Diglycerides

What are diglycerides?

Diglycerides are fats that consist of two fatty acids and a glycerol molecule. They occur both naturally in food and artificially as additives. In dog food, they are usually used as emulsifiers, i.e. they help to mix and stabilize various ingredients such as oils and water. This prevents the food from separating or clumping together.

What are the benefits of diglycerides?

Diglycerides have several advantages for the dog food and the dog. Firstly, they improve the consistency and appearance of the food, making it more appetizing for your dog. Secondly, they can extend the shelf life of the food by reducing the oxygen content and thus slowing down the breakdown of fat. Diglycerides can also improve the digestibility of the food by promoting fat absorption in the intestine. This can be particularly helpful for dogs with digestive problems or fat intolerance.

What are the disadvantages of diglycerides?

Diglycerides are not generally harmful to dogs, but they can have some disadvantages. Firstly, they can increase the calorie content of the food, which can lead to obesity if the dog eats too much of them. Secondly, some diglycerides can be made from inferior or animal fats that may contain contaminants or pathogens. This can lead to health problems such as allergies, inflammation or infections. Therefore, you should always pay attention to the quality and origin of diglycerides and opt for high-quality vegetable or animal sources.