What is Corn Gluten Meal in Dog Food?

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Just how safe is corn gluten meal for your dog?

Read on to find out.

What is Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal also referred to as maize gluten meal or prairie meal, is a by-product of processed corn (through wet milling process), including corn syrup and sweeteners that the pet food industry uses as a low-cost protein source and kibble binder. Corn gluten meal, despite its name, contains no gluten at all, only corn proteins.

Is corn gluten meal safe for dogs?

Yes, corn gluten meal is safe for dogs. Although it’s often misinterpreted as filler, corn gluten meal provides an excellent source of highly concentrated proteins and amino acids for your dog. The leftover corn gluten is processed into a protein-rich meal after starch, germ, and bran are removed from corn kennels. However, many dogs may have difficulties digesting it.

Is corn gluten meal the same as cornmeal?

Although both the corn gluten meal and cornmeal originate from the whole kernels of corn and share similar names, they are quite different. Corn gluten meal is a by-product resulting from the wet milling process used in pet food, while cornmeal is ground up corn used for food coating or baking.

Why is corn not good for dogs?

Corn as a whole grain is difficult to digest for dogs unless it’s first refined into a meal or flour then cooked. Generally, grains can only be digested to the extent that they’ve been processed.

Conclusion

Corn gluten meal is a good source of inexpensive proteins for your dog. However, its quality depends on the quality of corn used.

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Sarah Brady

Sarah Brady is an animal lover and the proud dog-mom of a Golden Retriever named Brody and an Italian Greyhound named Jessup. Unfortunately, Jessup developed serious allergies to many different types of dog foods and ingredients when she was just a puppy. Meanwhile, Brody could eat seemingly anything and carry on as healthy as could be. Sarah spent hours of time researching and testing different foods and brands before finding something that worked for little Jessup. She wants Dog Food Care to simplify this experience for future dog-parents who face food allergy or tolerance issues of their own.