Red dye in dog food and other artificial colors yields several health risks and concerns for people and pets. Over time, red dye in your dog’s pet food can cause itching, skin irritation, gastrointestinal problems, and even health issues like cancer. As with humans, healthy nutrition is key to your pup’s good health.
Red dye and sweeteners add no nutritional value and are unhealthy for your dog. In this review for the best dog food without red dye, we’ll look at eight pet foods that meet these criteria. We’ll also provide a buying guide to help you choose the best food for your pup.
When choosing dye-free dog food, choose a food fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your dog’s overall health. Choose a food where you can trace every ingredient’s origin using the lot number on the bag.
These guidelines will help you find the best dog food for your pup. Here’s the takeaway on pet food brands without red dye that is nutritionally balanced and complete with good value-for-money diets.
Red Dye In Pet Food
Pet food manufacturers use dye in pet food to make it look more appealing. Color additives are “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) and are used in human food and animal feed.
Today nine color additives are F.D.A.-approved in pet food. The most common ones include FD&C Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. They’re stable in products and feature vibrant colors to make food more appealing.
Food dyes can result in serious disease in pets, with research demonstrating that synthetic food dyes are linked to cancer, cell damage, and changes in brain chemistry in small mammals.
- Pros
- Freeze-dried and packaged to preserve raw ingredient integrity
- Grain and gluten-free
- Easy to feed
- Dogs love the Taste
- 100% natural and healthy
- No colors, no fillers, no preservatives, no additives
- Made in Portland, Oregon
- Cons
- Pricey for multi-pet homes
NW Naturals Raw Diets contains no artificial ingredients, colors, or fillers, so it is normal for batches to vary in color, size, and texture. Myoglobin, a protein, is responsible for most red colors. We like this raw frozen dog food because it’s free of red dye and other harmful additives. This food is also grain-free and gluten-free, so it’s perfect for dogs with allergies.
The freeze-dried dog nuggets are gluten-free, grain-free, and free from added hormones or antibiotics. Even dogs that are picky eaters enjoy these. Northwest Naturals has an extensive line of pet food formulas that are complete and balanced.
This high-quality pet food is made in the U.S.A. with only natural ingredients. The first five ingredients are beef heart, trout with ground bones, beef, beef liver, and beef kidney. Other ingredients are broccoli, carrots, apples, lettuce, blueberries, cranberries, ginger, and parsley.
If you are looking for the best dog food without red dye, try out Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried nuggets. The takeaway with these is that they can also be used as training treats. Made in the U.S.A., this high-quality pet food is all-natural and manufactured in a USDA/FDA-inspected facility.
Features
- Freeze-dried
- 80% beef, beef organs, trout, and bone
- Raw provides enzymes, amino acids, and intra-cellular moisture for optimal digestion
- Numerous recipes like salmon, chicken, lamb, turkey, whitefish, and salmon
- Complete and balanced
- Suitable for pet vacays, training treats, and travel
- Fresh, wholesome ingredients
- Pros
- Nutrient-dense
- Crafted with no fillers
- A complete and balanced meal
- It can be used as a kibble topper
- Includes Omega fatty acids from flaxseed oil and sunflower oil for skin and coat health
- No grains, peas, lentils, or by-product meals
- For all life stages
- Cons
- Made in Thailand- not the U.S.
This is another dye-free dog food option that is perfect for pups sensitive to food coloring. This recipe is crafted with blends of meaty chunks that are diced and shredded. The tender veggies and herbs go through a slow cooking process in a savory broth that your dog will love.
This recipe is also grain-free, which can be helpful for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. The Wild Red Stew from Stella & Chewy’s contains 96% protein from animal sources, making it an excellent option for active dogs.
It is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your dog’s overall health. The formula includes omega fatty acids from flaxseed oil and sunflower oil to provide skin and coat support. You can serve this food to your dog as a complete meal or use it as a tasty topper for their kibble.
We like this wet dog food because it never has artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The small batch production ensures that only the best ingredients are used in this recipe. The first five ingredients include chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth, pumpkin, and carrots. The following ingredients include turkey and potatoes.
Features
- Grain-free recipe
- Numerous recipes
- Never includes dyes, flavors, or preservatives
- Affordable
- 95% animal protein from animal sources
- Includes pumpkin and natural fiber for digestive health and veggies for an antioxidant boost
- Pros
- Superfoods like coconut oil and pumpkin included
- Numerous recipes like seasonal white fish, wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, and more
- It contains whole probiotic fiber, and essential vitamins/minerals
- Functional ingredients that are ethically sourced for kindness and animal welfare
- Non-GMO fruits and veggies
- Suitable for dogs with allergies and sensitivities
- No poultry or meat by-products
- Dog food for all breeds and all life stages
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like the venison taste (but you can switch to other recipes within the brand)
This is another brand from New Zealand that we like. (The other one is Ziwi) Open Farm is a company committed to ethical and sustainable farming practices. Open Farm uses no colors or additives and is certified humane so that you can feel good about feeding your dog.
Their food is also grain-free and loaded with meaty protein and whole prebiotic fiber. This recipe also features a high-nutrient mix of fresh, natural produce like sweet potato, field peas, cranberries, and chicory root.
The best part about this pet food is that you can trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag. This is great for pet parents who like to know exactly where their dog’s food comes from. And there’s no red dye in any of their recipes! This product has over 1,300 positive reviews.
Feature
- Includes sweet potato, field peas, cranberries, and chicory root
- No grain, corn, and soy
- Small kibble size
- Suitable for all life stages
- Crafted with grass-fed venison
- No antibiotics, no hormones
- It uses locally source(New Zealand) veggies and fruits
- Over 1,300 positive reviews
- Pros
- Tailored to the pet's life stage
- Quality fresh meat and fish
- Includes 20 plus rich superfoods
- Minimally processed dog food (cooked at the lowest temperatures to preserve nutrients)
- Moderate fat and protein content that's perfect for senior health
- Includes probiotics and pumpkin to support optimal digestive health
- It can be combined with NOW wet food.
- Cons
- The product is often out of stock, especially wet food.
Now Fresh features wet and dry dog food made with non-GMO ingredients. These can be fed as a treat, as kibble topping, or as a complete and balanced meal. The best dog food without red dye will have no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
The takeaway with this senior dog food formula is that it’s crafted with a moderate protein and fat content to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity that older dogs are prone to.
Now Fresh dog food also has omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. This formula includes L-carnitine to support heart health and fat burning and New Zealand green mussels for chondroitin to support healthy joints and hips.
This formula is grain-free and made with real meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. It is also free of by-products or meat meals. The Now Fresh formula is crafted for senior dogs and has 400mg/kg of glucosamine for joint health. This recipe features fresh meat, bone broth, and superfood ingredients, including cranberries and flaxseed.
The Now Fresh recipe is a really good wet food recipe to add to the Now Fresh dry kibble to support wet and dry food combination feeding. This is a Petcurean pet product made in Canada.
We like this dog food because it’s minimally processed and is crafted by pet nutritionists to maintain hip, joint, and heart health, with moderate protein and fat to help support a healthy weight in their golden years. This product is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Maintenance.
Features
- Numerous life stage formulas to choose from
- An array of sizes to choose from
- Grain-free
- It includes whole eggs for amino acids
- Includes New Zealand Green Mussels for chondroitin to support healthy hips & joints.
- Includes 400mg/kg glucosamine for joint health
- Crafted with L-carnitine to support heart health & fat burning
- No dyes, no by-products, no meat meals, and no artificial flavors
- Pros
- 100% human grade
- No feed-grade ingredients
- Fresher than canned
- Boxes are B.P.A. free
- Easy to open and resealable
- Founded in 2002
- Good feeding chart
- Made in the U.S.
- Minimally processed ingredients
- Cons
- Includes globally sourced ingredients
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Wet Dog Food – One Pot Stews are a complete and balanced meal or healthy topper for dogs of all life stages, breeds, and sizes. These wet dog food stews are kettle-cooked in small batches for a hearty, chunky texture in a bone broth reduction. The takeaway with this product is that it needs to be refrigerated once opened.
We like this dye-free recipe because it includes superfood ingredients, and the boxes are made from sustainable materials certified by the F.S.C. that are recyclable. The first five ingredients include chicken, chicken bone broth, sweet potatoes, spinach and apples.
This recipe contains no gums, carrageenan, feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, G.M.O. ingredients, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives. It is natural and made in the U.S.A. with trusted sources worldwide. This recipe is 100% human-grade – made with human-grade ingredients & produced in a human food facility.
That means higher-quality ingredients and a healthier meal for your best friend! This product has over 1,100 positive reviews and offers numerous recipes like beef, kale and carrots, salmon, brown rice and broccoli, turkey, quinoa and carrots, and so forth.
Features
- F.S.C. certified
- Includes bone broth
- An extensive array of recipes to choose from
- For all life stages
- Organic ingredients
- Chunky and hearty
- No gums, carrageenan, feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, G.M.O. ingredients, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.
- It can be used on its own or as a kibble topper.
- Affordable
- Over 1,100 positive reviews
- Pros
- Easy to feed
- An extensive array of dog food recipes to choose from
- Fresh and wholesome
- No red dye
- Low fat diet
- Proprietary nutrient blend
- Cons
- Often sold out
This all-in-one kit includes everything you need to make healthy, delicious meals for your furry friend. The base mix is made from wholesome, human-grade ingredients and is perfectly balanced for dogs. Add ground turkey, turkey liver, whole wheat macaroni, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, and cranberries to the mix, and you’re all set!
The low-fat content is perfect for promoting a healthy coat and skin, while the whole food ingredients boost your dog’s immune system. Plus, the easy-to-follow instructions make mealtime a breeze. We like this base mix because it’s vet formulated to balance homemade dog meals you make at home. This product has over 1,300 positive reviews, with four recipes. The nutrient blend is compounded from 100% human-edible ingredients.
Features
- Feeding guidelines geared to your dog’s ideal caloric intake
- Affordable
- 10 Base mix recipes to choose from
- Nutrient blend dog food base
- Over 1,300 positive reviews
- USDA approved
- Vet formulated to balance meals cooked at home.
- No gums, carrageenan, feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, G.M.O. ingredients, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.
- Pros
- Includes blueberries, raspberries, and sweet potatoes
- Suitable for dogs with chicken sensitivities
- Promotes skin and coat health
- An extensive array of recipes
- Includes dried chicory root for prebiotic fiber
- 80 million CFU/lb. guaranteed for gut health
- Grain-free recipe
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Cons
- Salmon smell that some may not like
This is one of the most popular dye-free kibbles. If you’re looking for a dye-free kibble, Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream formula is a high-protein dry dog food that supports your dog’s bones, joints, and muscles.
Made with real fish as the #1 ingredient, this food is also packed with nutrients and omega fatty acids to help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. You get to choose either a grain-free or ancient grain recipe.
Each serving includes high levels of species-specific K9 Strain proprietary probiotics, plus antioxidants and prebiotics, to help support healthy digestion, the immune system, and overall health and wellness.
Taste of the Wild is a family-owned company made in the U.S.A. using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources. This product has over 12,300 positive reviews and is affordable for multi-pet homes.
Features
- Best value pet food
- No dyes
- 32% protein
- No chicken, no chicken meal, no chicken fat, no eggs
- Over 12,300 positive reviews
- U.S. made
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Egg-free recipe
- Prebiotics and fibers help good gut health
- Pros
- Balanced recipes that excess AAFCO standards
- Veterinarian formulated
- Pre-portioned meals based on your dog's unique needs
- Made in U.S.A. kitchens
- The price depends on your pet's age, weight, and activity level.
- Cons
- No returns
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food is gently cooked and mixed in small batches to preserve vital nutrients and improve digestibility. Their Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists have crafted these nutrient-packed recipes with quality, flavor, and texture in mind. Real food that looks appetizing and tastes delicious – that’s what Nom Nom is all about!
They oversee every step of the production process from our U.S.A. kitchens to ensure that only the best food reaches your dog’s bowl. The takeaway with Nom Nom is that it’s 100% fresh, with each recipe formulated to the nutritional levels established by AAFCO Food Nutrient Profiles. Each recipe includes a custom mixture of vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, choline, and taurine to work hand-in-hand with each whole food ingredient.
Features
- Fresh dog food
- Suitable for all life stages
- Wholesome recipes
- Affordable
- Various recipes like beef mash, chicken cuisine, turkey fare, and pork potluck
Understanding dog food labels
The dog food label can tell you everything you need to know about what’s inside your pet food. Every label is required by law to include a nutritional adequacy statement, ingredients, a guaranteed analysis, feeding guidelines, and the manufacturer’s name and address. Nutritional adequacy statements are important because they indicate whether a product meets the AAFCO nutritional standards.
AAFCO
This is key because not all dog food meets the AAFCO nutritional standards. For example, if you see the AAFCO logo on your dog food, the manufacturers have submitted their formulas to long-term feeding trials to establish their nutritional claims.
Life stages should be included with the nutritional adequacy statement for which the dog food formula is suited.
Best dog food without red dye
Ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight. The first ingredient is usually the meat, fish, or poultry that provides the protein content in the diet. If a meat meal is used, it will be stated as “chicken meal” or “beef meal.”
These are highly concentrated forms of protein and provide a more digestible source of nutrients than whole meats. The following ingredients will be other carbohydrates and fiber sources, such as rice, barley, oats, or potatoes. These are all good sources of energy for your dog. Some foods include fruits and vegetables, which can provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The guaranteed analysis must list the minimum percentage of crude protein and fat and the maximum percentage of crude fiber and moisture. This is required by law to help you understand the basic make-up of the food.
The feeding guidelines will give you an idea of how much to feed your dog based on their weight. It’s important to refrain from overfeeding your pet, so that these guidelines can be helpful.
When looking for the best dog food without red dye, it’s important to check the label carefully to ensure that it meets your pup’s needs. Pay attention to the ingredients list, guaranteed analysis, and feeding guidelines to ensure that you give your furry friend the best possible nutrition.
What is food coloring?
There are two types of food dyes: natural and synthetic. As the name suggests, natural food coloring is made from natural sources like fruits and veggies (including beet juice, turmeric, blueberries, and wheatgrass). In contrast, synthetic color is made in a lab from chemicals.
Synthetic food dyes are made from petroleum products or coal tars and are considered safe by the F.D.A. However, some studies have linked them to health problems like cancer, ADHD, and allergies. Red 40, Allura red is considered the most commonly used red dye in food.
Why dye pet food?
Since pets are not discerning their food color, why add food dyes? Dogs can distinguish between blues and violets and have difficulty distinguishing between green, red, and yellow. So perhaps it’s to give it a “meatier” or more robust look to enhance appetite.
Red dye is one of the most common allergens in dogs. If your dog is allergic to red dye, you’ll need to find a pet food that doesn’t contain it. As with humans, healthy nutrition is key to your pup’s good health. Red dye and sweeteners add no nutritional value and are unhealthy for your dog.
Check the label carefully for the best dog food without red dye. Many brands use natural or synthetic dyes to make their products more appealing to customers.8However, these dyes can be harmful to your pup’s health. Choose a food that is made with natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial colors or flavors.
F.A.Q.’s Red Dye in Dog Food
Is red dye harmful to dogs?
While the jury is still out on whether or not red dye in dog food is harmful to dogs, there are certainly some risks associated with feeding your dog food that contains this ingredient. Red dye is typically used to give dog food a more appealing color, but it can also mask the presence of other less desirable ingredients.
In addition, some dogs may be allergic to red dye, which has been linked to health problems such as hyperactivity and cancer. So if you’re concerned about the possibility of feeding your dog food with red dye, talk to your veterinarian about alternative options.
Can dogs be allergic to red dye?
Many dog foods contain artificial food dyes, including red dye. While the exact effects of these dyes on dogs are not fully known, some studies have suggested that they may be harmful. In particular, dyes may be contaminated with cancer-causing agents or other toxins.
Additionally, some dyes can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. For these reasons, it is essential to avoid dog foods containing red or other artificial food dyes. Instead, choose dog foods that are made with natural ingredients and are free of synthetic additives.
Is red 40 okay for dogs?
Video credit: Dr. Erik Berg
Final thoughts
It’s good to see that many dog food brands are finally starting to produce healthier products for our furry friends. However, as with anything else, it’s essential to research before buying a new bag of kibble. Feeding highly processed convenience dog foods instead of wholesome foods can also contribute to obesity and inflammation.
Make sure to read the ingredients list and look for a brand that doesn’t include artificial dyes or flavors. And if you have any questions about what might be best for your pup, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.