Blue 1
Our ingredient score: 0 / 5 · Artificial color · How We Score
Artificial colors are synthetic dyes added for one reason: to make kibble look like meat or vegetable pieces to the person buying it. Cats do not see color the way people do, and the dyes add no nutrition. Because some dyes can contain impurities such as benzidine from manufacturing, the US sets a legal limit on benzidine in Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. The European Union requires a warning label on human foods containing Red 40, Yellow 5 or Yellow 6, citing possible effects on activity and attention in children. Long-term safety studies in cats are almost nonexistent.
Common Questions
Is Blue 1 bad for cats?
Blue 1, or FD&C Blue No. 1, is a synthetic dye. FDA lists it among color additives subject to batch certification, which means each batch is tested against FDA specifications before it can be sold for use in food. Long-term studies of Blue 1 in cats are scarce, and the dye adds no nutrition. If your cat has a medical condition or reacts to its food, talk with your veterinarian.
Source: ecfr.gov
Why is Blue 1 in cat food?
Blue 1 is added for appearance. Makers mix it with other dyes so some kibble pieces look green or meat-like to the person buying the bag. Cats choose food mostly by smell and taste, so the color is aimed at people. The dye provides no nutrients, and food without it can meet the same AAFCO nutrient profiles.
What is the difference between Blue 1 and Blue 2?
They are two different synthetic dyes with separate FDA listings, at 21 CFR 74.101 for Blue 1 and 74.102 for Blue 2. FDA describes each by a different chemical identity, so they are not interchangeable names for one dye. Both appear in FDA's list of color additives that need batch certification, and both serve only to change how food looks.
Source: ecfr.gov
Does "no artificial colors" on cat food mean no Blue 1?
In general, yes. In 2026 FDA said it would use enforcement discretion when animal foods without any FD&C certified colors carry certain voluntary labeling claims. Blue 1 is an FD&C certified color, so a food that contains it would not fit that policy. The simplest check is the ingredient list, where Blue 1 must appear by name.
Source: fda.gov
How does Pettings score Blue 1?
Pettings gives Blue 1 0 out of 5 and lists it as an artificial color. It appears on 2 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. Synthetic dyes get our lowest score because they change only how the food looks to people and add nothing for the cat. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.
How Foods With Blue 1 Compare
Blue 1 is on the label of 2 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.