Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Yosry
Updated on 08/21/2024
Reading time 5 min.
Overview
Severity: Low
Life stage: All
Most food, both for humans and dogs, is processed. The processing affects the natural state of food by eliminating microorganisms, extending its shelf life, and enhancing its appearance. Without food coloring, most of what we consume would be gray.
However, is food coloring safe for canines? What is inside? The colors are included for our benefit, as our dogs cannot perceive them. Dogs do not require them and have little nutritional value; therefore, it begs the question: why bother? Although it is typically safe for dogs to consume food coloring, you may wish to avoid it.
What’s inside Food Coloring?
Initially, artificial food colorings were manufactured from coal tar. Currently, synthetic food colors are sourced from crude oil or petroleum. Tests are conducted to confirm that the final items contain no residues of petroleum.
Blue No. 2, the same indigo dye used to tint denim, is a culinary color made from plant-based ingredients. Other natural pigment sources include the Indian plant turmeric and the insect extract cochineal, which imparts a red hue.
Are food dyes safe?
Food coloring has a checkered past in the food industry. Companies were not always honest and open, frequently utilizing food coloring to conceal food degradation and discoloration. Some colors contained toxic substances such as lead and arsenic, exacerbating the problem.
The Food and Drugs Act of 1906 subsequently prohibited hazardous food coloring. The permitted food coloring was derived from coal tar. This coal tar dye was also outlawed in the 1950s, which led to the Color Additives Amendments of 1960, which imposed strict regulations on the use of color additives in human and animal meals.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all food colorants.
There are fewer than ten certified hues, and only colors derived from natural pigments in plants, minerals, and animals are permitted. Additionally, the FDA limits the proper amount of food coloring and its disclosure on the packaging.
Are colorings present in dog food?
FDA-approved colors are safe for use in human and animal foods when used as prescribed. Some food colorings have been demonstrated to be harmful in excessive doses. However, these do not include FDA-approved colors, which must be used in more significant quantities.
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act state that the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) permits color additives in pet food.
Any dye, pigment, or substance can impart color when added or applied to food, medication, cosmetics, or the human body.
Includes compounds that provide color to meat, milk, or eggs when fed to animals.
It contains chemical and food-like compounds
All recognized color additives for pet food are “artificial” per definition and FDA standards.
Natural colors, such as those originating from plants, minerals, algae, or animals, are exempt from certification. Additionally, colors must be labeled and listed.
According to the FDA and AAFCO, color additives in dog food are safe. According to a few studies, dogs are more likely to be allergic to proteins than food coloring. Nonetheless, this topic has not been thoroughly studied.
Conclusion
Generally, food coloring is acceptable for dogs to consume orally or topically. Numerous dog meals contain both artificial and natural color additives permitted by the FDA. The scant research in this field suggests they are safe for human and animal consumption. The decision to use food coloring for your dog is ultimately yours.
If you need a consultation with an experienced veterinarian, visit one of Modern Vet’s clinics!
Share this, choose your platform!
Writen by
Dr. Sarah Yosry
DVM
A product of a rich Australian/Egyptian heritage, Dr. Sarah Yosry stands as a testament to the union of diverse cultures and a shared love for animals….
A veterinary consultation is often the first and most important step in managing your pet’s health. When your dogs appear tired, your cats stop eating,...
Cancer is one of the most significant health challenges facing pets today, affecting millions of dogs and cats worldwide each year. A cancer diagnosis...
Spaying is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. It helps keep the number of pets down and is very good for the health of female dogs and...
Expert Veterinary Care, Now Delivered to Your Door
At Modern Vet, we understand that not every pet is comfortable traveling to the clinic—and not...
Hydrotherapy for pets is one of the most rapidly adopted and effective rehabilitative techniques used today in veterinary medicine. The modality of...
Moving to a new house is a life-altering situation, and it is not only about packing the boxes and securing plane tickets when you have pets. Your furry...
At Modern Vet, proactive preventative healthcare lays the foundation for your pet's long and happy life. From standard blood tests to urinalysis or...
Preventive care extends beyond basic attention to caring for your dogs and cats; it is the central pillar for ensuring the happiness and well-being of...
Save our number now so you are prepared if the worst happens.
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 800-82
Address: Umm Suqeim, Al Wasl Road, Villa #793,...
SPAY & NEUTER
Your Reliable Partner in Caring for Your Pet’s Health
One of the most responsible things a pet owner can do is to spay or neuter...
Your pet’s eyes are one of their most sensitive and important organs. Like people, animals rely on vision to get around the world, communicate with you,...
At Modern Veterinary Hospital, we know that being able to move comfortably is critical to your furry friends’ overall happiness and well-being....
Your pet requires proper oral health maintenance for their general health and wellness. Gum disease, tooth decay and infections affect dogs and cats...
Pet physiotherapy is an important and growing aspect of veterinary medicine, addressing recovery from injury, surgery, chronic conditions or poor...
Your pet requires the best care, including nutritious food, veterinary visits, and professional grooming services for year-round comfort, cleanliness,...
Holistic pet medicine originated in ancient times and now exists as a contemporary integrative system that focuses on treating the complete animal...
You want the best for your pet’s health and longevity, but feeding them well-balanced meals can be difficult. The same principles apply to humans also...
The transportation of pets in busy Dubai becomes difficult because of the combination of traffic congestion, heat exposure, limited time availability,...
Family pets hold a special place in family life, just like human family members, because they develop various skin and coat issues as they age. Skin...
The fastest-growing cities, including Dubai, need to prioritize pet welfare because their pet population exceeds available resources when not managed...
Here at Modern Veterinary Hospital, we are aware of the fact that having your furry friend deal with neurological disease can be incredibly traumatizing....
Pet cardiology functions as a veterinary medical speciality that diagnoses, treats, and controls Heart and circulatory diseases in animals. A strong...
At ModernVet, we are committed wholeheartedly to improving the wellbeing of your faithful canines with our state-of-the-art dog spay and neuter services....
ModernVet offers professional cat spaying and neutering services that deliver top-level care to feline pets. The procedures form an essential part of...
A powerful alliance based in Dubai's center has established new benchmarks for animal medical care. Modern Vet operates as a top veterinary hospital...
For every devoted cat owner, ensuring the long-term health and happiness of their feline companion is a top priority. Protecting cats from infectious...
The Modern Vet Clinic in Dubai is a top-tier animal hospital providing complete veterinary services for dogs. Our clinic provides veterinary care for...
The Modern Vet clinic in Dubai operates as the leading facility which provides specialized healthcare solutions for cats in the city. The clinic provides...
