Sodium guanylate
What is sodium guanylate?
Sodium guanylate is the sodium salt of guanosine monophosphate (GMP), a chemical compound that is a component of important molecules such as DNA. Sodium guanylate occurs naturally in foods such as dried mushrooms, but is also extracted from fermented tapioca starch, yeast, mushrooms or seaweed.
Sodium guanylate binds to receptors on the tongue and enhances the effect of glutamate, another flavor enhancer found in many foods. The combination of sodium guanylate and glutamate creates the umami flavor that makes food tastier.
Sodium guanylate is used in the food industry as a flavor enhancer with the E number E 627. It is mainly used in salty or spicy foods such as soups, sauces, snacks or ready meals.
How does sodium guanylate affect dogs?
Like humans, dogs have taste receptors for umami and can therefore perceive the taste of sodium guanylate and glutamate. This means that dogs may find foods with sodium guanylate more appetizing than those without.
However, this does not mean that sodium guanylate is healthy or necessary for dogs. On the contrary, sodium guanylate can even be harmful to some dogs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of sodium guanylate for dogs?
The only benefit of sodium guanylate for dogs is that it can improve the taste of food. This can be helpful if your dog is a poor eater or has to follow a special diet.
However, the disadvantages of sodium guanylate for dogs are greater than the benefits. For one thing, sodium guanylate can lead to increased salt intake, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems or fluid retention. On the other hand, sodium guanylate can lead to an increased formation of uric acid, which can accumulate in the body and lead to gout or urinary stones.
In addition, sodium guanylate can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs, which can manifest as skin rashes, itching, breathing difficulties or gastrointestinal complaints. Dogs with an intolerance to glutamate or a sensitivity to purines contained in meat or offal are particularly at risk.
Sodium guanylate is a food additive that enhances the flavor of food. It is often used together with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to create the umami flavor. Dogs can perceive the umami flavor and therefore like foods with sodium guanylate.
However, sodium guanylate has more disadvantages than advantages for dogs. It can lead to increased salt and uric acid intake, which can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems, gout or urinary stones. In addition, sodium guanylate can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.
You should therefore avoid feeding your dog food containing sodium guanylate as far as possible or only feed it in small quantities. Pay attention to the ingredients list of ready-made food or snacks and choose natural or high-quality products without flavor enhancers. If you cook your dog's food yourself, use fresh or dried herbs to improve the taste.
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!😊
Similar to Sodium guanylate
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of the amino acid glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is a natural substance that is found in many proteins and plays an important role in metabolism. MSG is...
Sodium inosinate is the sodium salt of inosinic acid, an organic acid that belongs to the purines. Purines are components of DNA and RNA and are found in all cells. Sodium inosinate is used in the...
Guanosine monophosphate is a type of nucleotide that occurs naturally in various foods and is often used as a flavor enhancer in the food industry. It is part of the group of 5'-ribonucleotides that...
Inosine monophosphate, also known as IMP, is a nucleotide that occurs naturally in various foods and is often used as a flavor enhancer in the food and feed industry. IMP is known for its ability to...