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Like most dog owners, you probably have a few questions about what your pup can and can’t eat. One food that sometimes sparks debate is corn starch.
Can dogs eat corn starch? Is it good for them?
To find out, I looked through the latest scientific research and asked experts in animal pet care about their thoughts.
Cornstarch is a type of carbohydrate that is derived from the endosperm of corn. It is a white powdery substance used as a thickening agent in many food products, including sauces, gravies, dog treats, and puddings.
So can dogs eat corn starch? The verdict is yes, dogs can eat corn starch. However, it is not a necessary part of their diet and should only be given in moderation. Cornstarch is not toxic to dogs, but it has no real health benefits for dogs. Its primary purpose is to add bulk and texture to food to make it more appealing.
We will go into more detail on what you should look for when feeding a dog corn starch and its dangers.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Why cornstarch is not bad or good for dogs
- The dangers and benefits associated with cornstarch
- How much you can feed dogs cornstarch
- Why do food companies include it in dog food
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Eat Corn Starch?
The short answer is: yes, dogs can eat corn starch.
While corn starch is not toxic to dogs, giving them large amounts of it’s not necessarily a good idea.
Cornstarch is a high-glycemic food that can cause a sharp spike in your dog’s blood sugar levels.
This can be especially dangerous for dogs with diabetes or those that are overweight.
In addition, cornstarch has zero nutritional benefits to your dog.
It is simply a source of empty calories that improves the texture and stability of food.
Here are a few things you need to consider before feeding your dog corn starch:
Type Of Corn Starch
There are two types of corn starch – regular and modified.
Regular corn starch is made from the by-product of the milling process of a corn kernel.
Modified corn starch is just taking the regular corn starch and altering it to make it more useful in food production. That could mean treating starch with acid, roasting the starch, etc.
Dogs with sensitive stomachs should not eat raw cornstarch as they will likely have a reaction to it.
They should only eat it when it’s cooked and mixed in with their dog food.
However, both types of corn starch are high in carbohydrates and should be used sparingly.
How Much You’re Feeding Them
If you’re considering adding corn starch to your dog’s diet, it’s important to feed them small amounts.
Cornstarch is a complex carbohydrate that takes a while for dogs to break down and digest.
Cornstarch is also primarily used as a filler in many dog food products already.
It contains no nutritional benefits to dogs, so feeding it to them in large quantities is not advised.
Cornstarch is high in calories but low in nutrients.
This means that if your dog eats a lot of corn starch, it might consume too many calories and not enough nutrients.
This can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Health conditions
There are a few other things you need to consider before feeding your dog corn starch.
For example, if they have any existing health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
Corn starch can cause blood sugar levels to spike in diabetics, and it’s high in phosphorus which can be hard on the kidneys.
Lastly, dogs with corn allergies should obviously not eat corn starch as it will likely cause an allergic reaction.
If your dog has any health conditions, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian before adding anything new to their diet.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Corn Starch For Dogs?
Corn starch is high in carbohydrates and can give your dog a quick energy source.
It can also help soothe an upset stomach.
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, adding a small amount of corn starch to their food can help firm up their stools.
One cup of cornstarch contains the following nutrients (According to NutritionData):
- Calories: 488
- Total Carbohydrates: 117g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Choline: 0.5mg
- Minerals: 42.8mg (Calcium 2.6mg Iron 0.6mg | Magnesium 3.8mg | Phosphorus 16.6mg | Potassium 3.8mg | Sodium 11.5mg | Zinc 0.1mg | Copper 0.1mg | Manganese 0.1mg | Selenium 3.6 mcg)
- Water: 10.7 g
While it might not have any nutrient benefits, cornstarch can be helpful in other ways.
Corn starch is gluten-free and can be used to make dog food more appealing for our canine friends.
It’s also a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods and treats for this very purpose.
Is Corn Starch Bad For Dogs? Is It Safe?
Veterinarian Dr. Den says you should not expect to see any toxicity or gastrointestinal signs from dogs eating a small amount of corn starch.
Overall it should pose no risk to your dog. The only cause for concern is dogs allergic to corn or have a pre-existing condition that might be aggravated by corn starch.
For example, corn starch is high in phosphorus, which can harm dogs with kidney disease.
However, corn starch is generally safe for dogs to eat and poses no real threat.
Corn starch is not bad for dogs but contains no nutritional value.
The only real benefit is it can help dogs enjoy eating their food more due to the texture it can provide to food.
Can Corn Starch Kill Dogs?
Corn starch is very unlikely to kill a dog.
Eating too much of it can cause digestive issues like gas, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Some dogs with allergies may be more susceptible to getting sick from corn starch. However, a small amount will not kill a dog.
If your dog shows any signs of illness, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian.
How Much Corn Starch Can My Dog Eat?
You never want to feed a dog cornstarch right out of the box. It can cause irritation to your dog’s respiratory system, leading them to sneeze or cough.
It can also cause eye or skin irritation for some.
You can serve them a treat that has cornstarch as an ingredient in moderate amounts.
Since cornstarch has no nutritional value, it should not be the main staple in their diet.
A good rule of thumb is to keep it under 10% of their daily intake. 90% of what they eat should be nutrient-rich foods.
This is especially important for puppies that are still growing and developing. They require a protein-rich diet for proper growth and development.
Filler foods that have no benefit to their health are wasted calories.
Why Do Dog Foods Contain Corn Starch?
Corn starch is a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods.
In fact, it’s actually usually modified corn starch we see being used.
This is because modified corn starch is used as a binding agent and can help keep the food from clumping while extending its shelf life.
It will also provide a more “chewable” texture, increase the food’s stability, and decrease viscosity.
Dog food companies are not using modified corn starch for nutritional purposes but to improve the food in these other ways.
Modified corn starch is why we can have a macaroni cheese powder that perfectly blends and melts into the pasta.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put Corn Starch On Dogs Skin?
Yes, you can put corn starch on your dog’s skin.
It can help soothe dry skin and provides relief from itchiness. Just be careful with putting corn starch on an open wound. This can introduce infections.
Simply mix a small amount of corn starch with water to form a paste.
Apply it to the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.
You can also use it as a dry bath. It will help absorb excess oil and dirt from your dog’s coat.
This can help keep your dog’s coat clean, shiny, and smooth. In fact, it can even have some deodorizing effects keeping them smelling fresh.
Is Cornstarch Good For Dogs Itchy Skin?
Yes, corn starch can be suitable for dogs with itchy skin.
It can help soothe the itchiness and provide relief from dryness.
To use, simply mix a small amount of corn starch with water to form a paste. Then, apply it to the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Do not use corn starch if your dog is bleeding or has scratched through the skin. This can introduce infections.
In these cases, see your vet for the best plan of action.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Flour?
Yes, dogs can eat corn flour.
It is made from finely ground cornmeal and has a slightly different texture than cornstarch.
Corn flour is gluten-free and can be used as a thickener in sauces, soups, and stews.
However, there are also worries about corn allergy since corn flour is far more allergenic to dogs than corn starch. As a result, your dog may be unable to eat corn flour.
A study found that pet food containing cornstarch as a carbohydrate source was preferable over corn flour for dogs and cats suspected of suffering from corn allergy.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
Yes, dogs can eat popcorn.
In fact, it’s a popular treat for many dog owners. Just be sure to remove all the unpopped kernels and any salt or butter from the popped corn.
If a few buttery pieces of popcorn fall to the floor and your dog gets to them before you do, don’t worry. A few pieces here and there won’t hurt them.
Final Thoughts
So, can dogs eat corn starch?
Yes, dogs can eat corn starch in moderation.
However, it’s important to remember that corn starch is a filler food with no nutritional value.
It should only make up a small portion of their diet. Most of their diet should be nutrient-rich foods that benefit their health.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet or health, be sure to talk to your vet. They will be able to give you the best advice for your individual dog.
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