You might have heard people say maize is just a “filler” in dog food. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Maize actually brings flavour, energy, and important nutrients that help dogs stay happy and healthy. That’s why it features in several of our trusted Country Pursuit recipes, including Original, Premium Chicken & Rice, and Premium Lamb, Rice & Tripe.

Here’s why maize deserves a spot in your dog’s diet.

Tasty and Appealing

Dogs love the flavour of maize. In fact, it’s been shown to taste better to them than ingredients like wheat, potatoes, or chickpeas. When cooked, maize develops a warm, toasty flavour that makes meals more enjoyable and keeps tails wagging at dinner time.

It’s one of the reasons dogs enjoy the taste of our Country Pursuit Original Adult Working Dog Food and Premium Chicken & Rice both designed to deliver great nutrition with flavours dogs can’t resist.

Packed with Good Nutrition

Maize is more than just energy. It provides protein building blocks that work well alongside ingredients like peas and soy. Maize oil is also full of linoleic acid, an essential fat that supports healthy skin and a shiny coat. And because it holds up well during cooking, your dog still gets all these benefits when the food reaches their bowl.

That’s exactly what you’ll find in Country Pursuit Premium Lamb, Rice & Tripe, a complete recipe where maize plays its part in balanced nutrition.

Gentle on Digestion

Despite the myths, maize is easy for dogs to digest when it’s cooked properly. The starch provides steady energy, while the natural fibre helps keep digestion smooth and stools well-formed. It also contains resistant starch, which supports a healthy gut—something every dog owner knows is important.

Our Country Pursuit Original recipe has been trusted by generations of dog owners for this very reason: it combines digestibility with balanced energy release.

Natural Antioxidants

Maize contains carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These are antioxidants that help protect your dog’s cells and support their immune system. Even after cooking, they remain available for your dog to absorb and use.

This makes maize more than just a background ingredient—it’s a quiet supporter of your dog’s everyday health.

The Takeaway

Maize isn’t a filler—it’s a nutritious, tasty ingredient that helps dogs thrive. From keeping coats glossy to supporting good digestion and immunity, maize plays a valuable role in complete and balanced dog food.

So, the next time you check the label and see maize, you can feel confident it’s there to help your dog live well and enjoy every meal.