Sodium benzoate

additive ingredient

Medium

What is it?

Sodium benzoate is an additive, such as a preservative, flavouring or colouring. Graded poor: cheap, vague or of questionable value, so it drags a product’s score down.

Other names on labels: e211

At a glance

Base score
0.5 (from −1 to 1; higher is better)
Found in
1 product

Products containing sodium benzoate

Results reflect the latest label we hold for each product, not a live check of today's recipe. Open a product to see its source and last-checked date.

Common questions about sodium benzoate

Is Sodium benzoate good for dogs?

We grade it medium: nutritionally adequate, but not a standout either way. The overall recipe matters more than any single ingredient.

What is sodium benzoate in dog food?

Sodium benzoate, also listed as E211, is a preservative used to slow the growth of mould and yeast in wet foods and treats. It helps extend shelf life.

Is sodium benzoate safe for dogs?

It is permitted for use in pet foods within regulated limits, but some owners prefer to avoid artificial preservatives. If your dog shows sensitivity to additives, speak to your vet.

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How many UK dog foods contain sodium benzoate?

1 UK product lists sodium benzoate as an ingredient in our database. The full list is shown above, sorted by rating.

What else is sodium benzoate called on labels?

Manufacturers can also list it as e211. We match this to the same glossary entry when we read a label.

How does Open Dog Food grade sodium benzoate?

We grade it medium: nutritionally adequate, but nothing special either way. Every ingredient is converted to its dry-matter share and scored from our glossary before a recipe gets its 1-100 rating; the full method is on our methodology page.