Artificial Colors in Pet Treats: What to Know
There is nothing inherently wrong with color in pet food. Color can be fun and engaging for both dogs and their humans. However, in many pet treats, those colors rarely come from natural ingredients.
While many synthetic food dyes are FDA-approved, some have been linked to cancer in animal studies when consumed in large amounts, which has led to regulatory scrutiny in certain regions. Even when overall risk is considered low, these findings raise important questions around long-term exposure and transparency.
In pet treats specifically, manufacturers often provide limited disclosure around color sources, using vague terms like “human-grade food coloring” rather than clearly stating where those colors come from.
Our mission is to challenge the industry’s lack of transparency by creating beautiful, enrichment-focused treats made with clearly disclosed ingredients and naturally derived colors, because dogs deserve the same care and consideration we give ourselves.
Why artificial dyes are used
Artificial food dyes are commonly used because they:
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Remain bright after baking and processing
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Don’t fade over time on shelves
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Are inexpensive and easy to standardize
Common artificial dyes found in pet treats
Some of the most frequently used synthetic dyes include:
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Red 40
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Yellow 5
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Yellow 6
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Blue 1
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Red 3
Our philosophy on color
At Pearl & Paw, we believe color should come from nature, not synthetic dyes and that's why our treats are intentionally vibrant and beautiful, using contrast and naturally derived ingredients to stand out without relying on artificial coloring. We choose color as a way to spark curiosity and conversation — and to show that treats can be joyful, eye-catching, and thoughtfully made at the same time.