How Dogs See the World: Colour Vision, Training & Eye Health
- Dogs In Sync
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
When you toss a bright red ball across the grass, it stands out like a beacon to you. But to your dog, that red ball might just disappear into the background. Why? Because dogs don’t see colour the way we do.
How Humans vs. Dogs See Colour
Humans (and most primates) are trichromatic, meaning we see the world through three types of cones in our eyes: red, green, and blue. This gives us the rainbow of shades we take for granted.
Dogs, on the other paw, are dichromatic. They have only two types of cones - sensitive to blue and yellow wavelengths. That means they see blues and yellows clearly, but reds and greens look like muted brownish-greys.
For nocturnal mammals, colour vision is even more limited, often fading to shades of black and white.
Why It Matters in Training
Understanding how dogs see colour has practical training implications:
A red ball in green grass may disappear into a blur, making your dog’s job harder than it should be.
A bright blue toy against the same grass will “pop,” making recall, fetch or search games far more successful.
Yellow targets stand out well on darker floors or grey surfaces.
By choosing the right colours, you’re setting your dog up for success and making training easier, fairer and more fun.
Everyday Impact
This difference in colour vision doesn’t just affect training, it touches everyday life. From spotting you in a crowd, to noticing obstacles on a walk, or finding their favourite toy at home, colour perception shapes how dogs interact with their world.
Supporting Eye Health Through Nutrition
Of course, vision isn’t just about colour perception - it’s about keeping your dog’s eyes healthy for life.
Nutrition can play a huge role here:
Purple foods (blueberries, purple sweet potato, beets, red cabbage): rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants that protect eye cells and blood vessels.
Carrots, pumpkin & leafy greens: provide beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and phytonutrients which support eye tissue health and night vision.
Organ meats: excellent natural source of vitamin A which is essential for keeping eyes lubricated and healthy.
Oily fish & eggs: provide omega-3s (and eggs also vitamin D) to reduce inflammation and protect delicate structures in the eye.
Healing herbs: Astaxanthin (potent antioxidant), calendula (zeaxanthin-rich), and eyebright (traditional herb for soothing and nourishing the eyes).
By pairing thoughtful training with eye-supportive nutrition, you’re not just helping your dog see the ball better — you’re helping them enjoy a healthier, more vibrant life.
💚 Thanks for reading!
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Credit: Image from Dr Karolina Westlund's Foundations of Animal Training Masterclass
Disclaimer: The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s health plan.
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