Yellow 5 is commonly found to cause behavioural issues including aggression, hyperactivity, insomnia as well as cancer in the thyroid and lymph system. It has even been linked to chromosomal damage.
Yellow 6 has been linked to chromosomal damage and tumors of the adrenal gland and kidneys. Yet we see this added to dog foods. Remember that dogs cannot process these chemicals, thus these ingredients can build up over time in your pet’s tissues causing cancers and other serious conditions.
Blue 2 is carcinogenic and can cause brain tumors as well as behavioural changes. Most of these ingredients also cause allergies and can cause erratic behavior.
Red 40 is extremely carcinogenic and has been linked to ADHD in children and animals, hyperactive and out of control behavior.
Why in the world would we need to put food coloring in dog food when most dogs have a limited sense of color? Obviously, it does not impact a dog’s view of palatability. It is all about marketing, and it does impact an owner’s concept of how dog food should look.
