"Coloring agent made by heat treatment of carbohydrates."
When caramel color is made using ammonia or sulfites (Class III and IV), it produces 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) — a compound the National Toxicology Program found to cause cancer in animal studies. California lists it as a carcinogen. Your pet does not need its food to be a certain color. Caramel color exists purely for human marketing appeal.
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.
Rated D (-4 pts) by PetPro-tectors™. When caramel color is made using ammonia or sulfites (Class III and IV), it produces 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) — a compound the National Toxicology Program found to cause cancer in animal studies. California lists it as a carcinogen. Your pet does not need its food to be a certain color. Caramel color exists purely for human marketing appeal.
Coloring agent made by heat treatment of carbohydrates.