Can Dogs Eat Xanthan Gum (Yes, As An Ingredient)

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No, we’re not talking about chewing gum! Hopefully, pet owners won’t offer their canine friend a piece of chewing or bubble gum. Imagine a dog blowing bubbles! Let’s get back on topic; what is xanthan gum? Xanthan Gum is a substance that’s found in many foods to thicken them. It’s an emulsifying and thickening agent that is added to food. But can dogs eat xanthan gum?

You may often see xanthan gum listed as an ingredient in foods; it’s even in many commercial dog foods. If you’re wondering whether this is a safe ingredient for your pet, read on. This article will answer the question, ‘can dogs eat xanthan gum?’

Can Dogs Eat Xanthan Gum?

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What is Xanthan Gum?

Xanthan gum is a thickening agent that’s created using a naturally occurring bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. This bacteria is fermented by using a carbohydrate source to create a gum like substance. The gum is then pasteurized, which kills the bacteria making it suitable for consumption. It’s then filtered and dried, which creates a white powder that’s added to many processed foods around the world.

 

Can I give my dog food that contains Xanthan Gum?

Although Xanthan gum is commonly used for pet foods, it is slightly controversial, with some people saying that it may cause help problems in dogs. Xanthan gum is often used to thicken commercial dog foods. It’s commonly added to canned foods, as it’s a useful ingredient that stops wet dog foods from separating.

Xanthan gum is safe for dogs in small amounts but can cause diarrhea in large doses. It’s unlikely that your dog will be consuming enough Xanthan gum to affect his health by eating dog food that contains the substance.

Some people worry that perhaps xanthan gum is bad for their pets as it’s a food additive and many owners try to avoid it. It’s unnecessary to avoid xanthan gum as most dogs can tolerate small amounts, and very little is added to canned pet foods. Some dogs are very sensitive and may experience loose stools due to the thickening agent. While most vets will say that xanthan gum doesn’t affect dogs, it is rare but theoretically possible.

 

Why is xanthan gum considered controversial?

Xanthan gum has become slightly controversial as it’s a food additive and many pet owners try to avoid additives as much as possible when feeding their pets. Xanthan gum is manufactured using a natural process. Although the bacteria is natural, the resulting gum wouldn’t occur naturally.

The carbohydrate and sugar that’s used in the creating of xanthan gum is usually made from corn or wheat. Some dogs are allergic to wheat and may need to avoid the substance if they have very sensitive stomachs. The corn or wheat will be filtered, but there might still be minimal trace amounts present in the gum that’s added to your pet’s food.

While xanthan gum is safe for most dogs, it shouldn’t be confused with another ingredient that begins with X. Xylitol is a sugar replacement that’s often found in sugar free foods. It is very toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. If you’re thinking of giving your dog a sugar free treat and see that it contains xylitol, it’s best no to feed it to your pet.

 

Conclusion:  Dogs Can Eat Xanthan Gum

Many owners choose to give their pets canned foods as they are an easy and nutritious option for dogs. Most canned food contains xanthan gum, which is created using a natural bacteria. It’s ok for most dogs to eat xanthan gum, but in some rare cases, dogs may be allergic to the substance. It does contain trace elements of wheat as it’s usually made using wheat or corn carbohydrates. Some dogs that are gluten intolerant and very sensitive to wheat may be affected by xanthan gum.

Some owners like to avoid food additives completely and don’t like giving their pets processed foods. If you’ve decided to switch to a raw diet for your pet, you should consult your vet before doing so. Creating home-prepared meals for your dog can be very time consuming, and you must ensure that your dog is getting all the correct nutrients to avoid health problems in the future.

Abigail Stevens
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