NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any foods or treats outside of the diet.
Dogs usually aren’t picky when begging for table scraps, whether that be shrimp, cucumbers, or … corn. But can dogs eat corn?
Corn is not toxic to dogs—in fact, it actually offers numerous health benefits. But there are some potential dangers in feeding corn to your dog, so it’s important to know how to give them this tasty snack safely.
Is Corn Good for Dogs?
Raw corn and cooked corn are safe for dogs to eat, in small portions, in moderation, and always off the cob. Frozen corn can be a fun, crunchy food topper for dogs—just make sure to watch them as they eat it to ensure they don’t choke.
Corn is a good source of protein, antioxidants, carbohydrates, linoleic acid, fat, and fiber. This veggie is rich with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, B, E, and K, magnesium, and potassium.
And any corn fed to your dog should always be completely plain—no butter, salt, or other ingredients. The high fat content of butter can lead to pancreatitis and obesity, and too much salt can cause salt poisoning in dogs.
If the corn has been cooked with onions or garlic, do not feed it to your dog. Both are toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Corncobs or Husks?
One of the most important things to remember when feeding corn to your dog is that it must be off the cob. Corncobs and corn husks will easily become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage in dogs.
If you think your dog ate a corncob, watch for the following symptoms:
If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you saw your dog eat the corncob or corn husks, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Corn?
Canned corn is not a good option for dogs because of its ultra-high sodium level. Remember: Large amounts of sodium are very unhealthy for dogs and can lead to salt poisoning.
Signs of salt poisoning in dogs are:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Lethargy
Incoordination
Excessive thirst or urination
Tremors
Seizures
Coma
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Tortillas?
Corn tortillas are typically high in sodium. Therefore, they should not be given to your dog as a treat. But if your dog ate only a small piece, it shouldn’t be a concern.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Chips?
Corn chips are also very high in sodium and often contain various preservatives and/or other chemical ingredients that aren’t healthy for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
Dogs can safely eat popcorn—in moderation and in small amounts—as long as it’s air-popped, completely plain, and free of unpopped kernels. Just remember that the butter, oils, and salts we usually put on our popcorn aren’t healthy for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Muffins or Cornbread?
Corn muffins and cornbread are not safe treats to feed your dog. Not only do they contain copious amounts of butter and salt, but they also contain sugar, which isn’t healthy for your pup to eat.
If you accidentally drop a small piece on the floor and your dog scarfs it up, they should be fine. But eating large amounts of cornbread, or eating it repeatedly over time, will cause numerous health issues.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Corn?
Yes, dogs can be allergic to corn, but most are not. In fact, corn is much less of a food allergy concern than other foods, like beef or dairy.
How to Safely Feed Corn to Dogs
If you want to feed some corn to your pup as a little treat or food topper, make sure it’s completely plain, not from a can, and off the cob.Treats of any kind should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food.
Featured Image: iStock/M_a_y_a
