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This post is written by holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT.
Is xanthan gum bad for dogs?
The short answer is, probably not. In this article, I am going to tell you what xanthan gum is, why it is used in pet food and why it is so controversial. Here we go!
What is xanthan gum?
Xanthan gum is created when a naturally occurring bacteria, Xanthomonas campestris, is fermented using a carbohydrate source. This creates a gummy-like substance that is pasteurized to kill the bacteria. It is then filtered and dried to create a white powder.
Why is xanthan gum so controversial?
It has become controversial as it is technically a food additive. It is manufactured from a natural process but would not occur naturally. The carbohydrate/sugar that is used to create xanthan gum is often corn or wheat. While the corn or wheat is filtered, there may be trace amounts present in the final product.
Why is it in my dog’s food?
Xanthan gum is a thickener and stabilizer. It is often added to canned foods to maintain thickness and keep ingredients from separating. It is considered safe for dogs, though can cause diarrhea at mega doses.
Should I avoid xanthan gum?
No. Most dogs tolerate the small amount found in canned diets very well. Some very sensitive dogs may experience loose stools. I have never observed this in practice but it is theoretically possible.
Canned diets allow you a convenient way to feed your dog a balanced and tasty diet. If you would like to avoid food additives and processed foods, you can consider switching to a raw diet, or consider preparing your own home-cooked diet – which you can read more about here.
With love,
Dr. Angie
Find out more about xanthan gum and some of the other ingredients in your dog’s diet in our 5 Reasons to Consider a Raw Food Diet blog post.
Updated October 1, 2024
