Why Some Pet Owners Avoid Corn and Fillers in Dog Food When shopping for dog food, you may notice ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals listed near the top. These are often referred to as “fillers,” and many pet parents choose to avoid them. But why? What Are Fillers? In the pet food world, "fillers" generally refer to ingredients that add bulk or calories but may have limited nutritional value for dogs. Common examples include: Corn or cornmeal Wheat or wheat gluten Soy Animal by-product meals (like “poultry by-product meal”) Why Do Some People Avoid Them? There are a few reasons pet parents prefer to steer clear of these ingredients: Digestibility: Some dogs may have trouble digesting corn or wheat, especially in large amounts. Dogs produce very little of the enzyme amylase in their saliva compared to humans. Amylase helps break down starchy carbohydrates like corn into simple sugars. Because dogs don’t begin digestion...
Holistic Dog Nutrition and Wellness