Pet Foods

In recent years, Caramel Colors (liquid or powder) have become more widely utilized in pet food applications. Various color tones, from reddish to dark brown, can easily be achieved. In most cases Liquid Class IV Caramel Colors (negative ionic character) are used to color the pet food gravies/sauces, while Class III Liquid Caramel Colors (positive ionic character) are used to color the meat portion. All classes of Caramel Color can be used in dry pet foods as well. RT175 Powder provides excellent red tones, BC420 Powder provides a medium brown color, and 858 Powder is very black in color.

Because of their label friendly nature, Caramel Colors are often used to reduce or replace certain FD&C dyes in pet foods. In addition, in feeding trials, dogs often prefer pet foods/treats colored with Caramel Color as opposed to F&D dyes or iron oxides. The use of Caramel Color is also used to impart color in pet food applications where TVP or HVP is included in the formulas.