Corn-Free Dog Food: Why You Should Consider It

Not all dog food is created equal — especially when you start looking at what’s actually in it. If you’ve ever flipped over a bag of kibble and seen “corn” at the top of the ingredient list, you might’ve wondered why it’s there in the first place. It’s a fair question.

At A Pup Above, we care a lot about what goes into our dog’s bowl. We started this company because we wanted better food for our pup — real food with real ingredients, not mystery fillers. And when it comes to corn, there’s a lot to unpack. 

Should dogs be eating it? Why is it so common in kibble? And what are the alternatives? Let’s get into it.

What Are the Benefits of Dog Food Without Corn?

Corn-free dog food is exactly what it sounds like — dog food made without corn as an ingredient. Instead, these recipes focus on quality proteins and wholesome veggies to fill up your pup’s bowl. So, why opt for a corn-free diet over one packed with corn? 

Here are a few reasons:

Easy on the Tummy

Ever notice how some foods can make your dog's stomach go haywire? That can be corn at work. It’s not the easiest thing for dogs to digest, especially when it’s all ground up in their kibble. Corn-free food swaps it out for ingredients that are kinder on your pup's belly.

Say Goodbye to Allergies

Corn can be a real troublemaker for dogs with allergies. Itching, scratching, you name it. Cutting out corn might help your pup feel a whole lot better if they’ve been dealing with those kinds of issues.

Protein That Packs a Punch

Here’s a biggie: protein quality. Corn-based dog foods often lean heavily on plants for protein, which isn't the best for your dog. Corn-free food, on the other hand, usually comes with high-quality animal protein. This means your dog gets more of the good stuff they need to stay strong and healthy.

Should Dogs Be Eating Corn at All?

Now you know why going corn-free might be a good choice. But does that mean corn is totally off-limits for all dogs? Well, not exactly. Corn isn't inherently bad. It does offer some energy and fiber, which isn’t a terrible thing. However, it's not the most nutrient-dense option available for dogs.

While corn might fill them up, it doesn't pack the nutritional punch of other ingredients like whole meats and vegetables. For pups without allergies or sensitivities, a bit of corn here and there isn’t going to be harmful, but it’s hardly the best thing you could feed them. 

For those dogs that do have food sensitivities or health concerns, steering clear of corn could lead to noticeable improvements in their health and energy levels.

Ultimately, it’s about tailoring your dog’s diet to their specific needs and ensuring they get the best possible nutrition. If that means skipping the corn to focus on higher-quality, more beneficial ingredients, it could be a great step toward keeping them happy and healthy.

How Much Corn Is in Kibble?

Curious about just how much corn is in your dog's kibble? We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you're trying to steer clear of corn, you might find this tough to hear: in many commercial dog foods, corn is often one of the main components. 

Corn is popular in kibble because it's cheap, allowing manufacturers to bulk up the food without big costs. That means a significant chunk of what you're pouring into your pup's bowl could be corn.

The real downside? It's not just that your dog is filling up on corn instead of more nutritious options — it's about what's being replaced by corn. Often, corn is used as a filler, pushing out the high-quality proteins and essential fats that your dog really needs to thrive. This can seriously skew the nutritional balance of their diet.

Should I Avoid Grains in My Dog Food?

With corn being a less-than-fabulous grain for your pup, you might be wondering about other grains, too. We get it — it's tempting to lump all grains together and write them off. But here's the thing: not all grains are created equal.

Unlike corn, grains like rice, barley, and oats can actually offer some pretty great benefits for dogs. These grains are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can be great for your dog’s digestion and overall health. They’re generally easier on your dog's stomach than corn and less likely to cause any allergic reactions.

However, whether or not to include grains in your dog’s diet really depends on their individual health needs. Grain-free diets can be a good choice for dogs with specific allergies or sensitivities to grains — just like some people, dogs can be allergic, too! 

On the flip side, for dogs without these sensitivities, including healthy grains can actually contribute positively to their diet, adding variety and important nutrients.

What Other Fillers Are in Dog Food?

Corn isn’t the only filler hiding in dog food. Plenty of brands use other low-cost ingredients to bulk up the bag without adding much nutritional value. Some of these fillers are harmless in small amounts, but others can be tough on digestion or just plain unnecessary. 

Here’s what to look out for:

Soy

Soy is a go-to for cheap protein in dog food, but it’s not the best option. It’s harder for dogs to digest than meat-based proteins, and some pups are allergic to it. If your dog is dealing with skin irritation or tummy troubles, soy could be part of the problem.

Wheat

Wheat is another filler that’s used to stretch out dog food without adding much nutrition. Some dogs do fine with it, but for those with wheat sensitivities, it can lead to itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive issues. If your pup has been dealing with any of those, cutting wheat might be worth a shot.

Meat By-Products

Meat by-products sound fine — until you realize they can include things like low-quality scraps, bone meal, and parts that aren’t exactly prime cuts. Some by-products can offer nutrition (like organ meats), but the problem is you never really know what you’re getting. If a brand isn’t specific about the source, it’s best to skip it.

Cellulose

This one’s basically processed plant fiber, sometimes even made from wood pulp. It’s used to add bulk and fiber, but it doesn’t offer any real nutrients. While fiber is good for digestion, there are way better sources (like veggies) that actually provide vitamins and minerals, too.

Artificial Additives

Some dog foods load up on artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives to make the food look or taste better. The thing is, your dog doesn’t care what color their kibble is, and real food shouldn’t need artificial flavors. When in doubt, go for dog food with real, whole ingredients instead of a bunch of stuff you can’t pronounce.

A Final Word

At the end of the day, what you feed your dog matters. Cutting out corn is a great step, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The goal? Real, whole ingredients that give your pup the nutrition they need — not fillers that take up space in the bag.

At A Pup Above, we make dog food the way it should be — 100% human-grade, packed with high-quality protein, and slow-cooked using the sous-vide method to lock in flavor and nutrients. No cheap fillers, no sketchy by-products — just real food made for real dogs. 

Whether your pup is all about Texas Beef Stew or Turkey Pawella, you’ll know exactly what’s in their bowl and why it’s there. And if you ask us — that’s the way it should be. 

Check us out today and see the difference for yourself!

Sources:

Corn in Dog Food: What You Need to Know | AKC

A review: nutrition and process attributes of corn in pet foods | PubMed

Allergies in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals

Can Dogs Eat Corn? | American Kennel Club