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Worth knowing · Synthetic dye

Artificial colors

Also appears on labels as: FD&C Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2

Certified synthetic dyes, mostly azo compounds, used to make kibble and treats look like meat, vegetables, or cheese.

Watched ingredients get highlighted on every product panel you open.

Where it comes from
Petrochemical synthesis, batch-certified by the FDA.
Why it's in the product
Appearance. Nothing else.
Safety and toxicity
Approved for use, and the evidence against them at food levels is mixed rather than damning. Some azo dyes are associated with hypersensitivity reactions in a small number of individuals.
Interactions and who should be careful
Our reasoning is simpler than a toxicity argument: your pet does not care what color the food is. Any nonzero risk with zero benefit earns a flag.

What the research says

Synthetic dyes are approved for use in pet food, and the evidence against them at food levels is mixed rather than damning. Some studies associate certain azo dyes with hypersensitivity reactions.

Our reasoning is simpler: colors exist to sell the food to you, not to nourish your pet. Any nonzero risk with zero benefit earns a flag, and the best formulas skip dyes entirely.

Placeholder Sources: Source citations for this entry will be linked here once the citations feed is connected. Until then, ask us for the reading list any time: [email protected].

General reference, not veterinary advice. Dose, breed, and existing conditions change the answer, so talk to your vet before changing what your pet eats. Think we got this wrong? Tell us and we log it publicly.

Found in 48 scored products

We flag it by name on 46 of them. Lowest scores first.

Panel Score 51 out of 100, grade D: Better options exist
Canine Carry OutsSausage Links - Beef Flavorcommunity import

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 60 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Pup-PeroniOriginal Beef Flavor

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 60 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
9LivesPlus Carecommunity import

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 63 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Meow MixOriginal Choice Dry Cat Food

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 63 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
PedigreeComplete Nutrition Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 63 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
TemptationsSeafood Medley Cat Treats

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 63 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
PurinaBeggin' Thick Cut Hickory Smoke Flavorcommunity import

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 64 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Kibbles 'n BitsOriginal Savory Beef & Chicken

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 64 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Ol' RoyComplete Nutrition Dry Dog Food

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 64 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
9LivesDaily Essentials Dry Cat Food

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 64 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Special KittyOriginal Dry Cat Food

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 67 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Milk-BoneSoft & Chewy Training Mini, Filet Mignon

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 67 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
PurinaDog Chow Complete Adult With Real Chicken

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 67 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
PurinaFriskies Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 67 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Meow MixTender Centers Salmon & Chicken

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 67 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
Pet HeadDirty Talk Deep Cleaning Shampoo

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 67 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
PurinaPurina Dog Chowcommunity import

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 71 out of 100, grade C: Proceed with caution
TemptationsBlock Party BBQcommunity import

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 75 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Fancy FeastClassic Paté Chicken Feast

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 75 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
PedigreeSmall Dog Food Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetables Flavorcommunity import

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 75 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
CesarClassic Loaf in Sauce Grilled Steak & Eggs Flavorcommunity import

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 75 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
Fancy FeastCreamy Delights Chicken Feast with a Touch of Real Milkcommunity import

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 75 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
PurinaFancy Feast Kitten Tender Chicken Feastcommunity import

flagged on this product's score page

Panel Score 75 out of 100, grade B: Good, check the flags
PurinaFancy Feast Kitten Tender Salmon Feastcommunity import

flagged on this product's score page

24 more scored products list this ingredient. Showing the 24 lowest-scoring.