Why no corn? In our opinion, corn is used as the primary ingredient in pet foods because it is an inexpensive source of calories. Products which rely on corn are typically priced lower to target price sensitive customers, which is completely understandable. Some corn in the ingredient list would be acceptable, but not the first listed ingredient (which means it is the predominant ingredient in the food).
Corn is basically used to dilute the ingredients found in many processed pet foods and make them less expensive for the manufacturer and the consumer. But pets instinctively need the proteins and fats found in chicken, fish and meats for better health. By watching what is in their food, you’re giving them much more in terms of protein, nutritional benefits and overall health.
There’s certainly nothing unique enough about corn’s content that makes it a nutritional standout — nothing that can’t be found in or converted from some other ingredient.
- When it comes to its protein usability, corn has a measurably lower biological value.
- Corn is not used in commercial pet food because it contributes some unique nutritional property. No, it’s there simply because it supplies cheap calories to the product and starchy carbohydrates play a critical role in a process known as gelatinization — a process which is absolutely crucial to the workings of kibble machinery.
- To advertise that corn is included in commercial pet food mainly because of its nutritional benefits is misleading — and a gross misrepresentation of the facts.
- In a nutshell, corn makes any pet food you find it in less expensive to produce. And it does this by diluting a recipe’s more costly ingredients.
- It is very common to see corn at the top of many of the more inferior pet food’s ingredients panels. Corn is also more often than not, genetically modified and although many people call corn a vegetable, it is actually a grain.
- Corn does indeed provide many beneficial nutrients. However, the nutritional composition of corn does not justify its usage as the primary ingredient in pet food.
- In fact, when you compare the nutritional composition of corn to other plant- based ingredients (e.g. spinach, sweet potatoes and oats), it becomes evident that corn is not the healthiest ingredient.
- Although pets can survive on corn-based food, these products are not biologically appropriate. Large manufactures have spent millions of dollars to convince consumers that the usage of corn is justified, yet these justifications are half-truths and misinformation. In fact, manufactures which claim corn is an appropriate ingredient often own other brands which denounce corn.
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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.
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