Type: Artificial color
Source: Synthetic petroleum-derived dye
Red 40 in Dog and Cat Food
Red 40 is a synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum sources. It is used solely to impart red coloration and has no nutritional value.
Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels
- Used for nutritional, functional, or formulation purposes
- Included to meet recipe or processing requirements
Where It Is Commonly Found
- Dry kibble
- Wet food
- Commercial pet diets
Label Context
This ingredient may appear exactly as listed or as part of a premix depending on manufacturer labeling.
Educational Note
This page is part of the PetFoodDecoded Label Ingredient Library and is provided for educational reference only.