If you ever wondered why your dog can’t spot that bright red ball in the grass, their eyes might be the reason. Maybe you’ve heard that dogs are color blind. That’s not entirely true, but dogs don’t perceive the color spectrum the way that humans do, which affects how they interact with the world around them.
Let’s take a closer look at what it means to be color blind, what colors dogs can see the best, and which ones they may struggle to distinguish. We’ll also learn how nutrition — including supplements and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids — may support your dog’s vision and overall health.
What is color blindness?
Color blindness doesn’t mean seeing the world in black and white. It refers to difficulty telling some colors apart or not detecting certain colors at all.
Vision relies on cells and receptors in the retina called rods and cones. Rods pick up on movement and light, while cones are responsible for color perception. Color blindness occurs when you have a shortage of cones, although disease and eye damage can cause color vision problems as well.
Color detection changes across species depending on their color-detecting cone receptors. In humans, normally functioning eyes perceive three different primary color sensitivities:
- Red
- Blue
- Green
These allow us to see an enormous range of other colors.
Humans can have red-green color blindness or blue-yellow color blindness, as well as some rarer forms. Red-green is most common and makes it difficult to differentiate between pale shades or orange and red tones.
Are dogs color blind?
As we said, dogs aren’t completely color blind, but their eyes perceive fewer colors than humans do. Dogs only have two types of cones:
- Blue
- Yellow
This means their color vision is dichromatic — they see a narrower range of colors.
Without cones to detect reds and greens, those colors aren’t clearly defined for dogs. Instead, reds and greens might look more muted or dark, often blending into yellowish, grayish, or brownish. That’s why a dog’s color vision is often compared to human red-green color blindness.
So, the idea that dogs only see black and white? Totally false. They see a simpler palette, where blues and yellows stand out more than reds and greens.
Want to get to the bottom of other dog lore? Read about why your dog loves to lick you or how to really calculate your dog’s age in human years.
What colors can dogs see?
Dogs’ dichromatic vision means dogs can see color in varying shades of yellow and blue.
- Blue tends to show up clearly and is one of the easiest colors for your dog to spot. A bright blue toy or training marker is more likely to stand out against grass or flooring.
- Yellow is another color dogs perceive well. It appears brighter and more distinct than other shades in their environment.
And what colors can dogs not see at all?
- Red doesn’t really pop for your pup the way you see it. Dogs see red in brown and gray shades, sometimes with a hint of yellow. A red toy in tall green grass might not be as visible as you imagine.
- Green is another color that blends into a muted tone. For dogs, it might look closer to beige, brown, or gray, depending on the tone and lighting.
Dog vision versus human vision
So what exactly does your dog see when he stares lovingly into your eyes — or at that sandwich you just made? Dogs don’t experience crisp visuals the way many humans do. Fine details blur together, and subtle shifts in brightness don’t stand out. What looks sharp and vivid to the human eye can appear less saturated and defined to them.
Still, their eyes are built for things that matter in dog life. Quick movement grabs attention (sorry, squirrels) and low light doesn’t slow them down. Sight is only one part of canine cognition.
Luckily for your dog, canines’ sense of smell is up to 100,000 times sharper than humans, with more than 300 million smell receptors compared to our 6 million. That allows them to “see” smell in 3-D, using their nose to identify exactly where to find that lick mat you hid. Additionally, they out-hear us. Muscles in the ear allow them to detect sounds at higher frequencies and further distances. When they “don’t hear” you call them in from playing in the yard, they’re really just being stubborn.
Support your dog’s senses with JustFoodforDogs
Imagining the world from your pup’s point of view can help you make thoughtful choices about play, training, and daily routines. To make the most of your training sessions, for example, choose blue and yellow balls and markers to set them up for success.
But protecting eye performance is just one way you can care for a dog. Working with your vet to feed your pup a balanced diet and supplements supports overall canine wellbeing, including brain function and normal eye health. Omega-3 fatty acids — like those found in fish meat and fish oil — are common in canine foods because they support a dog’s eyes, skin, coat, and joints.
JustFoodforDogs is your trusted partner in sustaining a happy, healthy dog for life. Our plant-based omega oil for dogs is eco-friendly and sustainably sourced, and it works to support healthy skin, coat, joints, and heart health. Give your dog daily support to look, feel, and thrive at their best.
FAQ
Can dogs see in the dark?
Surprisingly, dogs are much better at seeing in low light than humans are. Dog eyes are built to pick up movement, shape, and light more efficiently, thanks to a high number of light-sensitive rods. Your pup also has larger pupils, which improves their night vision by letting in more light. Plus, they have a reflective membrane called a tapetum lucidum that helps bounce light to the retina, which is what makes their eyes glow at night.
What colors do dogs see when they look at people?
From your dog’s POV, you’re more of a moving, familiar shape where some shades stand out more than others. Here’s what that might look like:
- That bright blue jacket? Super easy to spot when you’re across the park.
- Your favorite red sweater looks dark and less defined, and might blend into the background.
- Shiny objects like glass, metal tags, or light reflecting on the floor emit an unmissable flash of light, and movement stands out easily.
- When you take your dog to a green park or vast beach, the background doesn’t read as one big, vibrant space. Contrast between you and your surroundings will stand out more than the exact colors.
Color might catch your dog’s attention. But your movement, voice, and very recognizable scent do a lot more to get your pup to think, “That’s my human.”
What colors can dogs see best?
Dogs detect blues and yellows pretty clearly. Those shades tend to stand out, depending on how bright the hue is. Choosing dog toys or training markers in these shades can make them easier to see during play. Since dogs have red-green color blindness, those colors are more muted or murky-looking and tend to blend into their surroundings.
