Added Color in Pet Food

Grade D-4 ptsRead the Fine Print

What It Is

"A coloring agent listed generically, without naming the specific dye used."

Health Impact

This is the label doing the opposite of disclosure: "added color" could mean a natural source like beet juice, or it could mean a synthetic dye like Titanium Dioxide or Red 40. Without a name, there is no way to check it against anything — including whether it's one of the dyes this glossary flags as cancer-linked. The vagueness itself is the problem, not necessarily what's behind it. Score: 2/10.

Why This Grade

A meaningful red flag: an unnamed source, heavy processing into a by-product or digest form, or documented regulatory scrutiny in at least one country. -4 pts deducted.

Sources & Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Added Color safe for dogs and cats?

Rated D (-4 pts) by PetPro-tectors™. This is the label doing the opposite of disclosure: "added color" could mean a natural source like beet juice, or it could mean a synthetic dye like Titanium Dioxide or Red 40. Without a name, there is no way to check it against anything — including whether it's one of the dyes this glossary flags as cancer-linked. The vagueness itself is the problem, not necessarily what's behind it. Score: 2/10.

What is Added Color in pet food?

A coloring agent listed generically, without naming the specific dye used.

Related Read the Fine Print Ingredients

Natural FlavorsNatural Bacon FlavorHuman-GradeAsh Content
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Sources: FDA, AAFCO Official Publication, National Toxicology Program,
WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, Journal of Animal Science.

PetPro-tection League™