One of the controversial topics in pet nutrition is CORN. Your vet will most likely be ok with corn. It has been touted as a good source of protein and minerals. Several big dog food companies have put a lot of money into training that corn is ok.

The truth? It is risky.

What most of us don’t understand is that the corn used in commercial dog food is often significantly lower quality than what we eat. This lower quality often has problems with fungus growth.

Gross 🤢

The fungus produces a by-product called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic to both humans and animals. They can cause serious health issues and even death.

In the study Mycotoxins and the Pet Food Industry: Toxicological Evidence and Risk Assessment the researcher state that Mycotoxins “have been found in the ingredients and final products of pet food, resulting in both acute toxicity and chronic health problems in pets”

Just last year over 100 dogs died due to mycotoxins in the Sportmix line. Many more were sickened. 

Some studies are suggesting that low levels of mycotoxins eaten in pet food over a long period of time can lead to disease and sickness that are not traced back to the source.  

What is being done to prevent this from happening again?

Regulations have been created. More education and new techniques in food preparation are starting to be implemented. Companies should be testing for mycotoxins. 

For me- IT’S NOT WORTH THE RISK!

In the Iowa State publication Aflatoxins in Corn (aflatoxin is a form of mycotoxins) it states: 

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established an “action level” of 20 ppb for aflatoxins in corn in interstate commerce. Even one highly contaminated kernel in a 5-lb sample could result in more than 20 ppb aflatoxin.”

The study Contamination of Pet Food with Mycobiota and Fusarium Mycotoxins-Focus on Dogs and Cats states:

“The conclusion is the presence of mycotoxins in levels much lower than recommended by EU regulations does not eliminate the risk and caution is advised concerning that long-term daily intake of even small doses of mycotoxins can slowly damage pet's health.”

With corn and wheat having the highest level of mycotoxin contamination, I chose to not include them in my pet’s diet. 

What will you choose? Comment below

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