What Dog Food Has No Red Dye

Symptoms Of Red Dye Allergy In Cats

When your cat is suffering from some form of an allergy or ailment you will notice that they are acting oddly or they have physical symptoms that need to be quickly addressed. Be sure to contact your veterinarian for an appointment when you notice anything that is off about your cat so a quick diagnosis can be made and treatments begun. Symptoms of red dye allergy in cats include:

• Itching
• Redness and/or swelling of the skin
• Hives or rashes
• Angioedema, or the swelling of deeper skin layers
• Diarrhea

Checking Labels For Red 40 And Other Food Additives

It can be thoroughly disheartening to realize that the U.S. food industry does not have our best interests in mind. However, the silver lining is that with a little knowledge, we can proactively choose food products that are nutritious for our bodies. This starts with reading food labels.

The backside of a food product package might feel a little intimidating, especially if youre not sure what youre looking for. Youll see the nutrition information chart, which is a handy thing to learn how to read and understand.

But in this case, youre looking for a list of ingredients. That is where youll discover how much food dye, preservatives, and other food additives a food product contains.

Once you get into the habit, its easy to just immediately flip a product over to double-check for additives. Youll want to avoid foods that contain any kinds of food dyes , preservatives like sodium sulfite and sodium benzoate, and other additives such as MSG or annatto.

If you do choose snack products that have food coloring, choose those that are enhanced with natural dyes. Looking for names like beta-carotene, turmeric, and beet juice. Natural food dyes come from real food, so youll probably see coloring agents with names that you recognize.

Pet Food: The Good The Bad And The Healthy

You pay close attention to what you and your family eat. You avoid processed foods, pay a premium for organic groceries and read labels religiously. But are you as persnickety when it comes to the diets of your cats and dogs?

For many pet parents, the answer is no. Their pets eat what is plucked from the grocery shelf and put in front of them. But careless dietary choices can expose pets to many of the same problems their parents experience if they arent thoughtful about what goes in their bodies: Heart disease, cancer, obesity, circulatory and digestion issues, diabetes, exposure to toxins and overall poor health.

Since pets and their health are at the heart of everything PetSafe does, we are pleased to provide some basic information on the importance of pet nutrition and how to go about ensuring your cats and dogs are eating as well as the rest of the family. Our automatic dog and cat feeders make caring for your pets convenient and hassle-free, and can control portion size, but its up to you to make sure the feeders are filled with goodness.

Lets consider why pet food may be a good or bad choice for your pet, starting with the good.

The Good

Automatic feeders can make feeding your pets even more convenient. Even with a busy schedule, you won’t have to worry if your pet has had their breakfast or dinner.

Convenience

Nutritionally Complete and Balanced

Labeled List of Ingredients and Recommended Feeding Guidelines

The Bad

Chemicals & Preservatives

Recommended Reading: Who Makes Dr Pol Dog Food

Best Dehydrated: Sundays Food For Dogs

Want something truly different? In a sector of its own, Sundays Food for Dogs is a great dehydrated food brand, says Dr. Richardson. Heres how dehydrated food works: After its made, the food is air dried. This preserves all the nutrients, while killing off germs. It’s a good option for pet owners who are intrigued by the idea of raw food diets, but are worried about potential bacteria in raw meat.

Everything in the food is 100 percent human-grade. That means its also safe for humans to eat . Its also formulated without common allergens and with ingredients that support digestion .

Because its dehydrated, the food doesnt need to be stored in the fridge or freezer, and it also doesnt need to be heated up or cleaned up carefully after your dog eats.

What Do Vets Recommend For Dry Food

10 Tested and Vet Recommended Dog Food Brands

• 2.1 Hills Science Diet Dry Food.
• 2.2 Royal Canin Dog Food.
• 2.3 Purina Pro Plan Pet Food & Nutrition.
• 2.4 NomNomNow Fresh Dog Food.
• 2.5 Wellness CORE: Wellness Natural Pet Food.
• 2.6 Castor and Pollux Organix Dog Food.
• 2.7 Hills Prescription Diet for Dogs.
• 2.8 Nutro Ultra Dog Food.

You May Like: Is Iams Dog Food Any Good

Worst Dry Food: Iams Proactive Health Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food

Source: iams proactive health

IAMS ProActive contains a lot of minerals and vitamins, but they are mixed with synthetic proteins. Chicken by-product meal means that this product contains the leftovers of slaughtered chickens that humans dont use. It is quite affordable, though, so many dog owners turn to this brand out of necessity. If you can, invest a little bit more into higher-quality dog food, or prepare your dogs food at home. Dogs who already have some allergy issues shouldnt go near this product as it can cause or boost dog allergies. Corn offers only modest nutritional value to your pooch, and its controversial regarding dogs nutrition. The same goes for beet pulp, which is fifth in the ingredient list.

Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Carrots, Choline Chloride, Chicken Fat , Fructooligosaccharides, Calcium Carbonate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, L-Carnitine, Sodium Selenite, Mixed Tocopherols , Ascorbic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate , Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement , Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride , Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Rosemary Extract, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid

Evangers Dry Dog Food

Evangers Chicken Dry Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutrition levels determined by the AAFCO dog food profiles for all life stages.

Fresh chicken is the first and main ingredient. There is zero corn, soy fillers or wheat.

Other quality ingredients are oatmeal, dried egg, carrots, Vitamin A supplement, d-calcium pantothenate , chicken, chicken meal, dried kelp, cranberries, blueberries, brown rice, celery, beets, parsley, lettuce, watercress, spinach, potassium chloride, Vitamin E supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement, Niacin supplement.There is no doubt this product can be considered a good diet plan for your dog.

Recommended Reading: Does Dog Food Taste Good To Dogs

Country Label Differences & General Risks

Labels dont look the same in every country. The European Union has different requirements of food labels and each European country has its own specific laws that go further. Some countries have banned artificial food dyes altogether.

In general, products that specifically contain red 40 have a warning label on them in the E.U. to warn the consumer that the products might trigger hyperactivity in children.

The U.S. has different rules and no warning label is required. However, the Center for Science in the Public Interest a scientific consumer advocacy organization is working hard to bring awareness to the possible risks of artificial food dye.

These risks include hyperactivity and exacerbating ADHD, allergic reactions such as hives, certain types of cancer, and more. You can read more about their research on dyes in their report Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks.

Wellness Core Natural Grain Free

About:Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free food comes from the Wellness brand a quality dog food manufacturer that produces protein-focused foods, with several lean meat options like chicken, turkey, and salmon.

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Don’t Miss: Iams Low Residue Dog Food Recall

What Are Artificial Food Dye Side Effects

The CSPI Food Dyes Rainbow Risks report states there are nine artificial dyes in the food supply in the USA that are carcinogenic. And these dyes cause hyperactivity and behavior disorders such as ADHD. The CSPIs report argues that some of the food dyes have not been thoroughly tested to ensure the publics safety

Most Common Red Dye 40 Food List

Baked Foods

Red dye 40 is found in many baked foods such as pies, cakes,cookies and also breads. In fact, the while we assume that anything with vanilla flavor should be white, Red dye 40 is used in vanilla frostings to give it a more golden color. Pie fillings, cakes with strawberry flavors and red colored cake mixes are a few that make the red dye 40 food list.

Candy

Probably the most common of the foods that contain red dye 40 is candy. It is no surprise that candies are the most prominent feature of the list of foods with red dye. Much of the candy that is available in the market is completely artificially made. It is actually highly processed food and though it says that it is fruit flavored, there is nothing remotely fruit like in them.

Most likely, any candy that is fruit flavored is a sure shot food containing red dye. The common culprits are strawberry, cherry or raspberry flavored candies, candies that consist of red shells, any candy that has a dark brown color like chocolate or coffee flavors and many cinnamon flavored candies as well. Youre also likely to find the colorant in candies with red shells, dark browns , and cinnamon candies

Breakfast Cereals

Dairy

Read Also: Dr Pol Dog Treats

Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food

The closest thing to a natural protein in Pedigree is chicken by-product meal. This ingredient isn’t great and can come from unwanted leftovers from a variety of sources.

Ground whole corn and corn gluten meal are also used. A variety of synthetic colors are also utilized, making this formula an unhealthy choice all around.

How To Shop For The Best Food For Dogs

One of the most important steps in figuring out the best dog food is through the ingredient list, said Freeman, noting the first three are the most critical. This will help you determine if the formula is vegetable-based with things like corn and rice or meat-based with chicken, fish, or lamb, said Freeman. While each dog is different, they generally do best on a protein-rich, meat-based diet, she added.

Next, analyze what type of meat is within. Look for brands that specifically name the type of meat, like beef, chicken, or lamb, said Morgan. She noted that meat, bone meal or meat byproducts could come from any animal. Similarly, poultry meal signals any bird, she said.

The ingredients will also highlight some of what you want to avoid. Freeman suggested avoiding dog food that includes: dyes , sugar and high salt , as well as other solvents and preservatives like propylene glycol, BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin.

Also Check: Is Iams Dog Food Grain Free

Top 10 Worst Dog Foods

Ingredients: Whole grain corn, meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, beef fat naturally preserved with mixed-tocopherols, soybean meal, poultry by-product meal, chicken, egg and chicken flavor, whole grain wheat, animal digest, salt, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, mono and dicalcium phosphate, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, MINERALS , VITAMINS , Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, garlic oil. E-4101.

An Example Food To Avoid

Lets look at a real dog food ingredient list to find some of the common color additives we want to avoid. Color additives are in bold.

Example Ingredient List

Corn, Soybean Meal, Beef & Bone Meal, Ground Wheat, Wheat Middlings, Animal Fat , Corn Syrup, Water Sufficient For Processing, Animal Digest , Propylene Glycol, Salt, Apple, Hydrochloric Acid, Potassium Chloride, Caramel Color, Peas, Sorbic Acid , Sodium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Minerals , Vitamins , Dl-Methionine, Calcium Sulfate, Titanium Dioxide , Carrots, Green Beans, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5, Red 40, BHA , Blue 1, Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6.

This dog food has just about every color additive possible. Its also one of the worst formulas Ive ever seen! Yes, the food above is actually on the market.

Useful tip: Avoid every ingredient listed in this feed.

Also Check: Is Rachael Ray’s Dog Food Any Good

Is Red Dye Bad For You

The short answer is: probably.

If youre eating a lot of processed foods, you may experience long-term side effects from consuming synthetic food coloring.

In short, there is solid evidence that links fake food coloring to behavioral problems such as ADHD.

In addition, certain food colorings may cause cancer.

Because of the evidence linking red 40 to side effects, there is growing concern. In fact, the FDA is under pressure to ban it. And other food colorings that are not natural. The Center for Science in the Public Interest sent a letter to the FDA, expressing great concern. You can read it here.

You can also read CSPIs report, Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks available online here.

Risks Associated With Red 40

The most popular food dye used in consumer goods is Red 40. Studies on Red 40 are highly controversial and deemed by many as inconclusive. However, studies do suggest that Red 40 may accelerate the appearance of tumors in the immune system of mice. Other notable findings are the possibility of hypersensitivity reactions and hyperactivity in children associated with Red 40 consumption . Although the studies do not conclusively confirm any of these findings, the dye is an unnecessary addition and should be avoided, especially in daily consumption.

You May Like: Is Iams Dog Food Any Good

How Do We Make Cat Food Recommendations

We know you love your cat and we want whats best for him just as much as you do. The difference is that weve done a ton of research to learn exactly what goes into pet food and how to decipher the information on pet food labels. Dont worry were using our powers for good! Your cats good, that is. Weve evaluated many of the top cat food brands on the market, so we know what were talking about, and wed never recommend something we wouldnt feed our own cats.

Here are some general requirements for a cat food recipe to receive our stamp of approval:

• A source of high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient
• At least 30% crude protein for kittens and at least 26% for adults
• A minimum of 9% crude fat for kittens and adults
• A balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, primarily from animal sources
• A rich blend of nutrients from natural sources and supplements, as needed
• Limited carbohydrate content from digestible sources
• No low-quality fillers, by-products, or artificial additives

Risks Associated With Blue 1

Blue 1 was approved by the FDA in 1969 for general use in food and ingested drugs. Industry sponsored studies have not shown any clinical signs attributed to Blue 1, however these studies have been short in duration. As noted by the CSPI, adverse effects can occur years after exposure.

Studies outside those sponsored by industry have raised alarming concerns of possible neurotoxicity and an increased chance of kidney tumors.

Don’t Miss: Iams Veterinary Formula Intestinal Plus

Risks Associated With Yellow 6

As with Yellow 5, the CSPI warned in their 2010 report that Yellow 6 may be contaminated with significant levels of recognized carcinogens. Studies have suggested that Yellow 6 can be linked to tumors but the FDA claimed that the tumors were not significant for various reasons. Finally, as with Yellow 5, Yellow 6 can also cause hypersensitivity reactions and hyperactivity in children. Thus, Yellow 6 also poses serious health concerns and should be avoided .

Gravy Train Beef Chunks In Gravy Wet Dog Food

Source: gravy train

Butylated hydroxyanisole is used to prevent spoilage, but it can contribute to kidney issues. The Gravy Train at one point proclaimed voluntary recall on each Gravy Train wet dog product after hints of pentobarbitala euthanasia drugwas detected. Although this brand is one of the most affordable ones on the market, you should steer clear of purchasing it. We rank it as a below-average canned product.

Ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Soybean Meal, Meat By-Products, Wheat Flour, Animal Fat , Beef, Modified Food Starch, Soy Flour, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel Color, Titanium Dioxide , Iron Oxide , Vitamins , Minerals .

You May Like: Iams Veterinary Formula Intestinal Plus Dog Food

What Is Red Dye Made Out Of

Take your pick: bugs or petroleum byproducts.

Sounds appetizing, no? Well, if learning where this U.S. FDA-approved food coloring comes from makes you a bit squeamish, perhaps youll start really watching what you eat.

If you want a more natural red coloring, bugs it is.

But if not, check ingredient labels for carmine, carminic acid or cochineal extract. These three are the same thing: a bug called a cochineal.

How is a bug turned into food coloring? Not that you asked, but if you want the creepy crawly details, heres how.

Once the bugs are harvested, they work on their tans so to speak. They are sun-dried. Then the bugs are crushed, grounded and placed in alcohol.

Still reading? Planning on quitting red food coloring? Actually, carmine isnt only in food. Check your beauty products. It could be in your cosmetics, in addition to more obvious items like cake frosting and sprinkles.

Well, as disturbing as using bugs to artificially color something sounds, it could be worse.

Carmine is Red dye #4. Red dye 40 comes from petroleum. More specifically, it comes from coal.