Can Dogs Eat Corn?

Written by: Kristina Lalovic
Should dogs eat corn? What about corn on the cob, popcorn or corn tortillas? Discover which forms of corn are safe to share with dogs and which ones can be dangerous.

Corn is a delicious food everybody loves. Canned corn, corn on the cob or even in the form of tortillas or chips, are definitely among ingredients that are widely used in most diverse cuisines.

But can dogs have some of this yummy cereal grain? Before deciding to feed your pup with corn, you should know which food are safe and which ones can be harmful or toxic to his organism.

Let’s discover if corn in all of its creative forms can be fed to dogs!

Can Dogs Eat Corn?

Luckily, yes. It is not unsafe to feed your dog with corn. In fact, most commercial dog foods actually contain corn. But, there are some rules you’ll have to follow if you want to share some of it with your pup.

Even if corn is not considered to be harmful to your dog’s tummy, you shouldn’t overfeed him with it. Small amounts will be just enough to let your dog enjoy corn in the safest of ways.

Can Dogs Eat Corn Kernels?

It’s clear that if corn is safe for dogs then corn kernels are fine too. BUT! Small dogs might choke on a kernel, which is why you should always keep an eye your dog when he’s eating them.

In other cases, corn kernels are safe to share with dogs if they are unsalted. Dogs should not eat anything with salt on it!

Is Corn Healthy For Dogs?

Corn is healthy for dogs. Dog foods do not contain it only because it’s cheap and makes the texture of the food better and softer, but they include this grain because of its nutritional benefits too.

Corn is a great source of protein, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. The carbs found in corn will provide your dog with essential proteins, fats and fiber which altogether helps in promoting gut health.

Another nutrient corn contains is linoleic acid which is a omega-6 fatty acid that promotes healthy growth, boosts your dog’s immune system and helps your dog’s hair and skin stay healthy.

Corn preserves most nutrients when properly cooked, so if you’re looking for the best way to serve them to your dog: Cook your corn and don’t salt it!

Can Dogs Be Allergic To Corn?

Although this is very rare as it affects less than one percent of dogs, there are still some dogs that might be allergic to corn. In this case you will have to provide your dog with a corn-free diet, which means: No corn for your pup!

You would probably notice this by now, as your pup would have a reaction to dog foods that contain corn, but, in order to be 100% sure, always start with feeding your dog with just a couple of corn kernels. Wait to see if your furry friend is behaving normally in the following 24 hours. If yes, you might feed him with a bit more of corn next time. If you see changes in stool and bowel movement, chances are your dog might be allergic to this nutritious grain.

If your dog often suffers from lethargy, diarrhea, or other digestive problems, you might have to bring your dog to do a food sensitivity test.

Can Dogs Have Corn On The Cob?

You should better avoid feeding your dog with corn on the cob. Dogs love to eat, and they sometimes swallow food before even chewing it. That’s why giving your dog to eat corn on the cob might cause him to choke on a piece of cob. Not only, but a swallowed cob might cause an intestinal blockage that might end up in an urgent surgery. So, when it comes to corn on the cob, skip it!

If you really want to feed him with some corn, take the niblets off the cob and feed it to your dog from your hand.

Can My Dog Have Popcorn?

A couple of unsalted and unbuttered pieces of popcorn are completely fine as occasional treats. Plain popcorn are light on the stomach, but still high in fiber and carbohydrates which will make it a great snack that will boost your pup’s energy.

So, when it comes to popcorn you should only feed natural, air-popped ones and skip the salted and buttered popcorn. Make sure that all the corn is actually popped! Pieces that haven’t popped are not digestible and can lead to an upset tummy or to a tooth problem.

Can Dogs Have Corn Chips/Tortillas?

No. Dogs shouldn’t be fed with corn chips or corn tortillas.

Although your dog will surely digest a corn tortilla much easier than a regular, plain tortilla, it is still not recommended to feed him with it.

Tortilla chips made of corn aren’t a good option either. Not only are they too processed and usually fried, but they often contain salt and other spices that are harmful for dogs.

Conclusion

Corn is safe for dogs to eat if served in the right way. Pups should never be feed corn on the cob, as they could accidentally ingest a piece of cob that could result in choking or intestinal blockage.

On the other hand, corn kernels are perfectly fine to share in small amounts if cooked, unsalted and unseasoned. Not only will it be safe to feed your dog with some properly served corn, but it will also be beneficial and provide him with some healthy nutrients.

Corn tortillas and corn tortilla chips are not among foods that should be given to dogs, as they are not easily digestible.