Rosemary extract is a plant-derived antioxidant and natural preservative used in pet food to slow oxidation and protect fat quality. Its main active compounds, such as carnosic acid and carnosol, provide meaningful antioxidant activity. It is generally seen as a more natural alternative to synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT.
| Scientific Name | Rosmarinus officinalis |
| Active Compounds | Carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid |
| Function | Natural antioxidant / preservative |
| E Number | E392 |
| Use Rate | Low inclusion |
| Debate Level | Very low |
Rosemary extract is usually a strong premium-quality sign in pet food. It offers useful antioxidant protection while presenting a cleaner label profile than many synthetic preservatives.
Advantages
- Natural source: plant-derived rather than synthetic
- Good safety profile: acceptable at normal use levels
- Antioxidant activity: helps protect fats from oxidation
- Mild antimicrobial support: may assist preservation
- Synergy: often works well with tocopherols
Epilepsy Note
Some discussions suggest rosemary may lower seizure threshold in sensitive animals, but whether the tiny preservative-level amounts in pet food are clinically meaningful is uncertain. Extra caution may still be reasonable in seizure-prone patients.
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References
- EFSA. (2008). Use of rosemary extracts as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 721, 1-29.
- NRC. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press.