{"id":109,"date":"2024-07-31T21:01:11","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T21:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/2021\/07\/19\/3-ways-maltodextrin-can-harm-your-dog\/"},"modified":"2021-07-19T16:00:00","modified_gmt":"2021-07-19T16:00:00","slug":"3-ways-maltodextrin-can-harm-your-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/31\/3-ways-maltodextrin-can-harm-your-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Ways Maltodextrin Can Harm Your Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve likely seen maltodextrin on food labels but you may not know what it really is. <\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Maltodextrin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Maltodextrin is a sugar compound (called a polysaccharide) that\u2019s created from starches like corn, oats, rice, potato, or tapioca.<\/strong> It can be sweet or tasteless. It\u2019s used in food as a thickener, binder, preservative and it\u2019s often a sugar replacement.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Artificial sweeteners such as maltodextrin are classified based on how sweet they are \u2026 called a dextrose equivalent (DE). The higher the DE number, the sweeter the product is. Anything with a DE number of 10 or less is called a dextrin. Anything with a DE of more than 20 is defined by the European Union as glucose syrup. Maltodextrins have a DE between 3 and 20.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

How Is Maltodextrin Used?<\/span><\/h2>\n

For more than 30 years, the food industry \u2013 for humans \u2013 has used maltodextrin in processed foods. You\u2019ll find maltodextrin in common foods like:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Health supplements (pre and probiotic)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Frozen dairy products<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Hydration drinks<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Gravy<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Salad dressing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    In 2017, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) <\/span>approved maltodextrin for use in pet foods. <\/b><\/p>\n

    So now, you\u2019ll find maltodextrin in \u2026 <\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Pet treats<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Pet foods<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Pet supplements <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Food companies use maltodextrin to bind ingredients together or thicken a liquid product<\/strong>. Maltodextrin can also change the texture or freezing point of a product. Maltodextrin can also be used to replace fats in foods<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

      How do you find out if your food or food product includes maltodextrin? It\u2019s not as simple as reading the label every time. Sometimes labels say \u201csyrup solids\u201d or \u201cdextrins.\u201d It isn\u2019t always obvious that maltodextrin is an ingredient hiding in your dog\u2019s food, treats and supplements \u2013 or your own. And it\u2019s not clear just where on the DE scale the ingredient falls. How much sugar is really in your dog\u2019s food, treats or supplements? This isn\u2019t always mentioned on the label. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Why Sweeten Dog Food And Treats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

      We know humans don\u2019t need sugar. So, why do dogs? Well, we have a \u201csweet tooth\u201d and it turns out that dogs do, too. But maltodextrins aren\u2019t just added for their sweetness. They\u2019re added because they change the structure of a product, thickening it or changing the freezing point<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

      So you\u2019ll see maltodextrin often in semi-moist treats, canned foods and supplements to protect from freezing and to maintain the structure of the product.<\/span><\/p>\n

      What\u2019s more concerning is that some of the most common dog products containing maltodextrin are supplements.  So, even if you\u2019re feeding your dog a fresh, raw diet \u2026 and you avoid canned food and soft treats, your dog may get maltodextrin in his supplements. <\/span><\/p>\n

      The US Food & Drug Administration (<\/span>FDA<\/span>) lists maltodextrin as GRAS \u2013 generally regarded as safe. But is it truly safe for in your dog\u2019s diet? <\/span><\/p>\n

      Maltodextrin Research In Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Research on maltodextrin in dog products has been focused on <\/span>its ability to boost recovery times after exercise<\/span>. Long-term safety studies for dogs and humans are sparse, but the general consensus is that maltodextrin, much like all sugars, should be used in moderation<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

      For humans, this <\/span>study<\/span> analyzed the health impacts of consuming maltodextrin:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \u201c\u2026 the decrease in the consumption of \u2018whole\u2019 foods and dietary fiber, along with a rise in the consumption of rapidly digestible and absorbable CHO sources such as<\/span> isolated starches, starch derivatives, and sugars,<\/span> parallels an increase in the global prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

      Have you seen the Purina\u00ae Pro Plan\u00ae exercise supplement bars? There are even rehydration products for dogs like there are for humans. In 2011, Dr Cheryl L Morris from Evolve Animal Nutrition said she stays away from products with maltodextrin.  <\/span><\/p>\n

      \u201cI actually don\u2019t use any of these products but I do \u201crehydrate.\u201d  I use a mixture of meat-based baby food, honey, and some glutamine mixed with water.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

      If your dog is active and could use a boost, choose fresh, ideally organic, energy sources. They\u2019re simpler and will help you avoid the health risks associated with maltodextrin. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Is Maltodextrin Harmful To Dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Yes, maltodextrin can harm your dog. Here are 3 good reasons to avoid maltodextrin for your dog. <\/span><\/p>\n

      #1 Maltodextrin Causes Nutritional Deficiencies<\/span><\/h3>\n

      With 4 calories per gram, maltodextrin is a quick source of energy<\/strong>, but just like sugar, it burns fast and leads to a crash<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Sugars in the form of simple carbohydrates provide little to no nutritional value \u2026 just a quick jolt of fast-burning energy. Maltodextrin also provides \u201cempty\u201d calories, devoid of nutrition. Maltodextrin is considered a complex carbohydrate \u2026 but it acts as a simple carb. And that means it robs your dog of vitamins and minerals<\/strong> that he\u2019d get from a true complex carb.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Complex carbs \u2013 the real ones \u2013 contain vitamins and minerals as well as energy. Because maltodextrin is a simple carb disguised as a complex carb, it borrows vitamins and minerals from your dog\u2019s body. This can deplete your dog\u2019s vitamin and mineral reserves, and eventually, lead to a deficiency. <\/span><\/p>\n

      #2 Maltodextrin Harms Gut Health <\/span><\/h3>\n

      Your dog\u2019s gut health is vital to his health. More than 80% of your dog\u2019s immune system is in your dog\u2019s gut. So poor gut health can lead to disease and illness in your dog. <\/span><\/p>\n

      A 2012 <\/span>study<\/span> showed that maltodextrin changes gut bacteria<\/strong>.  Maltodextrin suppressed the growth of probiotics (friendly bacteria) and increased the risk of bad bacteria like E.coli. If your dog already has digestive problems or <\/span>leaky gut issues<\/span>, feeding him products with maltodextrin will make his issues worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

      And that can easily happen, because maltodextrin is often hiding in probiotic supplements<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Maltodextrin In Probiotics<\/span><\/h4>\n

      Always check the labels of your dog\u2019s supplements. One common place maltodextrin hides is in <\/span>pre and probiotic supplements<\/span>. But the manufacturers are sneaky \u2026 because the FDA doesn\u2019t require them to show maltodextrin on the label. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Probiotics are tiny, so they always come in a carrier base. And that carrier is often maltodextrin. (Other carriers are FOS (fructooligosaccharides) or inulin \u2013 those are safe.) <\/span><\/p>\n

      Since the carrier isn\u2019t mentioned on the label, you\u2019ll have to call the manufacturer and ask them this question: <\/span>What carrier are your probiotics in?  <\/span><\/i>They may not even know, because they didn\u2019t think to ask their probiotics supplier. <\/span><\/p>\n

      So if they don\u2019t know and don\u2019t offer to find out, it\u2019s safest to avoid that product.<\/span><\/p>\n

      #3 Maltodextrin Exposes Your Dog To GMOs<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may be risky for your dog. And maltodextrin is often created from genetically modified plant sources<\/strong>. GMOs help keep the costs down, but they add another layer of health concerns for your dog because they expose your dog to glyphosate (Roundup). <\/span><\/p>\n

      Glyphosate is a dangerous herbicide used in GMO products. And it has a long list of known harmful effects in people and animals \u2026 including cancer.  The World Health Organization lists glyphosate as a \u201cprobable carcinogen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

      In the US, maltodextrin is often made from corn, a major GMO crop. Even though the FDA considers GMO corn safe, remember that many of the studies that conclude GMOs are safe are funded by the companies that created them. Many independent scientists believe GMOs are harmful to health<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

      In fact, GMO crops have been banned in 28 European countries and 38 countries worldwide. Unfortunately, the US and Canadian governments allow GMO crops and foods, which places us and our dogs at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

      As a result, you should assume that in North America, maltodextrin is made from crops that are genetically modified. To avoid them, and reduce the risks to your dog, feed him only certified organic products.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      \n <\/p>\n

      Minimize Your Dog\u2019s Maltodextrin<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Even if you can\u2019t avoid maltodextrin completely, try to limit how much you give your dog. It may be safe in small amounts (as the FDA claims), but to be safe, try not to give your dog products with maltodextrin. Feed your dog fresh foods, avoid moist treats and check your supplements!  <\/span><\/p>\n

      ,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      You\u2019ve likely seen maltodextrin on food labels but you may not know what it really is.  What Is Maltodextrin? Maltodextrin is a sugar compound (called a polysaccharide) that\u2019s created from<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":110,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-natural-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/110"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}