Corn and Plant Protein in Your Pet's Diet? What the Industry Isn't Telling You
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Introduction: What's Really in Your Pet's Dish?
In a market saturated with “premium” products, many budget formulations use ingredients such as corn , gluten , soy flours and other plant proteins as the main ingredient. Why does this happen? And what consequences does it have for your dog or cat's health?
This article aims to go beyond marketing and help you understand what's behind these formulation decisions. Because eating well isn't about filling a plate, it's decide with awareness and knowledge .
Why do economical formulations prioritize plant proteins?
- Low costs, high margins : Plant proteins are much cheaper than animal proteins. This allows for attractively priced products, even if their nutritional quality is questionable.
- Logistical ease : ingredients such as corn and soy are more readily available, have less variability, and have a longer shelf life than meat or fish meals.
- Deceptive marketing : Many brands emphasize their “high protein content,” without clarifying that this protein comes from cereals or legumes, which have a lower biological value.
According to the National Research Council (NRC), dogs and cats require specific profiles of essential amino acids —such as lysine, methionine, arginine, and taurine—that plant proteins do not always offer in sufficient quantities.
Is corn useful or just a filler?
Corn is a source of energy, yes, but not an optimal source of protein for carnivorous animals.
- It has a low protein content (~9%) and an incomplete amino acid profile.
- His glycemic index It is high, which can lead to energy imbalances and overweight.
- It is susceptible to mycotoxin contamination , such as aflatoxins, which have been linked to liver failure in dogs (FDA, 2021).
Conclusion: Used in moderation and accompanied by animal protein sources, it is not harmful. But when master the formula , yes it can be.
Can plant proteins replace animal proteins?
No, and they shouldn't. Even the best plant-based sources (such as isolated soy or pea protein) require precise formulation to meet the animal's actual needs.
A study published in the Journal of Animal Science (2018) showed that diets with animal protein have Greater digestibility, better utilization of amino acids and better immune response in young dogs.
Excessive inclusion of vegetables can:
- Increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies .
- Affect the intestinal microbiota due to the presence of poorly digested insoluble fibers.
- Decrease the palatability , forcing the use of additives or artificial palatability.
Ingredients with low nutritional value: what you should also avoid
In addition to the corn and the concentrated vegetable proteins , many economical formulations use by-products of cereal milling such as bran either bran , often found on labels under terms such as “wheat bran” or “vegetable by-products.”
What is bran?
Bran is the residue from milling wheat, composed mainly of shells and insoluble fibers , with low protein and energy value. Although it may have some beneficial effect as a source of fiber If used judiciously and in small proportions , in many formulas it is simply a filler ingredient for reduce costs and increase the volume of the pellet .
Why is it problematic?
- Low digestibility: Dogs and cats do not have a digestive system adapted to process large amounts of insoluble fiber. Excess can cause abdominal distension, flatulence, or large, poorly formed stools .
- Nutritional dilution: By taking up space in the formula, it displaces valuable ingredients such as meat flours or functional oils.
- Disguised industrial use: Many labels camouflage this by-product under technical names to avoid consumer rejection (“wheat by-product”, “selected vegetable fiber”, etc.).
According to the According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) , the use of ingredients such as bran must be technically justified and not exceed a percentage that would compromise the overall digestibility of the formula. However, this is not always respected in low-priced products.
How to read labels correctly?
Knowing how to interpret labels is an act of responsibility.
- Order of ingredients: the first ingredient must be a animal source Clear: “chicken meal,” “salmon meat,” “beef liver.” If “corn,” “gluten,” or “vegetable by-products” appear first, be suspicious.
- Guaranteed analysis: Total crude protein does not equal quality protein. Look for brands that indicate the type of protein, not just the percentage.
- Avoid ambiguities: Terms like “natural flavors,” “meat by-products,” and “textured vegetable protein” are unclear. Demand clarity.
📌 Useful information: In Chile and other countries, foods must declare whether they are formulated "by nutritionists" and whether they meet AAFCO or FEDIAF standards. If they don't, there's no guarantee of nutritional balance.
Conclusion: Conscious eating for a healthy life
While corn, bran, and plant proteins can be part of a balanced diet, it's critical that they not be the predominant components. A diet based on high-quality animal proteins is essential for the health and well-being of dogs and cats. As responsible pet owners, we must be informed and make informed decisions about our pets' nutrition.
At MCE Global, we encourage you to review the labels of the foods you feed your pets and choose those that prioritize high-quality animal proteins. Consult with your veterinarian to choose the best nutritional option for your furry companion.
Invitation to debate
This issue is not only a matter for the industry: It's up to all of us . Parents have the right to know what they're buying, and companies have the obligation to offer safe, nutritionally complete, and transparent formulas.
We invite you to comment, share and debate This article. What do you think about the use of corn, bran, and plant-based proteins in pet food? Have you read the labels on the food you buy?
📞 Contact
Do you have questions or need technical advice?
Need functional ingredients? Write to us.
📧 fromero@mceglobal.cl 🌐 www.mceglobal.cl
MCE Global Statement
In At MCE Global , we believe that animal nutrition should be based on science, transparency, and a commitment to well-being.
Responsibility is shared:
- Of the producers , by offering safe and complete foods.
- Of the tutors , by informing themselves, questioning and choosing the best for their pets.
We will continue to promote technical knowledge and open dialogue, because an informed industry is an evolving industry.