Traditional food coloring is NOT safe for dogs. While it may not make them ill immediately upon consuming, over time, it can cause several problems.
Studies have shown that artificial food coloring in dog food can cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors. There’s also evidence that it can lead to skin issues, asthma, and many other medical conditions.
Just TRADITIONAL food coloring is detrimental to the long-term health of dogs, it doesn’t mean they can’t have food coloring at all.
As a dog owner, it’s important to educate yourself on the options for food coloring as you determine what dog foods and dog treats you decide to give your pup.
To be as safe as possible, dog food should be colored with natural ingredients. Fortunately, many spices, berries, vegetables, and other foods can color dog food and dog treats safely.
For example, you can use the following to dye dog food naturally:
RED – Beetroot, Strawberry, or Rasberry
PINK – Beetroot, Strawberry, or Rasberry
ORANGE – Turmeric, Pumpkin, Squash, Carrot, or Sweet Potato
YELLOW – Egg York, or Turmeric
GREEN – Wheatgrass, Kale, Spirulina, or Green Veggies
PURPLE – Blueberry or Blackberry
BROWN – Carob Powder, Blackstrap Molasses, Peanut Butter
🌟 Above colors courtesy of Dalmation DIY.
If you’re making your own fresh dog food or dog treats, the above ingredients can give your food a much more appealing appearance. The problem? It can be difficult to get the exact color you want from them. You have to work with it a bit adding this or that to the recipe, and if you’re like us, it may all just turn out a dirty brownish-red color.
That’s why we prefer to purchase pet safe food coloring.
Quickly and easily buy food coloring for your dogs that are safe. Just click on the product you’d like to learn more about and purchase it on Amazon. Prime members receive FREE – FAST shipping.