Ingredient record
L-carnitine
“L-carnitine” appears in the ingredient information of at least one indexed pet food. Preparation, inclusion amount and the rest of the formulation can differ between products.
How to read this entry
We classify this term as named ingredient in the functional ingredients category. The linked products supply the observation; they do not by themselves establish the ingredient’s nutritional effect.
Check the declared form and amount, and whether any claim concerns this ingredient alone or a tested complete product.
Evidence status
This is an ingredient index entry linked to product information. We have not completed an ingredient-specific research appraisal for this entry. A term’s presence in a product does not demonstrate a health outcome, nutritional adequacy or the effect of that product.
Source and review
Product ingredient sections checked 24 September 2026. The linked product records show the wording and available source context. Manufacturer formulations and labels may change; verify the current pack and the intended market.
Research on this ingredient
Cat
L-carnitine, metabolism and weight loss in overweight cats
One study with 3 reviewed arm or dose connection(s).
Arm l_carnitine_100_ug_per_g_food
L-carnitine, metabolism and weight loss in overweight cats
Direct · cat. 32 neutered adult colony cats made overweight during six months of feeding before the experiment.
Tested form: L-carnitine added to cat food. Dose: 100 micrograms/g food (Micrograms of L-carnitine per gram of food; oral feeding. Dry-matter basis not established in the reviewed abstract). Duration: One month of unrestricted feeding, followed by restricted feeding; restricted-period duration not reported in reviewed abstract. Comparator: Food containing no added L-carnitine.
Measured finding: Overall or cumulative weight loss did not differ between groups. On day 42, the 150 micrograms/g diet group had greater palmitate flux and estimated fat oxidation exceeding 62%, versus 14% in controls. This high-dose result is not an independent estimate for the 50 or 100 micrograms/g arms.
Limitations: Colony cats and controlled feeding restriction. Group weight-loss differences were not demonstrated; commercial-food dose and full-diet equivalence require verification.
Arm l_carnitine_150_ug_per_g_food
L-carnitine, metabolism and weight loss in overweight cats
Direct · cat. 32 neutered adult colony cats made overweight during six months of feeding before the experiment.
Tested form: L-carnitine added to cat food. Dose: 150 micrograms/g food (Micrograms of L-carnitine per gram of food; oral feeding. Dry-matter basis not established in the reviewed abstract). Duration: One month of unrestricted feeding, followed by restricted feeding; restricted-period duration not reported in reviewed abstract. Comparator: Food containing no added L-carnitine.
Measured finding: Overall or cumulative weight loss did not differ between groups. On day 42, the 150 micrograms/g diet group had greater palmitate flux and estimated fat oxidation exceeding 62%, versus 14% in controls. This high-dose result is not an independent estimate for the 50 or 100 micrograms/g arms.
Limitations: Colony cats and controlled feeding restriction. Group weight-loss differences were not demonstrated; commercial-food dose and full-diet equivalence require verification.
Arm l_carnitine_50_ug_per_g_food
L-carnitine, metabolism and weight loss in overweight cats
Direct · cat. 32 neutered adult colony cats made overweight during six months of feeding before the experiment.
Tested form: L-carnitine added to cat food. Dose: 50 micrograms/g food (Micrograms of L-carnitine per gram of food; oral feeding. Dry-matter basis not established in the reviewed abstract). Duration: One month of unrestricted feeding, followed by restricted feeding; restricted-period duration not reported in reviewed abstract. Comparator: Food containing no added L-carnitine.
Measured finding: Overall or cumulative weight loss did not differ between groups. On day 42, the 150 micrograms/g diet group had greater palmitate flux and estimated fat oxidation exceeding 62%, versus 14% in controls. This high-dose result is not an independent estimate for the 50 or 100 micrograms/g arms.
Limitations: Colony cats and controlled feeding restriction. Group weight-loss differences were not demonstrated; commercial-food dose and full-diet equivalence require verification.
Products listing or mentioning this ingredient
2 products linked through reviewed ingredient occurrences from manufacturer declarations or partial editorial summaries. Whole-label verification may remain pending. An ingredient’s presence alone does not establish a nutritional outcome.
- Davies Ranger – Adult Chicken Davies Ranger – Adult Chicken - Davies Ranger – Adult Chicken; UK; manufacturer declaration Dog; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope
- Royal Canin Sterilised 37 Royal Canin Sterilised 37, editorial ingredient summary 2026-09-24; United Kingdom; partial summary Cat; Source data captured; Label verification pending; Evidence applicability requires the stated ingredient and study review scope