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Real carmine

(Redirected from E120)
A representation of E120

You may have heard of carmine or seen it on the ingredients list of food or cosmetics. But what is carmine and how does it affect your dog? This article will tell you everything you need to know about this ingredient.

What is carmine?

Carmine is a red dye obtained from the dried bodies of female scale insects. These aphids live on certain types of cacti in South America and are collected and processed by humans. Around 70,000 lice are needed to produce one kilogram of carmine.

Carmine has been used for centuries as a dye for textiles, food and cosmetics. It is also known as cochineal, carminic acid or E120. True carmine is a natural dye that does not contain any synthetic chemicals. It is very resistant to light and heat and has an intense color.

What are the benefits of carmine?

Real carmine has several advantages as a colorant for both humans and dogs. Firstly, it is a natural alternative to synthetic dyes, which can be harmful to health or cause allergies. Secondly, real carmine has no known negative effects on the health of dogs. It is non-toxic and is well tolerated by the body.

Real carmine can also help to make food or cosmetics more attractive to dogs. For example, it can give dry food a more appetizing color or shampoo a nice shine. Carmine can also have a positive effect on the mood of dogs, as red is a stimulating and cheerful color.

What are the disadvantages of carmine?

However, as a dye, real carmine also has some disadvantages that should be considered. Firstly, it is an animal product that is obtained from the death of lice. This can be ethically questionable for some people or go against their religious beliefs. On the other hand, carmine is an expensive colorant that can increase the price of food or cosmetics.

In rare cases, carmine can also trigger allergic reactions in dogs. These can manifest themselves in the form of a skin rash, itching, breathing difficulties or gastrointestinal complaints. If you notice that your dog shows such symptoms after eating or using carmine, you should consult a vet immediately.

 

Carmine is a natural red dye extracted from scale insects. It has some advantages as a colorant for dog food or cosmetics, but also some disadvantages. You should therefore inform yourself well before deciding on products with this ingredient.

Learn even more about E120

If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.

Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊

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