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If you're like many pet owners, you want to give your furry friend the best treats possible, but you're not sure what's really in them. Red 40, a synthetic food dye, is a common ingredient in many dog treats.
Red 40 is linked to potential health risks in dogs, including allergic reactions and hyperactivity. Studies have shown that some dogs may be sensitive to this artificial dye.
Choosing dog treats that don't contain Red 40 is a great step towards keeping your pet healthy and happy. Look for natural and organic options that use real ingredients instead of artificial preservatives and dyes.
Pet Food Ingredient Color Requests Rise
Pet owners are increasingly requesting pet food brands to use cleaner ingredient colors, specifically natural colors instead of artificial ones. About 90% of new pet food products used natural color in 2017, according to Mintel data.
Pet owners are particularly concerned about artificial dyes like Red 40, with over 40% of them expressing worries about its presence in their pets' food. Sensient Consumer Research found this out.
The concern is not just about safety, but also about purchasing decisions - 70% of pet owners would be more inclined to choose a pet food brand that has replaced synthetic colors with botanical alternatives.
Natural Color Challenges in Pet Food
About 90% of new pet food products used natural color instead of artificial in 2017, according to Mintel. This shift towards cleaner ingredients is a significant trend in the pet food industry.
Pet owners are increasingly concerned about artificial dyes like Red 40 in their pets' food, with over 40% of pet owners expressing concern and 70% more likely to purchase a brand that has replaced synthetic colors with botanical alternatives.
Developing natural red solutions for pet food applications is a challenge, with three main issues to address.
Our R&D team has found success employing carmine across various pet food applications, providing appealing red shades at different pH levels and standing up to high heat processing.
Pet Food Solutions
Pet owners are becoming increasingly concerned about the presence of artificial dyes like Red 40 in their furry family members' food. Over 40% of pet owners are worried about the potential harm of artificial dyes, making it a significant issue in the pet food industry.
In response to this growing concern, many pet food brands are shifting towards cleaner ingredients and natural color alternatives. In fact, about 90% of new pet food products used natural color instead of artificial in 2017.
Pet food developers are now looking for effective and cost-efficient ways to replace Red 40. Carmine, a natural colorant, has been found to be a good option, offering appealing red shades at different pH levels and standing up to high heat processing.
However, Sensient's SupraRed technology is an even more ideal solution. It has several benefits, including standing up to heat processing, being labeled as vegetable juice or beet juice, and meeting Kosher and Halal specifications.
Here are the key benefits of SupraRed technology:
- Stands up to heat processing of extrusion and high shear mixing
- Can be labeled as vegetable juice or beet juice
- Highly concentrated colorant = lower usage rates
- Meets Kosher and Halal specifications
- A key building block to create other shade possibilities for pet food
Trick of the Trade
Pet food companies often use sneaky tactics to get away with using risk ingredients in their products. They'll educate consumers on what to look for, but they won't list all the risk ingredients on the pet food label.
Many pet owners are unaware of the hidden risks in their dog's treats. The pet food industry has a way of making you think you're making an informed decision, but really, they're just hiding the truth.
Some pet food companies work out a plan to use risk ingredients, but they won't list them on the label. This makes it difficult for pet owners to make informed decisions about what they're feeding their dogs.
Pet owners need to be vigilant and do their own research to uncover the truth about the ingredients in their dog's treats.
Added Colors
Artificial colors are often used in pet foods, including Red #40 and Blue #2, which have been found to be harmful to people.
About 40% of pet owners are concerned about the presence of artificial dyes like Red #40 in their furry family members' food.
Smarter Food Choices for Your Pup
As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry friend, and that includes what they eat. About 90% of new pet food products used natural color instead of artificial in 2017, according to data from Mintel.
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Pet owners are becoming increasingly aware of the ingredients in their dog's food. Over 40% of pet owners are concerned about the presence of artificial dyes like Red 40 in their dog's food, and about 70% would be more likely to purchase a pet food brand that has replaced synthetic colors with botanical alternatives.
If you're looking for a natural alternative to Red 40, consider carmine, which provides very appealing red shades at different pH levels and stands up to high heat processing. Carmine is a cost-effective way to replace Red 40 in kibble and treats.
But there's an even better option: Sensient's SupraRed technology. This plant-based innovation has many benefits, including:
- Stands up to heat processing of extrusion and high shear mixing
- Can be labeled as vegetable juice or beet juice
- Highly concentrated colorant = lower usage rates
- Meets Kosher and Halal specifications
- A key building block to create other shade possibilities for pet food
By making informed choices about your dog's food, you can help ensure their long-term well-being. Opt for high-quality, nutritious options, and your pup will thank you with a wagging tail and a lifetime of love!
Sources
- https://gainesfamilyfarmstead.com/blogs/news/why-you-should-avoid-artificial-food-coloring-in-dog-treats
- https://sensientfoodcolors.com/en-us/pet-food/replacing-red-40-in-pet-food-applications/
- https://truthaboutpetfood.com/food-dyes-called-rainbow-of-risks/
- https://sensientfoodcolors.com/en-us/pet-food/free-from-artificial-coloring-pet-treats/
- https://iheartdogs.com/10-ingredients-you-never-want-to-see-in-your-dogs-food-2/
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