Can Dogs Eat Corn?

Can dogs eat corn? That is a question which comes in the minds of many and may just happen due to their dogs wanting to take some of that tasty corn for themselves.

If that is not enough, your dog might even give you the world’s cutest puppy eyes just to get some of that sweet corn for themselves to munch upon and be happy. In most terms, eating a corn can have its share of health benefits along with disadvantages if taken in high amounts.

In simple terms, yes, Dogs can indeed eat corns. But the real question an owner might wonder about is just how much should a dog eat corn and would it be good for them if they eat too much?
Keep reading below to know more about all this!

Nutritional Value of Corns for Dogs

Corns for dogs can have several health benefits granted that the dogs are fed corn in a controlled and moderated manner and in a clean way. Corns normally have several health benefits such as:

• Amino Acids and proteins: For maintaining good skin health and a nice fur color with the added touch of muscle strength is increased. Proteins help dogs by providing them energy to maintain being active for long periods.

• Antioxidants: Antioxidants mainly help make the immune system better and can help with inflammation-related disorders in dogs.

• Carbohydrates: While it is not an active requirement, carbohydrates can provide dogs with much-needed energy supplements and make sure that they experience less fatigue.

Besides these, Dogs can also get vitamins and fibers to further fulfill their nutritional needs of a dog to keep them fit and dandy in the long run. Omega-6 Fatty Acids are another component of corns that helps to ensure that a dog’s eyes remain healthy along with their coat color and skin.

How Should Serve Corn to Dogs?

Serving corns to dogs can almost be tricky for a first-timer who just has gotten into the habit of feeding their dog bits of corn, can dogs eat corns? If you are serving corns to your dog, make sure to wash them up first and also make sure that the corns do not have any sort of garnishing such as salt, pepper and butter.

Do make sure to never, never let your dog ingest the corn’s cob, doing so will cause intestinal obstruction and toxicity which might prove fatal for your dog. Other than that, you may safely provide your dog corns that are either cooked, off-cob or even canned in some cases. Just make sure to not feed them in heavy amounts as it may cause harmful effects to a dog.

When Is Corn Safe and Unsafe for Dogs to Eat?

Can dogs eat corn? Corns are normally safe to eat for dogs provided that they are well cooked, without the cob and without any sort of garnishing such as salt. Dogs should also be monitored when given kernels to eat as they may act as potential choking hazard. Kernels should be popped to make them easier to swallow, the cob on the corn should also never be chewed or ingested.

As long as you feed your dog corn under small amounts and strict moderation, your dog will only acquire the benefits in the long run. Otherwise, a dog eating corns in large and uncontrolled amounts may face serious medical issues such as a diarrhea, canine bloat (GDV) or vomiting etc… If you do encounter these in your dog, take them to a vet immediately.

Benefits of Corn for Dogs

As corns are composed of various proteins and nutrients such as Omega-6 Fatty Acids such as Linoleic Acid, Carotenoids and antioxidants, your dog will mostly acquire extreme amounts of health benefits from them. Phytochemicals in particular like Carotenoids are known to specifically increase the workings of an immune system of a dog and makes sure that they remain disease free.

As long as dogs are given corns as treat, they can be expected to gain other nutrients such as carbohydrates, fibers and vitamins to increase the better functioning of other parts of their bodies and overall make them less prone to getting ill or facing bone related issues.

Read More: Can dogs have Feta Cheese?

Bad Effects of Corns for Dogs

While corns are good feed for dogs as occasional treats, feeding too much of corns to dogs can have their fair share of side effects which may drastically impair them such as: Diarrhea, vomiting or obesity. Other ways corns can be bad for dogs can be such as when they are served canned corns, which may induce salt poisoning of them due to the high contents of sodium in them.

Feeding your dog even accidentally pieces of the cob on the corn may lead to them getting toxicity and facing gastrointestinal blockage, this will require the immediate intervention from an animal vet lest the dog may face certain fatality. If your corn happens to be salted or buttered, then feeding your dog those as a treat will also cause them lethargy and dehydration if fed for longer periods.

Conclusion

While corns are good to feed for dogs as occasional treats, feeding too much of corns to dogs can have their fair share of side effects that may drastically impair them such as Diarrhea, vomiting, or obesity. Another way corns can be bad for dogs can be such as when they are served canned corns, which may induce salt poisoning of them due to the high contents of sodium in them.

Feeding your dog even accidentally pieces of the cob on the corn may lead to them getting toxicity and facing gastrointestinal blockage, this will require immediate intervention from an animal vet lest the dog may face certain fatality. If your corn happens to be salted or buttered, then feeding your dog those as a treat will also cause them lethargy and dehydration if fed for longer periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs commonly have allergies to corn?
While dogs are normally fine with eating corn, some dogs may experience allergic reactions to corn which may be indicated by them experiencing: Hives, itchy skin, rashes, breathing problems. Allergies might even develop spontaneously in some dogs, therefore, you should consult a vet before feeding your dog corns.

Can dogs eat corn on the cob?
No, dogs should never eat corn on the cob as they can act as extreme choking hazard and will easily cause them gastrointestinal blockage, which will need a quick intervention from a vet.

Can my dog eat canned corn?
Dogs can certainly eat canned corn, but as canned corns are normally high in sodium levels, they may cause your dog issues such as: Dehydration and sodium poisoning. Make sure to not feed your dog too much of canned corn or even avoid it altogether.

Can my dogs eat corn in popcorn form?
As long as the popcorns are popped and not garnished with any sort of butter, salt or other seasonings, then feeding your dog slight amounts of popped popcorns will not hurt them. Make sure to not feed them popcorns that are not popped since they may act as choking hazard.

Can my dog eat corn that is not canned?
Dogs certainly can eat corns that are not canned, in fact, eating corns that are not canned will be much better for dogs. Non-canned corns mostly are plain and will not have too much of sodium content in them.

Can dogs eat sweet corn?
Yes, dogs can safely eat sweet corns as long as they are well-cooked and the cobs or the corns on the cobs are not consumed. Sweet corns content fibers and carbohydrates which will provide dogs with energy.

Can dogs eat corn kernels?
Dogs can certainly eat corn kernels, just make sure to feed your dog small amounts of kernel as they may act as potential choking hazard. This can be even more apparent in dogs that are slightly smaller or those who eat too fast.

Can dogs eat corn flour?
Corn flour is a common component of many dog foods, therefore, it is completely safe for dogs to eat. Although, corn flour by itself has low nutritional values and won’t provide your dog with much energy.

Can puppies eat corn?
Corns are perfectly safe for puppies to eat provided that only one or two kernels are provided to puppies as too much will act as a choking hazard for them, only plain corn should be fed to puppies.

Can dogs eat corn husks?
While corn husks are not toxic to dogs, they are also not easily digestible and may cause your dog to have problems related to gas and may even cause choking in some cases.

Can dogs eat corn chips?
As most corn chips are filled with artificial ingredients and seasonings, it is generally recommended to not feed such chips to your dog. Although a few occasions in a week or two won’t hurt.

Can dogs eat corn flakes?
Corn flakes generally do not have protein and are high in carbohydrates, therefore, feeding too many corn flakes to your dogs may only cause them obesity. Feeding the flakes to your dog in small amounts as a treat will be safe, however.

Can dogs have kettle corn?
It is generally not recommended for dogs to have kettle corn as they contain high amounts of sugar and may cause your dog stomach-related problems and dehydration due to high amounts of sodium.

Can dogs eat corn nuts?
Corn nuts include artificial flavoring, added sugar, and high sodium content. Therefore, it would be the best idea to avoid feeding your dog corn nuts in the long run as they can also be a choking hazard. Small amounts won’t hurt specifically.

Can dogs eat cornmeal?
Dogs certainly can eat cornmeal, however, they should only be fed such in low amounts and a vet should also be consulted as the dog might be allergic to cornmeal. Too much can also cause weight gain.

Can dogs eat frozen corn?
Dogs can eat frozen corn, they should however be boiled first and only be fed in small amounts. Make sure to serve your dog the boiled frozen corn without any seasonings such as salt.