At A Glance
Looking for healthy new food choices for your dog? No need to look too far because you probably have this food at home. It’s corn.
Continue reading to find out the benefits of serving corn to your dog.
Last Updated on: Feb 21, 2022
It’s the summer and this warm weather calls for some lovely barbecues in the backyard. And food like corn, on and off the cob, are staples during this weather. If you’ve caught your dog eyeing these treats, you’re probably wondering; ‘can my dog eat corn?’.
Some foods on the grill may be extremely unsafe for your dog, but luckily, corn off the cob doesn’t fall into that category.
Yes, your dog can eat corn. Feel free to share corn off the cob and corn kernels in small quantities with your dog. However, ensure that you don’t frequently feed them corn.
Moderation is key.
Corn is found in abundance in dog food. Most manufacturers prefer this grain because of how cheap it is. Additionally, nutritionists favor corn because of its nutritional value and agree that it can be a part of their diet.
Also, ensure to keep an eye on puppies and smaller dogs while they’re eating as they may end up choking on corn kernels.
Corn may be one of the cheapest grains out there but that isn’t only why it’s bought and used so extensively in dog food.
The grain is a great source of carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants, and linoleic acids. Particular sources of carbs like corn have loads of nutrients in them which are healthy for dogs. Moreover, corns are also a great source of fiber, which improves the overall health of the dog.
Is sweet corn good for dogs? It sure is, and can make for some fun variety in treats for your pet.
Corn off the cob is not bad for your dog unless they’re allergic to it. However, under any circumstances, you must never allow your dog to eat corn on the cob. That is extremely dangerous.
There is a high risk of your dog choking while eating corn on the cob – dogs tend to snap up food quite quickly, and if your dog swallows an entire cob, they can suffer from intestinal blockage, which leads to further complications.
You will notice some symptoms if your dog has ingested the cob. They are:
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, then immediately make an appointment with your vet.
You can feed your dog corn using various methods. Let’s look at a few methods to feed your dog some corn.
Canned corn is a good way to feed your dog some corn. However, canned corn usually is high in sodium and can lead to dehydration if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, select one with no added salt and extra ingredients.
Plus, it’s extremely high in fiber which is good for your dog. Don’t buy other variants like corn casseroles and creamed corn because they contain too much oil and fat.
Remember, you must feed your dog these items in moderation. Depending on how they are made, corn tortillas can have quite a bit of sodium in them. Also, cornbread is prepared with quite a lot of butter and other fats.
If your dog eats too much of this, it may suffer from diarrhea and upset stomachs and would subsequently develop obesity-related issues.
However, feeding your dog these items once in a while is alright, or using them as treats works as well. Just don’t overdo it.
As surprising as it may sound, popcorn is safe to eat for dogs. That is if the popcorn is unbuttered and unsalted. Plain, natural, and light popcorn can be used as a treat once in a while.
Popcorn has extra carbohydrates and fiber which boosts the dog’s energy.
Now, while preparing popcorn there are always some kernels that haven’t popped and end up staying at the bottom of the bowl.
You must either ensure to pop all the kernels or remove the extra ones while giving your dog popcorn.
This is because these pieces are often not digestible to dogs and can lead to an upset stomach.
Here is a list of some of the most asked questions on how good certain varieties of corn is for dogs.
If you have found yourself asking ‘can dogs eat sweet corn?’, then yes, your dog can certainly eat some sweet corn, as long as it’s off the cob.
The kernels of sweet corn have a lot of antioxidants, important fatty acids, and protein. Moreover, they are an amazing source of energy. Therefore, you can feed your dog sweet corn but only in moderation.
Can dogs have corn cobs? Absolutely not.
Even if your dog makes the most cute-looking puppy face, you must never give in. Corn on the cob may be okay for humans, but it can be devastating for dogs.
They can choke on the cob and if they happen to ingest the cob, they may suffer from intestinal blockage. Always keep corn on the cob away from dogs.
No, your dog cannot eat corn husks. Husks aren’t exactly toxic for your dog. However, they are quite difficult to digest.
Moreover, based on the size of the husk and the amount it has eaten, your dog may have a small bout of gas or extreme digestive problems. This usually happens if the husk has blocked the intestines.
Yes, but only sometimes.
However, you must always monitor your dog, especially small dogs because they may end up choking on the kernel. Also, the kernels must be off the cob.
Additionally, try avoiding giving salted kernels to dogs because excess salts can make dogs dehydrated.
It is alright for your dog to consume canned corn.
However, canned corn mostly contains high levels of sodium. And if consumed in large quantities, dogs can suffer from dehydration.
Unlike raw corn off the cob, canned corn has lesser levels of nutritional value. Remember to always drain it thoroughly and give them only a small amount of it.
To answer the question ‘can my dog eat corn’, yes they can! Corn off the cob is usually extremely healthy for dogs in small amounts.
Moreover, corn lends itself perfectly to various kinds of dog food as well. Therefore, if you’re looking for alternate sources of healthy foods for your dog, then corn off the cob is one of them! You can also try feeding your dog salmon!
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
