Why do most pet food companies add dyes to their food?

Question

I wouldn't think it would really matter to the cat if their food is orange, red and yellow. My cats get furballs and the dyes from the food stain my carpet!!

Answer 1

MOST food companies DO NOT - the Premium level and Super Premium level companies do NOT.. its the cheaper grocery store, and Wal Mart level companies who do this..and its soley to please the owners.. these foods often have so much CRAP and CORN in them they need to dye their food to make it at least look brownish so you think it has meat in it...ALL grocery store and Wal Mart level foods are crap - beleive me the dye is only part of the problem and not the worst.. BHT, BHA, CORN, by-products (beaks feet feathers - preserved with chemical PESTICIDE called ethoxyquin) etc....

Answer 2

Yes, I agree with the other answers. The colors are just to make the food more appealing to US. The animal doesn't care about the shape or color of their food. And I know what you mean about the stains. The red colors are the hardest to get out of beige colored carpet. (I have cats, too.)

Answer 3

To most ppl if the food looks bad they think it's nasty. so if they didn't add the dye some owners wouldn't want their pets eating "that nasty looking stuff" as for the hair balls here's somthing thast helps my cats: put some vaseline on the front of it's paws (the paws on the front legs) the cat will lick it off and it helps with fur balls

Answer 4

I know, just like: Why do they make those stupid little shapes, like the cat cares.
Also, all the colors and other junk is really bad for them.
Go to naturapet.com for alternative foods, and all the info you need on cat nutrition.
Read a book called, Food Pets Die For" by Ann N Martin. It will really open your eyes.

Answer 5

We've wondered the same thing. Secretly we think it's a conspiracy and that the pet food comanies are major holders in carpet and tile companies.

Answer 6

Pet foods are made to be appealing to the ppl that buy it, not the animals.