Kibble is marketed as balanced, affordable, and complete. But here’s what they don’t tell you:

Most pet stores sell. Sanctum Paws & Fangs curates. Behind every product we stock is a truth: not all pet food is created equal. When I started SPF, I wasn’t chasing trends or margins — I was fighting to restore one dog’s health. Ethan came to me with itchy skin, shedding clouds of fur (“Beagle glitter”), hot spots, and a body that was clearly reacting to something deeper than genetics. Treat by treat, topper by topper, I began peeling back the industry’s layers — and what I uncovered demanded action. 🧪 What I Found — And Refused to Accept Ingredient Splitting that hides the dominance of cheap carbs Synthetic dyes banned abroad but still used in U.S. kibble Natural flavors with no transparency or nutritional value By-product meals made from parts deemed unfit for human consumption Exotic proteins sourced irresponsibly, masking unsustainable practices Unregulated claims like “premium,” “grain-free,” “human-grade” without accountability These weren’t fringe practices — they were mainstream, even among brands labeled “premium.” And I wasn’t going to let Ethan — or any other dog — pay that price. 🛍️ The SPF Standard — What Makes It Different Curating the SPF catalog wasn’t easy. I turned down dozens of dropship suppliers. I fought against inventory pressure, shipping minimums, and flashy branding that didn’t hold up under the label. But I stuck to the standard. Every product is vetted for: Named, whole proteins — no anonymous meats or by-products Freeze-dried or air-dried integrity — low heat, minimal processing Zero synthetic dyes or mystery flavorings Single or limited ingredients whenever possible Brands that disclose sourcing, not just marketing fluff Solutions I’ve tested on Ethan himself — because that’s the origin of SPF 🐶 Why It Matters Because Ethan isn’t alone. Your dog might be itchy, flaky, restless, overweight, or undernourished — and mainstream solutions will say it’s just aging or breed. But I’ve lived the change: no more bald spots, no more clouds of fur, no more trial-and-error chaos. SPF isn’t just a store. It’s the after — the moment when your pet finally begins to heal. 👑 Who This Is For Pet guardians who are tired of guessing Shoppers who want education with every purchase Rescue advocates, health seekers, and nutrition nerds Anyone who believes pets deserve more than buzzwords 🐾 Final Word — From Me, Shaylee This isn’t just my business. It’s my promise. I’d rather lose a sale than stock a food or treat product that compromises your pet’s health. That’s the cost of truth. And truth is all SPF will ever sell.    

Bright red kibble. Neon green biscuits. Rainbow-colored chews. They may look fun — but beneath the surface, these artificial dyes are doing far more harm than good. At Sanctum Paws & Fangs, we believe color should come from nature, not petroleum. This guide exposes the truth about synthetic dyes in pet food, why they’re banned in other countries, and how you can protect your dog from unnecessary risks. 🧪 What Are Artificial Dyes? Artificial dyes are synthetic colorants used to make pet food look more appealing — not to dogs, but to humans. Common dyes include: Red 40 Yellow 5 Yellow 6 Blue 2 Caramel Color Iron Oxides (aka rust) These dyes are often derived from petroleum or coal tar, and while they’re FDA-approved in small doses, they’ve been linked to serious health concerns. ⚠️ Why Are They Dangerous? Studies have shown that artificial dyes may cause: Hyperactivity and behavioral changes Allergic reactions and skin irritation Digestive upset Thyroid tumors and cancer risks (especially Red 3 and Yellow 6) Lung inflammation from inhaled iron oxides Many of these dyes are banned or restricted in countries like the UK, Norway, and Austria — yet still used in U.S. pet products. 🧭 Why Are They Still Used? Marketing: Bright colors make food look “fresh” or “meaty” to shoppers Cost: Synthetic dyes are cheaper than natural alternatives Shelf Appeal: Brands use color to mimic real ingredients (e.g., red for beef, green for veggies) But dogs don’t care about color — they care about taste, smell, and nutrition. 🛑 Worst Offenders — Brands & Products That Still Use Dyes Here are some popular brands and treats that have been flagged for using artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2: Brand/Product Dyes Used Pedigree (Dry & Dentastix) Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2 Purina Beneful Red 40, Yellow 6 Milk-Bone Biscuits Yellow 5, Red 40 Pup-Peroni Treats Red 40, BHA Gravy Train Red 40, Yellow 6 Ol’ Roy Red 40, Yellow 5 Kibbles ‘n Bits Red 40, Yellow 6 Alpo Variety Snaps Red 40, Yellow 5 Canine Carry Outs Red 40, Corn Syrup Pedigree Marrobone Treats Yellow 6, BHA ✅ Safer Alternatives — Dye-Free & Naturally Colored Brands These brands prioritize natural colorants like beetroot, turmeric, spirulina, and blueberries: Brand Color Source / Notes Open Farm No dyes; traceable ingredients Spot & Tango (UnKibble) Human-grade, no artificial colors Sundays for Dogs Air-dried, naturally colored The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated whole foods Ziwi Peak Air-dried, no additives Bocce’s Bakery Natural colors from fruits/spices Saint Rocco’s Treats No dyes; artisan-baked Dr. Harvey’s Freeze-dried, dye-free Nulo Freestyle No artificial colors or flavors Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited ingredients, no dyes 🌿 Natural Colorants That Nourish Instead of synthetic dyes, look for treats colored with: Beetroot powder (pink/purple) Turmeric (yellow) Spirulina (green/blue) Blueberries (blue/purple) Carob (brown, chocolate-like but safe) These ingredients not only add color — they offer antioxidants, anti-inflammatory benefits, and digestive support. 🐾 SPF’s Position At Sanctum Paws & Fangs, we believe: Color should come from nature, not chemicals Transparency matters — no vague “added color” or “natural flavor” Health > aesthetics — we curate treats that nourish, not deceive Every product we carry is vetted for ingredient integrity, dye-free formulation, and ethical sourcing. Because Ethan’s transformation isn’t just a story — it’s our mission. 👑 Final Thoughts Artificial dyes are a marketing illusion — and your dog deserves better. By choosing dye-free, whole-food treats, you’re not just feeding your pet — you’re protecting their future. Let’s make every bowl a sanctuary of truth.