How many pet foods contain STPP (Phosphate)?

STPP (Phosphate) is an ingredient found in a small number of pet foods. We found it in 0 products across our database.

Should I avoid pet food with STPP (Phosphate)?

STPP (Phosphate) is a minor note rather than a reason to switch foods. Focus on the overall nutritional profile instead.

STPP (Phosphate)

Q: Is STPP (Phosphate) safe in pet food?

STPP (Phosphate) is generally considered low-risk, but it is good to be aware of for dogs. An inorganic phosphate additive, commonly used in dental treats for tartar control. Dogs handle inorganic phosphorus better than cats, but it still puts extra load on the kidneys compared to the natural phosphorus in meat.

info

This concern applies to dogs specifically.

STPP (Phosphate) is an ingredient found in a small number of pet foods for dogs. Based on veterinary research, this ingredient has generally considered low-risk but good to know about. Below, we explain what we found and list the products that include it.

Why it's flagged

An inorganic phosphate additive, commonly used in dental treats for tartar control. Dogs handle inorganic phosphorus better than cats, but it still puts extra load on the kidneys compared to the natural phosphorus in meat.

Sources

Coltherd et al. 2019, British Journal of Nutrition (plasma P spikes)
Alexander et al. 2019, British Journal of Nutrition (kidney damage in cats)
Dobenecker et al. 2018, J Feline Medicine and Surgery
Laflamme et al. 2020, J Veterinary Internal Medicine (review)
Stockman 2024, J Feline Medicine and Surgery (no regulatory limit)

Scan your pet's food to check for STPP (Phosphate) and other flagged ingredients.