The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has published a informative report on the risk of food dyes. CPSI states many currently approved dyes raise health concerns.
Many pet foods and treats include dyes merely to please the eye of the consumer; the pets don’t care what color the food or treat is and can’t see the colors anyway. While research on risks of dyes in food is primarily done to show risks to humans, these studies are done on laboratory animals. Thus negative results prove dyes are a risk to the dogs and cats consuming them in foods and treats.
Of the common food dyes found in pet foods and treats, the CSPI summary states… “Blue 2 cannot be considered safe given the statistically significant incidence of tumors, particularly brain gliomas, in male rats. It should not be used in foods.”
“Red 40, the most-widely used dye, may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice. The dye causes hypersensitivity (allergy-like) reactions in a small number of consumers and might trigger hyperactivity in children. Considering the safety questions and its non-essentiality, Red 40 should be excluded from foods unless and until new tests clearly demonstrate its safety.”
“Yellow 5 was not carcinogenic in rats, but was not adequately tested in mice. It may be contaminated with several cancer-causing chemicals. In addition, Yellow 5 causes sometimes-severe hypersensitivity reactions in a small number of people and might trigger hyperactivity reactions in a small number of people and might trigger hyperactivity and other behavior effects in children. Posing some risks, while serving no nutritional or safety purpose, Yellow 5 should not be allowed in foods.”
“Yellow 6 caused adrenal tumors in animals, though that is disputed by industry and the FDA. It may be contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals and occasionally causes severe hypersensitivity reactions. Yellow 6 adds an unnecessary risk to the food supply.”
Read the ingredient list in your pet foods and treats; look for and avoid all foods and treats that contain dyes. To read the full CSPI report, visit http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/food-dyes-rainbow-of-risks.pdf
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Thats right, companies add AFCs to treats to make them more appealing to owners so they will buy the treats. But, does it really matter? Do AFCs affect dogs the same way they do humans?
Artificial food coloring. Its what makes your Blue Kool-Aid blue, your Jello red and Mac n Cheese yellow. Artificial food coloring is everywhere and you can find plenty of studies on the risk of consuming them. However, did you know many of your pups favorite dog treats include harmful artificial food colorings?
It turns out the answer is YES! One of the most documented issues is “behavioral problems” resulting from your pup ingesting too many AFCs. We found a fantastic article that lists the 4 most common AFCs found in dog treats and what the potential side effects can be.
So after seeing all the potential issues that AFCs can cause we have to ask. Why risk it? Our Sweet Potato Dog Treats are 100% natural with no added sugar, AFCs or other harmful chemicals. Dogs love them and we know you will too!
Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6 and Blue 2
Your dog does not care what color their dog food is. First and foremost, they cant see colors as humans do, and natural, non-colored dog food will be brown colored after cooking. Any other color can be attributed to the artificial dyes of Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6 and Blue 2.
Proven to cause behavioral problems and cancer in humans, your 4-footed friend doesnt need coloring additives either.
The FDA Keeps Close Tabs
Today, the Food and Drug Administration regulates all color additives that are used in human and animal foods. All color additives must be listed with the FDA and fall into one of two categories: those that have to be certified by the FDA and those that don’t. Certified colors are man-made and include fewer than ten approved colors.
Colors that are exempt from certification are natural pigments from plants, minerals or animals. The FDA also provides strict guidelines for use of the colors including the types of foods that may use the coloring, the amount of coloring allowed and how the color must be identified on packaging. Still, the FDA continuously reviews all food colors for safety.
FAQ
Does Red 40 affect dogs?
Your dog does not care what color their dog food is. First and foremost, they can’t see colors as humans do, and natural, non-colored dog food will be brown colored after cooking. Any other color can be attributed to the artificial dyes of Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6 and Blue 2.
Can Red dye 40 cause seizures in dogs?
How Toxic Is Red 40?