"Whole corn kernels, unmilled."
Raw whole corn retains its bran and germ, providing some fiber and micronutrients alongside its starch — nutritionally closer to a whole grain than the refined derivatives (cornmeal, corn flour, corn starch) that dominate cheaper foods. Grinding it into meal or flour strips out most of that fiber and germ, raising the glycemic load without adding anything back. Corn is also a common allergen for sensitive dogs. Score: 4/10.
A real but unresolved concern: often an ongoing FDA/AAFCO research question (like the grain-free/DCM investigation), a common allergen, or a vague-but-not-alarming label claim. -2.5 pts deducted.
Rated C (-2.5 pts) by PetPro-tectors™. Raw whole corn retains its bran and germ, providing some fiber and micronutrients alongside its starch — nutritionally closer to a whole grain than the refined derivatives (cornmeal, corn flour, corn starch) that dominate cheaper foods. Grinding it into meal or flour strips out most of that fiber and germ, raising the glycemic load without adding anything back. Corn is also a common allergen for sensitive dogs. Score: 4/10.
Whole corn kernels, unmilled.