’s often added to ice cream, pudding, and baby food.

Why you should avoid this ingredient in dog food:

While SHMP is considered safe for human consumption, there are some concerns about its safety for dogs.

Binds with calcium:

The main concern is that SHMP can bind with calcium in the body and form calcium phosphate crystals. These crystals can deposit in the kidneys and lead to kidney stones.

Binds with iron:

Another concern is that SHMP can bind with iron in the food and make it less available for absorption by the body. This could lead to iron-deficiency anemia in dogs.

May lead to Calcium-phosphorus imbalance:

SHMP is also a source of phosphorus. While phosphorus is an essential nutrient for dogs, too much phosphorus can lead to health problems, such as joint problems and kidney disease.

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid dog food that contains sodium hexametaphosphate. If you do feed your dog food that contains this ingredient, make sure to give them plenty of fresh water to drink to help prevent kidney stones. You should also talk to your veterinarian about whether or not you should supplement your dog’s diet with calcium and iron.

Why do dog food manufacturers use it?

While there are some concerns about the safety of SHMP for dogs, it is still used in many pet foods. This is because it’s a cheap and effective way to preserve, emulsify, and texturize food.

When used in small amounts, SHMP is unlikely to cause any health problems in most dogs. However, there are some risks associated with this ingredient, so you should be aware of them before feeding your dog food that contains it.

If you have any concerns about the safety of SHMP for dogs, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to feed your dog food that contains this ingredient.

What ingredients to avoid in dog food:

While there are many different ingredients that can be used in dog food, there are some that you should avoid. Here is a list of some of the most common ingredients to avoid:

1. Sodium hexametaphosphate: This ingredient is used as a preservative, emulsifier, and texturizer in many processed foods. There are some concerns about its safety for dogs, as it can bind with calcium and form kidney stones.
2. BHA/BHT: These ingredients are used as preservatives in many processed foods. They have been linked to health problems in dogs, such as cancer and liver disease.
3. Propylene glycol: This ingredient is used as a humectant, emulsifier, and texturizer in many processed foods. It has been linked to health problems in dogs, such as kidney disease.
4. Food dyes: These ingredients are used to add color to food. They have been linked to health problems in dogs, such as cancer and allergies.
5. Sugar: This ingredient is added to many processed foods for flavor. It can cause health problems in dogs, such as obesity and diabetes.
6. Artificial flavors: These ingredients are used to add flavor to food. They have been linked to health problems in dogs, such as allergies and gastrointestinal problems.
7. Artificial preservatives: These ingredients are used to extend the shelf life of food. They have been linked to health problems in dogs, such as cancer and liver disease.

Sodium selenite vs Sodium hexametaphosphate

When it comes to sodium, there are two main forms that are used in food – sodium selenite and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). Both of these ingredients are used as preservatives, emulsifiers, and texturizers. However, there are some differences between them.

Sodium selenite is a form of sodium that is found in nature. It is often used as a dietary supplement because it is an important source of selenium, which is a mineral that is essential for human health. However, there are some concerns about the safety of sodium selenite for dogs. This is because it can bind with iron and form kidney stones.

Sodium hexametaphosphate, on the other hand, is a synthetic form of sodium. It is often used as a preservative, emulsifier, and texturizer in processed foods. There are some concerns about its safety for dogs, as it can bind with calcium and form kidney stones.

Is Sodium hexametaphosphate safe for dogs?

There are some concerns about the safety of SHMP for dogs. This is because it can bind with calcium and form kidney stones. It also binds with iron in the food and make it less available for absorption by the body.

Conclusion:

Avoid any dog food brand that contains this ingredient.

When choosing a dog food, it’s important to read the ingredient label carefully. Avoid any foods that contain these ingredients, and look for foods that are made with natural, whole ingredients.