For your dog to live to its optimum potential, ensure that you feed him a healthy diet.
If your dog is sickly and sluggish, consider watching the nutritional value of the food you give him.
Most dog food contains cornstarch.
However, few dog owners understand the nutritional value of cornstarch.
So, can dogs have cornstarch?
Yes, dogs can have cornstarch depending on the form, quantity, and inherent health factors.
This article will look at the benefits of feeding on cornstarch, the risks involved, and how you can incorporate healthy portions into a dog’s diet.
Feeding your dog the right way will significantly improve his health.
The benefits of feeding your dog cornstarch
Your ultimate goal should be to give your dog a proper diet and not just stuff him full.
Apart from testing good, you must consider whether there are other significant benefits that your dog gets from what he eats.
Nutritive value
Cornstarch contains high levels of carbohydrates.
According to scientific data, corn starch has 488 calories.
It contains 0.5g protein, 117g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 7% of the daily value of copper, 7% of the daily value of Selenium, 3% of the daily value of iron, and 3% of the daily value of Manganese.
Gluten-free
One of the significant health benefits of cornstarch is its gluten-free property.
Dogs that are gluten intolerant and those with celiac disease can comfortably consume cornstarch.
More dog owners are getting rid of barley, wheat, farina, and rye in their pet’s diets.
Cornstarch is the best gluten-free alternative when you want to stop using other grains.
Dogs love it
Dogs love the taste of cornstarch.
You can use food made from cornstarch as a lure when training dogs.
Most dog food has corn starch because pets love the taste.
Dog food makers also love it because it is a good filler when making dog food and brings about a good texture in the final product.
The disadvantages of feeding your dog corn starch
Low nutritional value
Cornstarch has low nutritional value, and therefore it is not the healthiest choice for your dog’s diet.
Dogs do not benefit from extra carbohydrates.
Their meals are supposed to have high levels of proteins and fiber.
Cornstarch is mainly used in making dog treats which should not be considered a main meal.
You must compliment your dog’s diet by adding other nutritious foods besides treats made from cornstarch.
Heart disease
Cornstarch has high carbohydrate levels that can be harmful to your dog’s heart.
Feeding your dog foods with a lot of carbohydrates leads to excessive weight gain and even obesity.
The result is likely to be heart problems and other health problems associated with excessive weight gain in animals.
Allergic reactions
Cornstarch contains a component called zein which is responsible for allergic reactions in some dogs.
Although rare, some dogs develop allergic reactions to cornstarch after consuming it for a while.
If your dog becomes allergic to cornstarch, you may see symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, excessive self-licking, itching, and abdominal pain.
Take your dog to the veterinary doctor if you observe these symptoms.
Harmful in powdered form
Never feed your dog cornstarch in powdered form.
If your dog consumes cornstarch in its powdered form, it can cause respiratory problems or digestive issues.
Corn starch is only beneficial in powdered form when it is used as dog shampoo.
Mix corn starch in your dog’s bathing water to help get rid of itchiness and spots on the skin.
Use cornstarch as a dry shampoo to groom your dog when you do not want to use water.
You can also use the corn starch together with baking soda to create a deodorising effect.
However, throughout the grooming process, ensure that your dog does not ingest the dry corn starch.
Healthy ways to incorporate corn starch into your dog’s diet
The best way to incorporate cornstarch into your dog’s diet is to ensure that you give it in small proportions.
Especially when making homemade dog treats, you can use cornstarch to add some color and fun.
How to make cornstarch dog treat icing
You will need 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, cold water, and food coloring.
Add the cornstarch to a bowl of cold water and whisk until it is well combined.
Add the desired amount of food color and mix.
Use the cornstarch icing to decorate your dog biscuits before popping them in the oven.
How to make honey cornstarch dog treat icing
You will need: 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons water, 1 teaspoon honey, 3-5 drops of food coloring.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to form a paste.
Apply the paste using a pastry brush on already cooked dog treats.
FAQs
What is corn starch found in dog food?
Cornstarch is commonly used in dog food as a thickener or filler when making dog treats and food.
Read your dog food packaging to find out whether it contains cornstarch.
What can I do if my dog eats cornstarch in powdered form?
If your dog eats cornstarch in its powdered form, you need to first observe for any adverse symptoms.
If your dog shows signs of stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or other alarming symptoms, take him to the veterinary clinic.
Some dogs are allergic to cornstarch, and your dog may need immediate medical attention.
Can I substitute cornstarch for flour when making a dog treat?
Yes, you can substitute cornflour with corn starch when making dog treats.
However, it depends on the kind of dog treat you are making.
You also need to understand the nutritive value of your ingredients to make a healthy dog treat.
Dogs love the taste of cornstarch, but we know that making your dog happy involves keeping in mind all long-term effects.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
- What Dog Breeds Have Pink Skin? - March 24, 2023
- What Are the Most Inspiring Dog Breeding Quotes? - March 20, 2023
- Can Pheromone Spray Help Improve Dog Breeding Results? - March 19, 2023
Related Posts:
