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

 No, chewing gum is not the topic at hand! Ideally, dog owners won't give their canine companion a piece of bubble gum or chewing gum.

A dog blowing bubbles comes to mind. Resuming our discussion, what is xanthan gum? Xanthan Gum is a substance used to thicken a variety of foods. It is a thickening and emulsifying agent used in food. Dogs can eat xanthan gum, though.

Xanthan gum is frequently listed as an ingredient in foods, and it can even be found in many commercial dog foods. Continue reading if you want to learn if this ingredient is safe for your pet. Can dogs eat xanthan gum? is a question that will be addressed in this article.

Table of Contents:

• What is Xanthan Gum?
• Can I Feed My Dog Xanthan Gum-Containing Food?
• Why is xanthan gum considered controversial?
• Conclusion: Dogs Can Eat Xanthan Gum

What Is Xanthan Gum?

Xanthomonas campestris, a naturally occurring bacteria, is used to make xanthan gum, a thickening agent. By utilizing a carbohydrate source, this bacteria is fermented to produce a gum-like substance. 

After that, the gum is pasteurized, which eliminates the bacteria and renders it safe for consumption. After filtering and drying, it is turned into a white powder that is used as an ingredient in numerous processed foods all over the world.

Can I Feed My Dog Xanthan Gum-Containing Food?

Although Xanthan gum is frequently used in pet foods, it is a little debatable because some people believe it could harm dogs. 

Commercial dog foods are frequently thickened with xanthan gum. It is frequently added to canned foods because it is a helpful ingredient that prevents the separation of wet dog food.

Small doses of xanthan gum are safe for dogs, but larger doses can result in diarrhea. It's unlikely that your dog will consume enough Xanthan gum from eating dog food that contains it to have an adverse effect on his health.

Because it is a food additive and many pet owners try to avoid it, some people worry that perhaps xanthan gum is bad for their pets. Since most dogs can tolerate small amounts of xanthan gum and only a small amount is added to canned pet foods, there is no need to avoid it. 

Due to the thickening agent, some very sensitive dogs may experience loose stools. While most veterinarians will state that xanthan gum has no effect on dogs, it is theoretically possible but extremely unlikely.

Why Is Xanthan Gum Considered Controversial?

Because it is a food additive and many pet owners try to avoid additives as much as possible when feeding their pets, xanthan gum has gained some attention. The production of xanthan gum is done through a natural process. The resulting gum wouldn't happen naturally even though the bacteria is natural.

Typically made from corn or wheat, the carbohydrate and sugar used to make xanthan gum are used in food products. Some dogs must avoid wheat if they have extremely sensitive stomachs because they are allergic to it. 

Although the corn or wheat will be filtered, the gum that is added to your pet's food may still contain very small amounts of these substances.

Although most dogs can safely consume xanthan gum, it shouldn't be confused with another ingredient that starts with the letter X. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is frequently present in foods that are sugar-free. 

Even in small amounts, it is extremely harmful to dogs. The best course of action is to avoid giving your dog any sugar-free treats if you notice that they contain xylitol.

Conclusion:  Dogs Can Eat Xanthan Gum

Due to how convenient and wholesome canned food is for dogs, many pet owners opt to feed their animals this way. Xanthan gum, which is made using a natural bacteria, is present in the majority of canned foods. 

Most dogs can eat xanthan gum without any problems, but in a few rare instances, dogs may be allergic to the substance. Since it's typically made with wheat or corn carbohydrates, it does contain traces of wheat.

 Xanthan gum may have an impact on some dogs who are gluten intolerant and highly sensitive to wheat.

Some pet owners prefer to completely avoid food additives and dislike feeding their animals processed foods. You should speak with your veterinarian before switching your pet's diet to a raw one. 

Making meals from scratch for your dog can take a lot of time, and you need to make sure they are getting all the right nutrients to prevent future health issues.