Corn is on many plates for dinner every night, but can dogs eat it? In this helpful post, we will cover everything you need to know about feeding your dog corn.
Pet parents and friends know from experience that not all human food is good for their dogs. Chocolate, cherries, and onions are good examples of food substances that should never be given to dogs.
That’s why it’s important to know whether the snack we share with our dogs is healthy for them or not. As we are in the BBQ season, and cobs are a grilling staple, then we have to answer the question: can dogs eat corn?
The quick answer is yes, they can, and they love it! However, corn is best served in moderation and particular forms should be avoided completely. So, let’s dive in more so you know exactly how to serve corn to your dogs!
What Are the Benefits of Corn for Dogs?
Corn contains balanced amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and oils. The high fiber content of corn also helps in keeping the dog’s digestion in good shape. This in turn enhances its metabolism, immunity, and overall well-being. Corn has a high content of carbohydrates, but it’s mostly used up in increasing the dog’s energy level.
It’s also particularly rich in the nutrients listed below, all of which contribute to good health.
- Vitamins B1 (thiamine)
- Vitamin B9 (folate)
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Vitamin C
What Is the Allowable Amount of Corn for Dogs?
Corn is a high-energy food that contains a sizable amount of calories. This is often countered by its fiber and protein content, but still, corn consumption is known to cause a spike in insulin. This means that an excessive intake of corn could cause significant weight gain.
Several factors should also be considered, like the dog’s activity level, age, and breed. A muscular big dog that jumps about all day can get away with consuming large amounts of corn, while a couch potato that spends the day napping should steer clear from that food.
Another important point is that corn is already present in many kinds of dog food. The actual daily consumption is then the dog’s regular meals plus any other snacks that might contain corn.
Are All Forms of Corn Safe for Dogs?
We just mentioned that dog food usually contains corn. In addition, there’s grilled corn on a cob, popcorn, and corn muffins. Dogs can have some of these, but not all.
Corn on the cob: A dog should never get a cob to munch on. Dogs are known to swallow the whole thing, and this is a serious choking hazard. Also, the cob might be ingested, but it could get stuck in the dog’s intestines. This too is a serious matter.
Corn kernels: Finally, corn could get stuck in a dog’s teeth and the kernels might wedge themselves close to its gums. This could cause inflammation in the dog’s mouth and so it’s best to brush the dog’s teeth after such meals.
Popcorn: Popcorn is another hearty snack that dogs really like. In its simple form, popcorn that’s popped using hot air is great for dogs. That is, before any butter, salt, and flavors are added to it. Care should also be taken to avoid giving the dog any unpopped kernels. These are often hard to digest.
Candy Corn: This popular Halloween candy should never be given to dogs, but they can have these easy Candy Corn Dog Popsicles!
In Conclusion
Corn is a healthy snack that dogs can enjoy, as long as it’s in a simple unflavored form. It’s a nutritious grain that many dog food brands include in their pet food due to its nutrient content.
It’s best to offer corn in moderation, as its high carbohydrate content might contribute to the dog’s weight gain after a while.