For centuries, people and their animals have relied on corn as a superb source of these nutrients:
- Highly digestible carbohydrates for energy
- Essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Beta-carotene, vitamin E and lutein — nature's antioxidants
- Quality proteins for muscle and tissue growth
Corn has been called a filler, a "hot grain" and a major cause of allergies. The facts are, corn is NOT a filler (an ingredient providing no nutrition) as it supplies many essential nutrients. In pets, corn is NOT a hot grain (causing gastrointestinal upset) because it is safely and easily digested.
In addition, a review of published literature indicates corn was implicated in fewer allergy cases than other common protein sources such as beef, dairy products, wheat, chicken, egg, lamb or soy.1
Key points
- Corn is a natural and wholesome ingredient that supplies essential fatty acids, protein, carbohydrates and natural antioxidants
- Corn is not a common cause of allergic reactions in pets
Balancing act
No single ingredient provides the best protein balance for your cat. That's why Hill's selects a combination of ingredients. The protein building blocks in corn are essential for cats and complement those in other ingredients to give cats balanced protein nutrition.
Golden goodness
According to recent studies in various species, antioxidants in foods such as corn may potentially reduce the risk of some forms of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, strokes, atherosclerosis, cataracts, and slow the aging process.2 Betacarotene, vitamin E and lutein are antioxidants in corn that help protect key cell components from damage.3 Also, cooked ground corn is highly digestible so pets can easily absorb corn's important nutrients.4,5,6
Tasty Tips
A natural winner
Corn is a rich source of fatty acids, especially linoleic and linolenic for healthy skin and coat. These essential fatty acids serve important roles in the immune system and central nervous system as well.3 The carbohydrates supplied by corn are an important source of energy for your cat.
As good as gold
Corn is a well-rounded nutritional package and an ideal choice as a cat food ingredient. No other ingredient is as versatile as this golden grain. That's why you'll find corn in some Hill's® Science Diet® brand cat foods along with other healthy ingredients to give your cat precisely balanced nutrition.
If you’re looking for a product without corn, Hill’s offers Science Diet recipes for cats with no corn, wheat or soy.
1 Roudebush P. Ingredients associated with adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. Adv Sm Anim Med Surg. 15(9):1-3, 2002.
2 Langseth L. Oxidants, Antioxidants and Disease Prevention. International Life Sciences Institute Europe, ISLI Press, Belgium, 1995.
3 Watson SA and Ramstad PE (eds.). Corn: Chemistry and Technology. American Assoc. of Cereal Chemists, Inc., St. Paul, MN, 1987.
4 Walker JA, Harmon DL, Gross KL, Collings GF. Evaluation of Nutrient Utilization in the Canine Using the Ileal Cannulation Technique. Journal of Nutrition. 124:2672S, 1994.
5 Schunemann C, Muhlum A, Junker S, et al. Prececal and Postileal Digestibility of Various Starches in the Dogs and pH Values and Concentration of Organic Acids in Colonic Chyme and Feces. Adv Anim Physiol Anim Nutr. 19:44-57, 1994.
6 Klenzle E. Carbohydrate Metabolism of the Cat Part 1. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr. 69(2-3):102-114, 1993.
Related products
Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Related articles
Why Are Dogs and Cats So Cute?
If waggy puppy dog tails and furry kitten yawns make you swoon, you're not alone. Why are cats so cute? And, dogs too! Let's find out!
Does My Pet Hate Me?
Learn tips for bonding with your pet if you've ever thought, 'My dog doesn't like me, or 'Why do I have a standoffish cat?'
Do Dogs and Cats have Belly Buttons?
Learn whether cats & dogs have belly buttons like humans, what the function is, and if there are any health concerns associated with it.
How the Loss of a Pet Affects Your Other Pets
Discover how your pets might be impacted by the loss of another. Learn how to recognize their signs of grieving & how to help them cope with their loss.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.