Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.

Click here for Dragon Serpents
Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You

q about red dye in dog food used for rat

cassity Oct 30, 2009 01:05 PM

Hey,

I read a reply to a post on here that said the red dye used in certain dog foods was ok for the rats, but leathal for the snakes. I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on this for me, as I've never heard of this before.

I'm very concerned because, although I typically use lab block food for my feeders, I occaisionally run out an have to substitute my dog's food for a day or two (this happens infrequently, and only for a day or so at a time).

I'm wondering if the red dye passes throught the rats' system or if the absorbtion is cumulative. Can I wait 'til they've been on lab blocks again for a while, or do I have to scrap my feeders and start over?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
-----
Allison

.2 adult normals (1 new!)
1.1 08 yellowbellies
1. 08 pastel DH albino clown
1. 08 DH caramel glow
.1 09 het orange ghost (new!)
1. 09 pinstripe (new!)

Replies (2)

adamjeffery Oct 31, 2009 09:30 PM

i highly doubt that a small amount for a short period would have any affect on the snakes.
many breeders use dog food as a staple diet and many stay away from it completely.
ive heard about the red dye many times over so i shy away from it but i also have never read any scientific reports about its effects either. their is all natural dog foods as well so maybe you could just pick up a small bag when needed.
adam jeffery
-----
" a.k.a. farfrumugen "
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

cassity Nov 01, 2009 05:25 PM

.
-----
Allison

.2 adult normals
1.1 08 yellowbellies
1. 08 pastel DH albino clown
1. 08 DH caramel glow
.1 09 het orange ghost
1. 09 pinstripe

Site Tools