Sodium Nitrite
cautionThis concern applies to dogs specifically.
Sodium Nitrite is a widely used pet food ingredient for dogs. Based on veterinary research, this ingredient has worth keeping an eye on. Below, we explain what we found and list the products that include it.
Why it's flagged
A preservative that can form cancer-linked nitrosamine compounds when combined with proteins during processing. Dogs are less acutely sensitive than cats, but long-term exposure to nitrosamines is a recognized carcinogenic risk.
Sources
- Worth et al. 1997, NZ Veterinary Journal (fatal cat cases)
- IARC Monographs Vol. 94 (Group 2A, nitrite + nitrosation)
- FDA 21 CFR 573.700 (20 ppm limit in pet food)
- Christopher et al. 1990, Veterinary Pathology (feline sensitivity)
We found Sodium Nitrite in 101 of the products we analyzed.
Products containing Sodium Nitrite
Loaf in Sauce Rotisserie Chicken & Filet Mignon Flavors Variety Pack Grain-Free Small Breed
Cesar
Salmon Dinner Paté
A Strong Heart
Poultry Selects Variety Pack
Meow Mix
Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon & Porterhouse Steak Flavors Variety Pack Grain-Free Small Breed
Cesar
Classic Loaf in Sauce Smoked Bacon & Egg Flavor Grain-Free Small Breed
Cesar
9 Lives Super Supper
9 Lives
Senior 7+ Chicken, Beef & Tuna Feasts Variety Pack
Fancy Feast
Focus Adult Urinary Tract Health Formula with Salmon Classic
Purina Pro Plan
Meaty Pate Seafood Platter
9 Lives
Chunks in Gravy Real Ocean Whitefish & Tuna
Meow Mix
Grilled Chicken Flavor
A Strong Heart
Beef Dinner Paté
A Strong Heart
Meaty Pate with Real Chicken
9 Lives
Tenders in Sauce with Real Salmon & Crab
Meow Mix
ProActive Health Classic Ground with Lamb & Whole Grain Rice
Iams
Chicken, Beef & Salmon Variety Pack
A Strong Heart
Classic Loaf in Sauce Breakfast & Dinner Mealtime Variety Pack Grain-Free Small Breed
Cesar
Loaf & Topper in Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor with Bacon & Potato Grain-Free Small Breed
Cesar
Poultry Lovers Variety Pack Small Breed
Cesar
Grain-Free Pate Beef Recipe
Tiny Tiger
Pate Salmon Dinner
Tiny Tiger
ProActive Health Classic Ground with Beef & Whole Grain Rice
Iams
Chopped Ground Dinner Variety Pack Chicken, Filet Mignon & Beef
Pedigree
Bacon Feast Loaf & Topper Variety Pack Small Breed
Cesar
Home Delights & Classic Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Small Breed
Cesar
Chunks in Gravy with Real Chicken Breast
Meow Mix
Classic Loaf in Sauce Beef Recipe, Filet Mignon, Grilled Chicken & Porterhouse Steak Flavors Variety Pack Grain-Free Small Breed
Cesar
Chunks in Gravy Real Tuna & Crab
Meow Mix
Real Chicken & Tuna Pate
9 Lives
Chunks in Gravy Real Tuna & Salmon
Meow Mix
