Can dogs have corn starch? The short answer is yes . In all likelihood, corn starch is safe for your dog to eat.
In fact, not only are dogs safe to consume corn starch, but they’re probably consuming it on a regular basis anyway. That’s because it’s actually an ingredient that’s commonly found in many dog foods.
So, whether your dog has consumed a sauce that contains corn starch, is eating their favorite dog food with corn starch in it, or has gotten a little crazy with some actual corn starch from your pantry, there’s no need to worry can dogs have corn starch.
Now, when it comes to the amount of corn starch that is safe for your dog and the side effects they may experience when they consume this item, there may be a bit more to the story. So, let’s take a closer look at whether dogs can have corn starch.
But first, let’s take a closer look at corn starch itself.
Table of Contents
What Is Corn Starch?
Corn starch (also known as corn flour) is a white powder made up of carbohydrates from corn. Specifically, corn starch is a carbohydrate derived from corn’s endosperm.
In almost all instances wherein a dog might have occasion to consume corn starch, the substance would be in its cooking form. Corn starch is used all around the world in cooking. It is a primary ingredient for many savory dishes. It is often used to thicken foods like gravy, soup, stir fry sauce, glaze, etc.
In recent years, corn starch has become even more popular because of gluten-free diets. It is a main ingredient in many gluten-free foods because it can often replace flour (which does contain gluten). One notable difference between corn starch and flour, however, is that corn starch creates a transparent “gel” while flour always creates opaque mixtures. The taste is also slightly different — though generally similar.
Can Dogs Have Corn Starch Video
Can Dogs Have Corn Starch?
So, can dogs have corn starch?
When a food is listed as “safe” for a dog, it’s important to take this at face value but also to read between the lines. That is, a food may be safe for your dog to consume (in moderation), but does that mean it’s healthy for your dog? Not necessarily.
Let’s take a look at corn starch, then. While corn starch is certainly not unsafe for nearly all dogs, this doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily healthy either. For example, no veterinarian or dog expert would recommend giving your dog corn starch on purpose or in large quantities.
At the same time, if corn starch is just one ingredient in your dog’s dog food, some dog treats, or another food that you were giving your dog as a scrap, this would normally be fine. You probably wouldn’t have to worry about your dog having an allergic reaction to the corn starch, specifically.
Canine Weight Gain from Corn Starch
The most likely issue you might see with giving your dog corn starch would be the development of obesity. Like humans, dogs can become overweight and obese too. It usually happens for the same reasons as well.
Dogs may overeat simply because they have a hefty appetite. Likewise, they may not participate in enough physical activity throughout the day. Together, these two situations can lead to rapid weight gain, which can cause additional medical issues for your dog.
Corn starch may contribute to this.
Is Corn Starch Healthy for Dogs?
Even though corn starch can be found in many different foods and is usually just a benign ingredient used in low quantities, it is by no means a healthy food ingredient. In fact, it is considered to be a “refined carb”.
This means that it is a carbohydrate that has been stripped of all its natural nutrients. Corn in its whole form — for example, corn on the cob — is the healthiest form of corn. Once it has been processed multiple times as corn starch has, it becomes less and less healthy.
Consuming refined carbs like corn starch in large quantities cannot only cause overweight and obesity, but it can also affect your dog’s heart health.
In other words, don’t feed your dog too much corn starch. If it is a natural ingredient found in your dog’s dog food, it’s most likely fine. But certainly, do not feed your dog corn starch directly, and do not let them have too much of it as an additive in other foods.
Do Dogs Like Corn Starch?
If you were to give a dog corn starch in its original powder form, chances are they might eat it, but they probably wouldn’t be too interested.
That’s because corn starch as a powder doesn’t have much of a taste. It’s useful for its ability to thicken sauces, marinades, and gravies and as an added starch or carbohydrate. However, it’s not very useful on its own.
Keeping an Eye on What Your Dog Eats
Dogs can be masterminds at getting into various types of foods that may or may not be the best for them. That’s why it is good practice to train them at an early age.
Who hasn’t had a dog get into a big bar of chocolate or pan of brownies? Only for you to panic and call your veterinarian’s after-hours number … And we all know what happens after that. Cue the hydrogen peroxide.
The good news about corn starch is that no hydrogen peroxide will be necessary if your dog consumes it. This is probably going to be true even if your dog consumes a whole container full of corn starch!
Yes, they may have some indigestion and even some diarrhea or vomiting, but in general, corn starch is a benign food that won’t affect your dog much. Especially when it’s found in other foods like dry dog food, or baked goods that you might feed dogs as a scrap, your dog will likely have no trouble digesting corn starch, and in all likelihood, they’ll feel fine.
My Dog Ate Cornstarch
With that said, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on what your dog eats. Make sure you know if they’ve eaten anything out of the ordinary. And if you ever have doubts or questions about the health of your dog, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian right away so that you can rule out any possible dangers.
References
Can dogs have corn starch: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-018-1538-5
Can dogs have corn flour: https://www.goodhousepets.com/can-dogs-eat-cornstarch/