While it’s true that many commercial pet food formulas contain (species-inappropriate) plant-based protein sources, the above statement is misleading in that it suggests animal protein and plant protein are equivalent forms of nutrition for dogs and cats.

This is absolutely not true, and I’ll add that of all the plant-based protein sources available, corn gluten meal and soybean meal are two that I would never recommend feeding to any pet..

Gluten is highly allergenic and causes gastrointestinal fermentation and other GI upsets. Corn in all forms is a high glycemic, poor quality, incomplete, biologically inappropriate protein source for pets. It’s a cheap filler ingredient that is highly allergenic.

In addition, unless the label specifically states all ingredients in your pet’s food are non-GMO, it’s a sure bet any corn products in the formula are genetically modified and as such, are at high risk of aflatoxin contamination — in my opinion a grossly underestimated culprit of cancer and chronic disease in pet populations.

Soybeans and soybean-related products (including soybean meal) are considered a low-quality, incomplete protein well known to create food allergies in pets.

http://www.capecod.com/lifestyle/two-proteins-to-avoid-for-your-pet/


About the author Dr. Karen Becker
http://www.drkarenbecker.com/

Dr. Becker’s passion for wellness medicine was the driving force behind the creation of Natural Pet Animal Hospital, which opened in the Chicago area in 1999.

Since then, thousands of pets dealing with chronic degenerative diseases including allergies, cancer, organ failure, arthritis and auto immune diseases have benefited from Dr. Becker’s unique approach to medicine. Her holistic approach to internal medicine and her passion for clinical pathology (tracking disease processes in the body), as well as an array of integrative diagnostics and innovative treatment protocols have earned her recognition as one of Chicago’s Top Vets (according to Chicago Magazine), and a special place in her client’s hearts.
Dr. Becker is a member of these organizations:

American Veterinary Medical Association
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
Association of Avian Veterinarians
Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians
Association of Wildlife Veterinarians
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society
American Association of Veterinary Acupuncturists
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management