Cornstarch is made from the endosperm portion of corn. This part of the plant is used to make many different products, most notably corn syrup (the thick liquid found in some processed foods). Any type of dried starch can be made into cornstarch; however, it is usually derived from potato or wheat starch.
It comes in powder form and has no real nutritional value when fed to dogs. A small amount will not do any significant harm, but it shouldn’t be given in large quantities consistently.
We don’t recommend that you feed your dog cornstarch for a couple of reasons. First, few dogs benefit nutritionally from this ingredient because they cannot digest it efficiently. Second, many dogs are allergic to corn.
If you were to feed cornstarch consistently, it could cause an allergic reaction in many dogs over time. This allergic reaction is similar to the one experienced by people who are allergic to wheat.
Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent for foods, but it’s best not fed regularly to your dog because of its lack of nutritional benefits and possible allergy-causing properties. Your best bet is to choose other thickeners if needed for your pet.
Can cornstarch harm dogs?
Just like in humans, cornstarch is not usually something that will harm your dog. Since it has no real nutritional value, you do not need to worry about giving your dog small amounts of the starch daily. It will most likely pass through their system without affecting them in any way. However, even though it will probably be fine for your dog, it is still not a good ingredient to feed them regularly.
Is cornstarch toxic?
Although it is not toxic in and of itself, feeding your dog too much cornstarch over time could result in an allergic reaction. Dogs may also develop a sensitivity to this ingredient if it is fed daily for long periods.
Is there cornstarch in dog food?
Cornstarch is not a common ingredient in dog food and it’s usually only included when needed to thicken the product. There are better ways to add thickness or improve texture, so cornstarch isn’t always needed in formulations.
Corn starch is derived from the endosperm of corn and provides no nutritive value for dogs.
Dogs lack the digestive enzymes that allow them to efficiently break down and utilize corn starch, therefore feeding it to your pet is not necessary.
Cornstarch is often used as a thickening agent in many of the foods we eat, but even though it’s completely safe for your dog there are no benefits to including this ingredient in their diet.