Often disparaged as a filler, corn provides proven nutritional and processing advantages, wrote Greg Aldrich, Ph.D., Kansas State University research associate professor, in his Petfood Industry column, “So what is 'right' about corn in pet diets?”. However, research and practical application show corn offers multiple functional benefits that merit consideration in modern pet food development.
Here are 5 takeaways from Aldrich’s column:
1. Palatability and flavor development
Corn consistently performs well in palatability tests with dogs, outperforming other carbohydrate sources such as wheat, potatoes and chickpeas (Li et al., 2017). Its toasting properties enhance flavor through browning reactions, contributing to the sensory appeal of finished products.
2. Complementary amino acid profile and essential fatty acids
While low in lysine, corn contains relatively high levels of methionine, which complements the amino acid profiles of legumes like peas and soy. Corn oil is also a rich source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid for dogs, and is comparatively stable during processing.
3. Digestibility and gut health
Starch in corn is highly digestible—nearly 100 percent under typical processing conditions. Additionally, corn contributes to gut health through its resistant starch and fiber content. Research shows resistant starch in corn positively affects fecal fermentation (Peixeto et al., 2018), and corn fiber provides soluble fiber that supports stool consistency and digestive function (Panasevich et al., 2018).
4. Antioxidant contribution
Corn naturally contains carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, which function as antioxidants. These compounds are physiologically relevant in pets and remain bioavailable in extruded diets (Kean et al., 2008), contributing to immune support.
5. Processing versatility and consistency
Corn performs predictably during extrusion and can be used in both dry and canned formulations. Although it lacks gluten proteins for baked applications, its consistent behavior under varied processing conditions makes it a reliable choice for formulators.
While consumer perception remains a challenge, especially in grain-free positioning, corn offers a well-documented nutritional profile and functional versatility that make it a valuable ingredient when properly sourced and managed.
