Stearic acid
What is stearic acid?
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C18H36O2. It is a long-chain fatty acid consisting of 16 or more carbon atoms. Stearic acid is found in many natural sources, such as palm oil, coconut oil, beef tallow, lard or butter. However, it can also be produced synthetically, for example from crude oil.
Stearic acid has a melting point of around 70°C and a boiling point of around 360°C. It is solid at room temperature and has a white or yellowish color. It is odorless and tasteless.
How is stearic acid used?
Stearic acid is used in many areas, for example
- In the food industry as an emulsifier, stabilizer, preservative or flavour enhancer. For example, it is used in chocolate, chewing gum, baked goods and margarine.
- In the cosmetics industry as an emulsifier, thickener, plasticizer or surfactant. It is used, for example, in soaps, creams, lotions or lipsticks.
- In candle production as a hardener or brightener. It is used, for example, in stearin candles, Christmas candles or scented candles.
- In the pharmaceutical industry as a binding agent, lubricant or coating agent. It is used, for example, in tablets, capsules or ointments.
What are the benefits of stearic acid for dogs?
Stearic acid can have several positive effects on dogs, for example:
- It can promote skin and coat health by moisturizing and inhibiting inflammation.
- It can support digestion by regulating the intestinal flora and improving the absorption of nutrients.
- It can strengthen the immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies and fighting infections.
- It can improve the energy supply by serving as an energy store in the body and promoting fat burning.
What are the disadvantages of stearic acid for dogs?
Stearic acid can also have some negative effects on dogs, for example:
- It can lead to obesity if ingested in excessive amounts, as it contains a lot of calories.
- It can lead to allergies if the dog is sensitive to stearic acid or its sources.
- It can lead to poisoning if the dog eats products containing stearic acid that are not intended for him, such as candles or cosmetics.
How much stearic acid can a dog be given?
There is no precise information on how much stearic acid a dog can be given daily. However, care should be taken to ensure that the dog receives a balanced diet that does not contain too much fat. As a rule of thumb, a dog should not get more than 10% of its daily energy requirement from fat.
If you want to give your dog products with stearic acid, you should make sure that they are suitable for dogs. This means that they do not contain any harmful ingredients such as sugar, salt, preservatives or colorants. You should also adjust the dosage to your dog's weight, size and activity level.
Stearic acid is a natural fatty acid that occurs in many vegetable and animal fats. It is often used as an additive in foods and cosmetics to improve texture, taste or shelf life. Stearic acid can have some benefits for dogs, such as promoting skin and coat health, digestion, the immune system and energy levels. However, stearic acid can also have some disadvantages for dogs, such as increasing weight, triggering allergies or causing poisoning. It is therefore important to ensure that dogs are fed a balanced diet that does not contain too much fat and that they are only given products containing stearic acid that are suitable for them.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊