Oterra launches natural yellow to help pet food brands replace FD&C Yellow 5
Copenhagen, Denmark, Jul. 29, 2026 — Oterra, a leading producer of natural colors and color solutions, has launched ColorFruit® Pet Yellow 1060 WSS-P, an AAFCO natural compliant yellow for pet food, derived from turmeric.
ColorFruit® Pet Yellow 1060 WSS-P can replace FD&C Yellow 5 to support cleaner label declarations and create more naturally colorful pet food products. It can be used in dry extruded, baked and semi-moist treats, and wet products.
Turmeric is a known colorant in the pet food industry. ColorFruit® Pet Yellow 1060 WSS-P is great solution for golden shades in pet food on its own. And it can be used in conjunction with black carrot to produce caramel-free brown shades.
Once jagua fruit is approved for pet food by the FDA (expected 2027), it can be used with turmeric to produce green shades as well.
“The demand for more natural pet food shows no sign of slowing,” says Phil Cook, Head of Strategic Marketing for Oterra. “Pet owners increasingly look for products made with natural ingredients, rather than artificial colorants. Yet around 70% yellow pet food products still rely on synthetic dyes.”
According to Innova*, 35% of pet owners across the globe say that natural/clean label claims is one of the top influencers of product choice. And 42% say they try to avoid artificial colorants in pet food products.
“Humanization of pets is driving the trend towards naturally sourced colors,” adds Phil Cook. “Nearly half of global pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family and they want food that meets the same standards as their own.”
AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) sets nutritional standards and ingredient definitions for animal foods in the U.S. AAFCO-natural recognized color additives must meet strict safety and quality criteria for use in animal feed. Compliance ensures colors are safe for pets, not just visually appealing to humans.
*Source: Innova pet owners survey 2026
Oterra is one of the largest providers of naturally sourced colors worldwide. Since our first color launch in 1876, we’ve utilized the power of nature’s true colors and championed that natural is best. We continue to share our unrivalled expertise in colors for food, beverage, dietary supplements, and pet food to help manufacturers bring appealing products to consumers around the world. And we continue to empower our partners to meet demand for safe, sustainable, and natural food on our journey together towards natural.
Tags: