AtlasFeed Additives

Pigments and colorants

Canthaxanthin

Canthaxanthin is a red-orange keto-carotenoid pigment used in feed programs where egg yolk, poultry skin, salmonid, shrimp, ornamental fish, or specialty product color targets must be managed consistently.

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Red carotenoid pigment Keto-carotenoid Egg yolk color programs Aquaculture pigmentation Export documentation support
Canthaxanthin feed additive visual

Product role

Where Canthaxanthin fits

Canthaxanthin is part of the pigments and colorants group. Buyers typically evaluate this product by matching active pigment concentration, assay method, beadlet or encapsulation quality, physical form, dispersibility, target species, legal authorization, color objective, processing conditions, and documentation requirements.

In animal nutrition, Canthaxanthin is used where visual color consistency matters commercially. Common targets include egg yolk shade, poultry skin tone, salmonid flesh color, shrimp coloration, ornamental fish appearance, and specialty feed presentation. It is often used alone or in combination with other carotenoids such as astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, apo-ester, or marigold-derived pigments depending on the color target and regulatory framework.

Commercial Canthaxanthin products are usually supplied as stabilized beadlets, microencapsulated powders, cold-water-dispersible products, oil-dispersible products, or premix-grade pigment blends. The active pigment may be sensitive to oxygen, light, heat, humidity, mineral premix exposure, and long storage. For this reason, stabilization system, beadlet quality, packaging barrier, shelf life, and feed-process compatibility are essential purchasing factors.

Atlas Feed Additives can coordinate international supplier options for feed mills, premix producers, poultry integrators, layer businesses, aquafeed manufacturers, hatchery and breeder programs, shrimp producers, ornamental fish feed producers, distributors, and specialty feed companies that need consistent feed-grade pigment materials with clear technical and export documentation.

At a glance

Commercial and formulation value

Color-target management

Used when feed programs require predictable red-orange pigment contribution for egg yolk, poultry skin, fish, shrimp, or ornamental color targets.

Active pigment basis

Offers should be compared by active Canthaxanthin content, assay method, pigment recovery, and color expression rather than total product weight alone.

Stabilized delivery

Beadlet quality, coating, antioxidants, matrix technology, dispersibility, and packaging help protect carotenoids against oxidation, heat, light, and humidity.

Regulatory control

Authorized species, maximum levels, label wording, and pigment claims can vary by market, making destination-specific compliance review important.

Technical profile

Specification points buyers should confirm

Canthaxanthin offers should not be compared only by price per kilogram. Meaningful comparison requires the same active pigment basis, assay method, commercial concentration, beadlet technology, dispersibility, authorized use, packaging, shelf life, and documentation package.

Product name Canthaxanthin; also referenced as β,β-Carotene-4,4′-dione, red carotenoid pigment, keto-carotenoid pigment, Canthaxanthin beadlet, or Canthaxanthin premix depending on supplier documentation.
Product group Pigments and colorants for poultry, aquaculture, ornamental fish, pet food, specialty feed, and premix applications where permitted.
Chemical class Keto-carotenoid pigment with red-orange color contribution. Like other carotenoids, performance depends on active level, stability, digestibility, absorption, deposition, feed matrix, and target species.
Formula reference C40H52O2.
Molar mass reference Approximately 564.82 g/mol.
CAS reference 514-78-3.
Color direction Red-orange pigment contribution. Often used with yellow pigments such as lutein or zeaxanthin to fine-tune yolk or skin shade, or with astaxanthin in selected aquaculture pigmentation systems.
Common commercial forms Stabilized beadlet, microencapsulated powder, cold-water-dispersible powder, oil-dispersible product, carrier-based premix, spray-dried pigment, or multi-carotenoid blend.
Active declaration Request active Canthaxanthin percentage or mg/kg, assay method, all-trans and isomer profile where available, specification tolerance, and batch value on the certificate of analysis.
Beadlet and stabilization Review beadlet matrix, antioxidant system, coating, gelatin or non-gelatin status where relevant, starch or carbohydrate matrix, oil phase, dispersibility, and protection from oxygen, light, heat, and humidity.
Color expression support Ask for species-specific support data, deposition information, color-fan guidance, egg-yolk color references, fish-flesh color references, or trial data where available and applicable.
Physical checks Appearance, color, odor, particle size, bulk density, moisture, flowability, dust, caking tendency, dispersibility, solubility or oil dispersibility, and compatibility with premix or complete-feed manufacturing.
Stability checks Review heat stability, pelleting recovery, premix stability, finished-feed stability, oxidation resistance, packaging barrier, storage temperature, and shelf-life guarantee.
Contaminant checks Depending on grade and origin, request heavy metals, residual solvents where relevant, microbial quality, oxidation indicators, carrier declaration, non-declared colorants, and buyer-specific impurity controls.
Regulatory note Canthaxanthin authorization, target species, maximum permitted levels, label wording, and withdrawal or use conditions can vary by country. Confirm destination-market rules before import, sale, or use.
Formulation note Final inclusion should be defined by a qualified nutritionist using the target color, pigment contribution from other raw materials, species, product strength, legal maximum, and supplier guidance.

Typical applications

Where Canthaxanthin is commonly evaluated

  • layer feed programs targeting consistent egg yolk color
  • broiler and poultry skin pigmentation programs where permitted
  • breeder and hatchery-related poultry programs where authorized and supported by supplier data
  • salmonid and trout feeds where red-orange flesh pigmentation is required
  • shrimp and crustacean feed pigmentation concepts where suitable
  • ornamental fish feeds requiring controlled red-orange color expression
  • pet food and specialty feed appearance programs where legally suitable
  • multi-pigment systems using lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, astaxanthin, or apo-ester
  • feed premixes and concentrates where pigment stability and uniform distribution are important
  • export-focused feed programs requiring COA, SDS, label, active assay, and species authorization documents

Buyer quality checklist

Documents and tests to request

  • declared active Canthaxanthin concentration
  • assay method and batch active result
  • commercial form such as beadlet, powder, CWD, oil-dispersible, or premix
  • beadlet quality, coating, stabilization, and antioxidant system
  • carrier declaration and active concentration if supplied as a premix
  • particle size, moisture, bulk density, and flowability
  • dispersibility, solubility, oil dispersibility, or cold-water-dispersible behavior where relevant
  • heat-stability and pelleting-recovery data where required
  • stability in premix and finished feed
  • certificate of analysis for each supplied batch
  • safety data sheet and handling precautions
  • authorized species, maximum permitted level, label, and destination-market compliance documents
  • origin, manufacturer details, shelf life, packaging, and storage conditions
  • customer-specific statements such as GMO, allergen, halal, kosher, or gelatin-free where required

Species and formulation context

How buyers typically position Canthaxanthin

Canthaxanthin should be selected according to target species, legal authorization, color target, current diet pigment contribution, raw material variability, fat level, antioxidant protection, feed process, storage duration, and customer expectations. The same pigment product may perform differently in layer, broiler, aquafeed, shrimp, ornamental fish, or pet food systems unless active concentration, stability, and application method are aligned.

Layer and breeder poultry

Used to support red-orange contribution in egg yolk color programs, often combined with yellow xanthophyll sources. Buyers should manage color-fan target, background pigments, premix uniformity, and legal maximum levels.

Broiler and poultry skin

Evaluated where skin tone and product appearance are commercially important. Response depends on diet composition, fat digestion, pigment stability, genetics, health, and local rules.

Salmonids and aquaculture

Used in selected trout and salmonid pigmentation programs where red-orange flesh color must be managed. It may be used alone or with astaxanthin depending on market, species, and regulation.

Shrimp, ornamental fish, and specialty feeds

Reviewed where visible coloration supports market value or product appearance. The correct pigment blend should be matched to species biology, feed process, and color target.

Important formulation note: Atlas Feed Additives supports sourcing and documentation coordination. Final inclusion rates, color claims, target species suitability, maximum levels, and label language should be confirmed by the supplier, a qualified nutritionist, and applicable feed additive regulations in the destination market.

Form selection

Beadlet, powder, CWD, oil-dispersible, or pigment blend?

Stabilized beadlet

Designed to protect carotenoid pigment against oxidation and improve handling. Beadlet matrix, coating, antioxidant system, and particle size should be reviewed.

CWD powder

Cold-water-dispersible products can be useful where water dispersion is important. Confirm dispersion behavior, active recovery, sediment, and mixing procedure.

Oil-dispersible form

Useful for liquid or fat-based application systems. Review oil compatibility, viscosity, active concentration, oxidation protection, and dosing accuracy.

Pigment blend

May combine Canthaxanthin with lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, beta-carotene, apo-ester, or other pigments for a defined color target.

Procurement tip: Always confirm whether the quoted price is based on pure pigment, active Canthaxanthin percentage, beadlet product, diluted premix, cold-water-dispersible powder, oil-dispersible form, or finished pigment blend. These formats are not directly comparable unless active pigment basis and application rate are aligned.

Function-focused buying

Questions to ask before selecting a Canthaxanthin grade

What is the target color?

Clarify whether the product is being used for egg yolk shade, poultry skin tone, fish flesh color, shrimp appearance, ornamental fish coloration, or specialty feed appearance.

What active level is required?

Ask for Canthaxanthin percentage, assay method, specification tolerance, batch COA, active guarantee through shelf life, and whether the value is reported as active pigment or total product.

Is the product authorized?

Confirm target species, destination market, maximum permitted level, label language, claim limits, and any special conditions before import or formula use.

Will it survive processing?

Review pelleting temperature, steam conditioning, extrusion, fat coating, premix storage, oxygen exposure, humidity, packaging barrier, and expected pigment recovery.

What is the beadlet system?

Beadlet technology affects stability, flow, dust, dispersibility, release, color expression, and protection from oxidation, light, heat, and mineral premix exposure.

How will color be measured?

Use objective color tools where available, such as yolk color fan, fish color score, visual standards, digital colorimetry, or buyer-approved color targets.

Matrix-specific evaluation

Different feed systems require different pigment priorities

Vitamin-mineral premixes

Focus on beadlet stability, mineral interaction, oxidation risk, particle size, segregation, premix storage time, and compatibility with choline, acids, and trace minerals.

Pelleted poultry feed

Review pelleting recovery, steam temperature, residence time, finished-feed storage, fat level, antioxidant protection, and color response after feeding.

Aquafeed and extrusion

Check extrusion tolerance, post-extrusion coating, oil application, water stability, pellet durability, and pigment retention during feed storage.

Liquid or oil systems

Evaluate oil dispersibility, dosing accuracy, tank compatibility, viscosity, settling, oxidation, and compatibility with oils, antioxidants, and other pigments.

Quality and standardization

Why Canthaxanthin requires careful supplier screening

Pigment products can vary significantly by active concentration, beadlet matrix, stabilization system, carrier, dispersibility, heat recovery, oxidation protection, regulatory status, and color-response support. A structured supplier review helps buyers avoid non-comparable offers and inconsistent pigmentation results.

Identity confirmation

Request product name, active Canthaxanthin concentration, assay method, commercial form, source declaration, regulatory status, and confirmation that the product matches the requested feed-grade material.

Batch consistency

Review COA values, active tolerance, particle size, color, odor, moisture, carrier level, flowability, beadlet integrity, shelf-life guarantee, and historical batch consistency.

Stability controls

Ask for antioxidant system information, packaging barrier, heat-stability data, premix stability, finished-feed stability, storage guidance, and protection from light, oxygen, humidity, and heat.

Practical warning

Do not compare only by product name.

Two products labeled “Canthaxanthin” may differ in active pigment level, beadlet quality, carrier, dispersibility, heat stability, color expression, authorized species, packaging, shelf life, and regulatory status.

Best practice: compare delivered active pigment, expected recovery, color-response support, legal fit, documentation quality, packaging, and landed cost together.

Procurement note

Ask for the right specification before comparing prices.

Price comparisons are meaningful only when active pigment concentration, assay method, beadlet quality, stabilization system, carrier, particle size, packaging, origin, shelf life, storage requirements, application method, shipment terms, and documentation are aligned. For carotenoid pigments, also review heat stability, oxidation protection, batch consistency, color-expression support, authorized species, and compatibility with pelleting, extrusion, premix, or oil-application processes.

1 Define the pigment basis

Confirm active Canthaxanthin percentage, assay method, specification tolerance, commercial form, and whether the value is guaranteed through shelf life.

2 Confirm legal use

Check target species, destination country, maximum permitted level, labeling rules, claim language, and any customer or market-specific restrictions.

3 Check process fit

Review beadlet quality, heat stability, premix stability, pelleting recovery, extrusion exposure, oil coating, moisture, and packaging barrier.

4 Compare landed value

Evaluate price together with active content, color-response support, document quality, packaging, freight, lead time, payment terms, and supplier reliability.

Processing and compatibility

Questions for feed mills and premix plants

Canthaxanthin must match the production system. Dry premix blending, direct feed application, liquid or oil application, pelleting, extrusion, and post-pellet coating can each require different specification priorities.

  • What is the active Canthaxanthin percentage?
  • Is the product a beadlet, powder, CWD form, oil-dispersible form, premix, or pigment blend?
  • What stabilization system and antioxidant protection are used?
  • Is the product permitted for the target species and market?
  • Does the product provide color-response support data?
  • Does the particle size match the mixer, dosing system, and carrier?
  • Will the product be used before or after pelleting or extrusion?
  • What recovery is expected after the buyer’s processing conditions?
  • Is the product compatible with vitamins, trace minerals, choline chloride, acids, enzymes, probiotics, oils, and other pigments?
  • Does the supplier provide stability data under realistic storage and process conditions?

Storage and handling

Protect pigment activity during use

Canthaxanthin should be stored and handled according to the supplier safety data sheet and the buyer’s feed safety system. Carotenoid pigments can be sensitive to light, oxygen, heat, humidity, and long exposure after packaging is opened.

  • store in a cool, dry, covered, well-ventilated area
  • keep packaging tightly closed when not in use
  • protect from direct sunlight, excessive heat, humidity, oxygen exposure, and incompatible materials
  • avoid damaged bags, leaking containers, and prolonged open-package exposure
  • use calibrated weighing and controlled dosing
  • follow SDS guidance for PPE, dust control, spills, and skin or eye contact
  • segregate from non-feed chemicals and incompatible products
  • use first-expiry-first-out stock rotation
  • record batch numbers for traceability and customer audits
  • confirm opened-package handling and resealing recommendations

Quality and compliance

Recommended documents for Canthaxanthin procurement

Commercial documents

Proforma invoice, packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin when required, shipment details, Incoterms, lead time, and payment terms.

Quality documents

Product specification, batch COA, active Canthaxanthin assay, commercial form declaration, beadlet or stabilization information, carrier declaration, particle size, moisture, shelf-life statement, and storage recommendation.

Safety and compliance

SDS, feed-grade declaration, authorized species statement, maximum-level guidance, label information, origin statement, allergen or GMO statement where required, halal or kosher certificates if needed, and destination-specific regulatory documents.

Documentation tip: Ask whether the COA reports active Canthaxanthin as a percentage, mg/kg, beadlet concentration, or premix concentration. The COA should match the exact commercial form being supplied.

Risk management

Common purchasing risks to avoid

Canthaxanthin products can look similar on paper but behave differently in real feed systems. A structured purchasing checklist reduces the risk of buying a product that does not match the intended application.

Unclear active basis

Confirm whether the declared value refers to active Canthaxanthin, beadlet concentration, diluted premix concentration, or finished pigment blend concentration.

Weak stability

Carotenoids can degrade through heat, oxygen, light, humidity, and long storage. Request stability and recovery data for the intended process.

Incomplete compliance check

Target species, maximum levels, labeling, and use conditions can vary by country. Confirm regulatory fit before purchasing or importing.

Performance reminder

Pigmentation results are formulation-dependent.

Practical color response depends on active pigment level, background raw-material pigments, fat digestion, feed matrix, animal species, health, genetics, process recovery, storage, and total carotenoid program.

Best practice: use color targets and application trials where possible, especially for high-value layer, breeder, aquaculture, shrimp, ornamental fish, and specialty feed programs.

Quotation preparation

Information to include in your request

A complete inquiry helps Atlas Feed Additives respond faster and compare supplier options more accurately. Use the checklist below when requesting a quotation for Canthaxanthin.

Product details

Required active Canthaxanthin level, commercial form, beadlet or dispersibility requirement, color target, particle size, moisture limit, stabilization preference, and preferred origin.

Application details

Target species, production stage, feed type, desired color score, current pigment program, pelleting or extrusion temperature, inclusion point, and compatibility concerns.

Quantity and logistics

Trial quantity, monthly demand, annual forecast, destination country, delivery terms, packaging preference, lead time, and shipment conditions.

Document requirements

COA, SDS, origin, feed-grade statement, assay method, stability data, authorized-species statement, maximum-level guidance, shelf life, halal, kosher, GMO, allergen, or buyer-specific documents.

Supplier coordination

How Atlas Feed Additives supports buyers

Atlas Feed Additives helps customers compare Canthaxanthin options from a sourcing perspective: active pigment basis, assay method, beadlet quality, stabilization system, authorized use, color-target support, supplier reliability, document completeness, packaging suitability, shipment planning, and quotation clarity. This is especially useful for buyers comparing pigment offers that may differ in active concentration, commercial form, heat stability, and regulatory status.

  • reviewing buyer specifications before quotation
  • checking whether supplier documents match the requested pigment grade
  • coordinating product, packaging, and shipment details
  • supporting feed mills, premix producers, distributors, poultry integrators, aquafeed manufacturers, shrimp feed producers, and specialty feed businesses
  • helping buyers avoid non-comparable offers based on different active levels, beadlet technologies, carriers, forms, or stability claims
  • organizing document requests such as COA, SDS, origin, shelf life, active assay, authorized species, and feed-grade declaration

Related products

Astaxanthin Lutein Zeaxanthin Beta-Carotene

Questions

Useful answers

What is Canthaxanthin used for in animal nutrition?

Canthaxanthin is used in programs where egg yolk, poultry skin, fish, shrimp, ornamental fish, or specialty feed color targets must be managed consistently. It should be used according to the target species, formulation objective, product specification, and applicable market rules.

What kind of pigment is Canthaxanthin?

Canthaxanthin is a red-orange keto-carotenoid pigment. In feed applications, it is commonly supplied as a stabilized beadlet, powder, premix, cold-water-dispersible form, oil-dispersible form, or pigment blend.

Can Atlas Feed Additives quote Canthaxanthin?

Yes. Send your required active concentration, product form, quantity, destination, target species, color objective, packaging preference, delivery terms, and required documents so Atlas Feed Additives can review suitable supplier options for Canthaxanthin.

What quality documents should buyers request for Canthaxanthin?

Common documents include specification, certificate of analysis, safety data sheet, origin information, batch details, assay method, active pigment result, carrier declaration, shelf-life statement, packaging details, stability data, and any market-specific certificates required by the buyer.

What does active pigment concentration mean?

Active pigment concentration is the actual Canthaxanthin content in the commercial product. It may be expressed as percentage or mg/kg and is essential for comparing offers and calculating inclusion.

Why are beadlet quality and stabilization important?

Carotenoids can degrade when exposed to oxygen, light, heat, humidity, and harsh premix conditions. Beadlet quality and stabilization help protect active pigment and support more consistent color response.

Can Canthaxanthin be used in pelleted feed?

Suitability for pelleted feed depends on product form, beadlet technology, steam-conditioning temperature, residence time, moisture, storage conditions, and supplier recovery data. Request heat-stability data similar to your feed mill conditions.

Can Canthaxanthin be used in aquafeed?

Canthaxanthin is used in selected fish and aquaculture pigment programs where permitted. Buyers should confirm target species authorization, maximum level, stability under extrusion, oil coating, and color-response support.

Is Canthaxanthin the same as Astaxanthin?

No. Canthaxanthin and Astaxanthin are different carotenoid pigments. They may both be used in pigmentation programs, but they differ in chemical structure, color expression, application strategy, and regulatory status.

Can Canthaxanthin be combined with Lutein or Zeaxanthin?

Yes. In egg yolk and poultry color programs, red-orange pigments such as Canthaxanthin are often balanced with yellow pigments such as lutein or zeaxanthin to reach a target shade.

What should be checked for regulatory compliance?

Check authorized species, maximum permitted levels, label wording, claim limitations, product registration, import documents, and any customer-specific restrictions in the destination market.

How should Canthaxanthin be stored?

Store according to the supplier specification and SDS. In general, keep the product tightly closed, dry, cool, ventilated, protected from heat, light, humidity, and oxygen exposure, and rotated using first-expiry-first-out practice.

How should buyers compare different Canthaxanthin offers?

Compare active pigment level, assay method, commercial form, beadlet technology, stabilization, dispersibility, heat stability, packaging, shelf life, document quality, regulatory fit, color-expression support, freight, and landed cost.

What information should I send for a fast quotation?

Please send the required active concentration, product form, target species, color objective, feed application, process temperature, order quantity, destination, packaging preference, delivery terms, and required documents.

Request a quotation

Tell us what you need

Send your product list, target specification, required active Canthaxanthin level, commercial form, target species, color objective, destination country, packaging preference, estimated quantity, feed process, delivery terms, and required documents. Our team will review your request and respond from orders@feedgradeadditives.com.

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