Corn is a popular food, particularly in the summertime. Corn is also an ingredient in many prepared foods, including dog food. But is corn bad for dogs, or is corn okay for dogs? Corn can be safe for dogs, but not every kind, nor should they eat it every day. Dogs can eat corn, but what types are okay, and can dogs digest corn? Our experts have the answers you need so you can save yourself a trip to the vet.
Can Dogs Have Corn?
First off, is corn okay for dogs? Yes. Cooked, canned, and off-cob corn kernels are perfectly fine and healthy for dogs. Humans commonly eat corn with salt, pepper, and butter, so make sure the corn is washed and free from those things before sharing it with your dog.
Can My Dog Eat Corn?
Many dogs can. However, some dogs may have a corn allergy. You might try an at-home allergy test before giving your dog corn to make sure your pup does not have any allergies. If not, you should be fine to give dogs corn in moderation.
Is Corn Safe For Dogs?
As long as they do not have any corn allergies, corn is perfectly safe for dogs to eat. Corn has some nutritional benefits as well. Corn is a good source of:
- Protein and amino acids – for strong muscles and healthy hair
- Linoleic acid and Omega-6 fatty acid – helps maintain a good coat and immune system
- Antioxidants and vitamin E – promote good immunity
- Fiber – critical for gut health
- Carbohydrates – used as an energy source
Is Corn Poisonous To Dogs?
Is corn bad for dogs? If corn is fresh and properly cooked, without any added seasonings, it should not be poisonous. Learn more about the symptoms of poisoning in dogs.
Can Puppies Eat Corn?
It is not a good idea to give puppies any type of solid, human food until they are an adult and have fully adjusted to a balanced, nutritious meal routine. This includes corn. Their digestive systems are not developed enough to break it down properly. Learn more about the best puppy foods to ensure your dog gets top nutrition.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs?
Are you wondering, “Can dogs eat corn on the cob?” Dogs and corn cobs are a big no-no. Why is corn on the cob bad for dogs? Your dog could swallow the cob, causing a gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction. Corn cobs are also a choking hazard and have no nutritional benefits.
Can dogs chew on corn cobs? It might be tempting to give it to them to chew on, but do not. Can dogs digest corn cobs? No, which is why it’s not a good idea to let them get their paws on a cob.
My Dog Ate A Corn Cob: What Should I Do?
If you think your dog has swallowed a corn cob, you should call your vet immediately for advice. If you cannot reach your vet, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661 or use our “Ask A Vet” feature to chat with a veterinary professional and get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are unsure that your dog swallowed the cob, keep an eye out for symptoms, including loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, which could be signs of an intestinal blockage.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Husks?
Just like the skin of any fruit or vegetable, a corn husk can be difficult to digest. Yes, technically, it’s possible for them to eat it. However, it is not recommended for a number of reasons. For starters, there is no nutritional benefit, and it can cause gas.
Why Is Corn Bad For Dogs?
Dogs can eat corn, but it’s best to go easy on the portions. Corn has the highest starch content among all whole vegetables. And like any carbohydrate, consuming too much of it can cause obesity. Raw corn can be harder to digest and cause stomach upset, which owners should keep in mind.
What Types Of Corn Can Dogs Eat?
Here’s a list of common corn types and other products that contain corn. Our experts tell you if they are okay for dogs to eat or not.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Chips?
One or two unseasoned chips probably won’t hurt your pup. But corn chips are full of oils and fats. Don’t give your dog a seasoned corn chip, especially anything that contains garlic.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Corn?
While it is safe to give your dog canned corn, it’s usually filled with sodium and salt, which can cause dehydration and salt poisoning. Be sure to wash canned corn thoroughly before feeding it to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Flakes?
Yes, corn flakes are okay for dogs to eat. But don’t give a dog corn flakes regularly as snacks. They do not hold much nutritional value for them.
Can Dogs Eat Sweetcorn?
As long as it’s off the cob and cooked, sweet corn is okay for dogs to eat and has all the same benefits as regular corn.
Can Dogs Eat Baby Corn?
It’s okay for dogs to eat baby corn, but make sure you cut it into small pieces so they do not choke, especially if you have a smaller dog. Though much smaller, baby corn is still a choking hazard.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Starch?
Can dogs have corn starch? Yep! No need to worry.
Can Dogs Have Kettle Corn?
No, dogs should not eat kettle corn. The hard, sweet popcorn kernels can upset their stomach, scratch their throat, and cause abdominal pain. In addition, added sugar is not healthy for pets. Learn more about if it’s okay for dogs to eat popcorn.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Nuts?
Processed food like corn nuts (and chips) is not advised for dogs. They are typically deep-fried and seasoned with lots of artificial ingredients. Along with that, these are hard to chew and can be a choking hazard. For these reasons, pups should stay away from corn nuts.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Dogs?
The popular hotdog and bread combo will not hurt dogs. But both are high in salt and fat, which are not ideal for pups and can lead to more serious problems down the road if you feed your dog corn dogs often.
Can Dogs Have Corn Tortillas?
Read the label first (if you can). Corn tortillas often have other ingredients, such as flour, which your dog could be allergic to. Otherwise, one or two bites are okay. Do not overdo it. Moderation is key when feeding dogs any processed corn product.
Can Dogs Eat Cornmeal?
Cornmeal or cornflour is basically dried corn kernels ground down to a flour or meal form. They are typically used as a starch to make baked goods. So yes, dogs can eat cornmeal in moderation — as long as the other ingredients it is mixed with are also safe for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Muffins?
Corn muffins, made from cornmeal, are okay to eat on occasion. Like any bread, cornbread and corn muffins can be filling and are full of empty calories. Additionally, unless you have baked them yourself, they may contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs to eat.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Corn?
Since frozen corn is small and bite-sized, giving it to dogs shouldn’t be an issue. If you give your dog frozen corn, monitor him to make sure he doesn’t choke when swallowing or has any trouble chewing. Also, frozen anything can be hard on a dog’s teeth, so be careful.
While this food is safe for your dog in small servings, not every fruit or vegetable is okay. Also hazardous are many inedible items and dangerous chemicals they come across every day. Simply eating a stick or debris in the yard could cause problems. Your pup is sure to encounter unexpected dangers and health concerns as they age. Pet insurance can decrease financial worry so you can focus on your dog’s health and recovery should an emergency arise.
Dog Eating Corn On The Cob (Video)
Watch as this dog carefully eats corn off the cob. Notice how the owner is holding the cob and helping rotate it so he can eat it easily. It might make for a fun way to impress your friends at a barbeque, but the corn kernels could get stuck in their teeth and could be problematic, especially for smaller dogs.
What Other Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Wondering what else you can give your dog besides corn? In addition to popcorn, get up to speed on which foods are and aren’t safe for dogs to eat and drink and what to do if your dog has an upset stomach. If you are interested in adding fresh foods to your dog’s diet, there are plenty of top-notch, fresh, and human-grade options to consider.