Many pet parents are surprised to know that dogs do not perceive color the way we do. They are drawn to food not based on its appearance but rather its flavor and nutritional value.
Therefore, some dog foods use food coloring to give their products an eye-catching appearance. Although certain natural dyes are safe for dogs, other colors have been linked to health problems in pets.
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Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalance is a common problem among dogs, resulting in everything from skin problems and clumps of fur to weight gain, increased urination, and overall lethargy. To combat these effects, monitor your pet’s food quality and make sure they get all necessary nutrients to stay happy and healthy.
It’s simple to avoid these problems with some simple strategies. First and foremost, keep your dog’s diet low in saturated fat and calories while high in fiber and vitamins/minerals. This can be achieved through feeding premium grade dry or canned food, offering treats with low sugar content, and supplementing their meals with quality rawhide or other meaty bones.
The most efficient way to ensure your pup gets all of the vitamins and minerals they require is by creating a list of what already exists in your pantry and sticking with it. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for recommendations on the best brands and quality of food they recommend for special needs.
Medications
Medications are prescribed to treat various health conditions in dogs. They can provide pain relief, reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.
Some medications are over-the-counter (OTC), while others need a prescription from your veterinarian. Always read the label before giving medications to your dog and follow its directions closely.
Antidiarrheal drugs like cimetidine (Tagamet(r), Pepcid AC(r)), famotidine (Pepcid AC(r)) and loperamide (Imodium(r) can help relieve heartburn in dogs due to dietary indiscretions; however it’s best to consult your vet if the issue persists.
Other drugs, such as ketoconazole, are used to treat fungal infections of the lymph nodes, skin and respiratory system in dogs. Unfortunately, high doses can be toxic if your pet already has kidney or liver issues; thus it should only be given with direct supervision by a veterinarian’s prescription and recommendation.
Precautions
Food coloring can be added to a variety of foods for several purposes, such as improving their aesthetic appeal, making them more desirable to consumers, or simply adding flavor.
However, this additive can have negative consequences on a dog’s health. It has been known to cause digestive issues, skin allergies and behavioral issues in pets.
Some dyes, such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, can be toxic to dogs and cause cancer, organ damage, and disruption of an animal’s endocrine system.
Another concern is that some artificial dyes aren’t regulated by the FDA, potentially contaminating dog foods with hazardous chemicals or heavy metals. Fortunately, there are other options for dog foods which do not contain food coloring.
Natural colors can be obtained from vegetables and spices like paprika, turmeric, or beet juice when consumed in small amounts. While these natural colorings are safe for pets to consume, it’s best to consume them only on occasion.
Final Words
Shopping for brightly-colored dog food at your local pet store may be easy, but what you won’t find is much nutritional value. Fortunately, some manufacturers have become wise about color coding their products so you can rest assured your pup is getting only the highest quality ingredients.
When selecting dye for food coloring, the most crucial aspect is selecting natural colors instead of artificial or synthetic ones. As of late, synthetic flavors or dyes have become the rage; if that’s not an option for you, search out products with an FDA seal of approval and ask the sales rep to show you their ingredient list. Although this may seem like a daunting task at first glance, the benefits will be worth all the effort in the end!
