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Publish Time: 2026-01-22 Origin: Site
Canthaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid that plays a vital role in animal feed additives and animal food fortification. In feed additives, it is mainly used for coloring animal products, providing antioxidants, and supporting health; it is a typical functional feed additive. The most popular one on the market right now is 10% canthaxanthin.
Compared to other colorants, feed-grade canthaxanthin has higher coloring efficiency and better stability, making it ideal for modern livestock and aquaculture. Large-scale, intensive, and efficient production allows for a higher quality product supply.
Therefore, this article will analyze from multiple perspectives why canthaxanthin is so important in feed additives.
What is canthaxanthin, and from which foods does it originate?
Canthaxanthin is one of the five major carotenoids (lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and carotene). Canthaxanthin is a natural red-orange carotenoid pigment, and these natural pigments are widely found in various foods, such as certain mushrooms, crustaceans, fish, algae, eggs, blood, and liver.
What are the characteristics of canthaxanthin?
Apearance: Dark purple crystals or crystalline powder; customers typically purchase 10% concentrations to add to feed.
Solubility: Insoluble in water and ethanol, slightly soluble in oils and acetone, soluble in chloroform.
Stability: Unstable to oxygen and light; requires storage away from light; stable after coloring, resists fading easily and is unaffected by pH.
High bioavailability: Easily absorbed by animals and deposited in skin or egg yolk.
After canthaxanthin is added to laying hen feed, animal feeding experiments show that after a certain period, the egg yolk color can be clearly seen to change from light yellow to orange-red.
When broilers consume feed containing canthaxanthin, their skin color is significantly improved, and their fat color is more aesthetically pleasing and appetizing.
In aquaculture, the appearance and color of aquatic products directly affect consumers' purchasing desires. Industry statistics show that for every one-level increase in egg yolk color rating, the premium of the final product can increase by 5%–10%. In the high-end market, color is often a key indicator distinguishing ordinary products from high-end ones. Salmon and shrimp with a brighter orange-red color are more likely to fetch higher prices.
(2) Helps improve animal health
Canthaxanthin in feed additives not only acts as a pigment but also helps exert its powerful antioxidant effect. Multiple laboratory studies have shown that canthaxanthin can scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress damage to cells, and protect the stability of cell membrane structures.
Currently, to increase production, farmers raise as many animals as possible per unit area. In this high-density farming environment, animals are very prone to stress; high temperatures, transportation, and diseases can all affect farmers' income. Adding an appropriate amount of canthaxanthin to feed can effectively reduce animal stress responses and improve their overall health.
(3) Reducing Farming Risks
Multiple animal nutrition studies have shown that carotenoids are closely related to immune function. Canthaxanthin can enhance animal immunity. Specifically, it promotes immune cell activity, increases antibody levels, and enhances animal resistance to pathogenic microorganisms.
In actual farming, feed formulations containing canthaxanthin can effectively reduce the incidence of disease by 5%-15%. This result can effectively reduce the use of antibiotics and help achieve a safer and more sustainable farming model.
(1) Poultry Feed
In layer hen feed, canthaxanthin is mainly used for egg yolk coloring and quality improvement. The recommended addition amount is 2–8 mg/kg feed. Each farm has its own formulation, and the addition amount may vary slightly. The most suitable formulation should be used. It can stably achieve the target egg yolk color. The coloring effect is predictable and controllable.
In broiler feed, canthaxanthin is mainly used to improve the color of broiler shanks, carcasses, and abdominal fat. The recommended addition amount is 3–15 mg/kg of feed. The dosage should be adjusted when combined with other lutein or zeaxanthin.
Compared to other natural pigments, canthaxanthin is less affected by raw material fluctuations, making it more suitable for large-scale production management.
(2) Aquatic Feed Sector
Adding canthaxanthin to aquatic feed can effectively improve the color of salmon, trout, shrimp, and other aquatic products, enhancing the redness of the flesh and increasing market acceptance. It can also promote growth, improve survival rates, and enhance the stress tolerance of aquatic animals.
(3) Pet Food Sector
Modern people's emphasis on pets has led to a rapidly growing pet market. People not only value the health of their pets' food but also their appearance.
Adding canthaxanthin to pet food can effectively improve the coat color and skin condition of pets, such as multicolored fish kept at home. It can also enhance the pet's antioxidant and immune functions. With the addition of canthaxanthin, the product's functional selling points are highlighted, making pet lovers willing to pay for their family members. Furthermore, as future pet foods upgrade towards "nutrition + function," this means the market potential for canthaxanthin will continue to expand.
| Indicators | Canthaxanthin | Some natural pigments |
| Coloring efficiency | High | Medium |
| Stability | High | Low |
| Batch consistency | Excellent | Very volatile |
| Cost controllability | Strong | Highly affected by raw materials |
| Industrial adaptability | High | General |
From the perspective of feed companies, canthaxanthin helps in precise formulation design, reduces rework risks, and improves product stability.
From the perspective of farmers, canthaxanthin helps stabilize product quality, control costs, and is more suitable for large-scale farming.
Canthaxanthin has obtained feed additive use permits in many countries and regions, with mature and clear regulatory systems. Proper use not only meets market demand but also helps companies successfully pass customer audits, export certifications, and regulatory inspections, contributing to the long-term stable and healthy development of enterprises.
Under the influence of economic globalization and the current global market economic situation and environment, competition is increasingly fierce. Simply reducing costs is not a long-term solution to win in the fierce competition of homogeneous products. Polifar provides high-quality feed additive canthaxanthin to help businesses improve product quality and increase added value. This article summarizes the important role of canthaxanthin in feed additives and hopes to be helpful. For inquiries or suggestions, please contact us.