Potassium disulfite
Potassium disulphite is a food additive that is used as a preservative and antioxidant. It prevents food from reacting with oxygen in the air and losing its color, aroma or vitamins. It is also effective against fungi, yeasts and bacteria that can spoil food.
Potassium disulphite is also known as potassium metabisulphite, potassium pyrosulphite or E 224. It is a sulphite, which consists of sulphur and oxygen. Potassium disulphite is a white solid with a faint odor that dissolves easily in water.
Where is potassium disulphite found?
Potassium disulphite is mainly used in foods that need to have a long shelf life or retain a certain color. These include, for example:
- Dried fruit such as apricots, figs or raisins
- Snack products such as potato chips or pretzel sticks
- Jams and fruit preparations
- Vegetable and potato preparations
- Horseradish and horseradish paste
- Sugar and sugar confectionery
- Wine and other alcoholic beverages
Potassium disulphite is also used in other areas, for example to bleach sugar or horseradish, to etch metals in the electronics industry or to fix photos in photography.
How does potassium disulphite affect dogs?
Potassium disulphite can be harmful to dogs if they ingest too much of it. This is because potassium disulphite releases sulphur dioxide in the stomach, which can irritate the mucous membranes. Potassium disulphite can also destroy vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is important for the metabolism and nervous system.
The symptoms of potassium disulphite poisoning in dogs can include
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing and coughing
- Trembling and cramps
- Weakness and lethargy
- Rapid heartbeat and drop in blood pressure
The severity of the poisoning depends on the amount of potassium disulphite ingested, the dog's body weight and individual sensitivity. Some dogs can have an allergic reaction to sulphite and go into anaphylactic shock.
How can you prevent potassium disulphite poisoning in dogs?
To avoid potassium disulfite poisoning in dogs, you should pay attention to what foods you give your dog. Avoid foods that contain potassium disulfite or other sulfites, especially if they are present in large quantities. Pay attention to the ingredients list or label, where potassium disulfite must be labeled as E 224 or sulfurized.
If you want to give your dog grapes or raisins, choose fresh or unsulphured products. If you want to give your dog wine, which is not recommended, choose unsulphured wine. If you want to give your dog horseradish, which is also not recommended, choose fresh or unsulphured horseradish.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested too much potassium disulphite or is having an allergic reaction, you should consult a vet immediately. The vet can give your dog medication to alleviate the symptoms and treat the poisoning.
Potassium disulfite is a food additive used as a preservative and antioxidant. It can be harmful to dogs if they consume too much of it. It can irritate the mucous membranes, destroy vitamin B1 and trigger allergic reactions. To avoid potassium disulphite poisoning in dogs, you should avoid foods containing potassium disulphite or other sulphites or only give them in small amounts.
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!😊
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