Dogs are not known for being picky eaters. They’ll happily stuff themselves up on cheap junk. This is what many major commercial dog food companies want. In this way, they can use the cheapest and least nutritious ingredients in order to sell their products. Look out for corn, corn gluten and corn meal. Sure, they will fill the dog up, but will not give dogs the nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Pet obesity is a major problem. Dogs can be loved to death by owners letting them eat whatever and whenever they want. Excess fat does more to a dog than meets the eye. Fat dogs are prone to developing expensive and potentially deadly conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Excess fat puts strain on the joints, so painful arthritis can greatly hamper a dog’s quality of life.
The Problem With Corn and Canines
Dogs like corn, so why bother looking for corn free dog food? First of all, corn passes through dog’s digestive systems so fast that the dog’s body does not have time to extract nutrients from corn – even ground corn. Corn is also high in fructose (a type of sugar), which any household pet does not need. Corn is basically the canine equivalent to human junk food.
Some dogs also have an allergy to corn. Food allergy symptoms include intensely itchy patches of skin; hair loss at these itchy patches; reddening of skin at these itchy spots; skin infections resistant to antibiotics; chronic ear infections and larger bowel movements.
Better Ingredients for a Healthier Dog
Ever pig out for a weekend on greasy foods and sugary snacks? Remember how you felt on Monday morning? You felt sluggish, experienced gastrointestinal problems, put on a few pounds and probably had trouble sleeping. Now think about when you ate low-fat, low-sugar healthy foods. You had more energy and felt better, didn’t you?
The same thing happens to your dog. If the dog eats junk, the dog is going to feel like junk. But if the dog eats healthy foods made from such ingredients as lean meats, vegetables and brown rice, then the dog is going to look and feel better. Skin and coat conditions improve. The dog’s stools are firm instead of runny. Some dogs switched from cheap grocery store brands to corn free dog food even pooped less often. Dogs also ate the same amount but lost excess fat.
What About Pet Food Recalls?
Feeding a corn free dog food made with pronounceable ingredients is also safer for your dog because they are not made with the cheapest ingredients a manufacturer can find, such as ground corn or the sweepings off of a slaughterhouse floor. One of the most common ingredients in grocery store pet food is “animal by-products.” Do you know what that is? This might include meat, but also includes hooves, hair, internal organs and any manure inside of the intestines.
When it comes to dog food, you pay for what you get. You would want to feed your human children the healthiest, least processed low-sugar foods available. You also want to feed your furry children healthy foods, too. Check the ingredients of all dog food, including treats and biscuits, to be sure they do not include “by-products,” sugars and corn.
Resources
Dr. Pitcairn’s Guide to Natural Health in Dogs. Richard H. Pitcairn, et al. Rodale; 2005.
“Selecting the Top Dry Foods for Your Dog.” Nancy Kerns. The Whole Dog Journal. January, 2012.
Dog Breed Info. Corn in Dog Food – Really?” Sharon Maquire.
