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Can Dogs Eat Corn? All You Need To Know!

If your dog gives you his best begging expression at dinner, it might be difficult to resist giving him a few bites off your plate.

Corn, particularly corn on the cob, is one of the most beloved cereals for humans; but, can dogs eat corn?

Yes, your dog may safely consume maize, a frequent ingredient in commercial pet food.

Continue reading "Can Dogs Eat Corn? All You Need To Know!" by BestForPets (bestforpets.org) to find out if maize offers any nutritional advantages for your dog and how much they may consume.

In addition, we will examine the one precaution you must take while feeding your dog maize and whether or not this meal might create allergies.

Is Corn Healthy For My Dog?

If you follow online discussions about pet food, you know that corn has a poor reputation as an ingredient. Corn is frequently rejected as “filler” and blamed for dietary intolerances, making it one of the elements “premium” pet food consumers despise.

Yet, corn is nutritionally beneficial in pet food and as a treat for your dog. Corn is a readily digestible source of carbohydrates that dogs need for energy.

This grain is also a cheap source of protein, notably corn gluten. Moreover, corn contains vital amino acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants for dogs.

But wait, you may object, aren’t canines carnivores? Can they absorb and utilize plant-based nutrients, such as corn?

In contrast to cats, who are real carnivores, dogs are technically omnivores that have evolved the capacity to consume plant matter.

Your dog may reap the nutritional advantages of corn whether it is in their food or if it falls off the dinner table.

Does Corn Cause Food Allergies?

Corn in pet food is frequently criticized for triggering food allergies in dogs. While grains like maize are frequently blamed for itchy, gassy dogs, the fact is that most food allergies are caused by animal proteins. Beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, and pork ingredients are significantly more likely to cause an allergic reaction in your dog than corn.

Any food can cause an allergic reaction, and some dogs can be sensitive to maize, but it is not as frequent as you might expect. The plant-based components most likely to cause food allergies are wheat and soy.

Food allergies can be difficult to diagnose since their symptoms might mirror those of several other diseases. Do not assume that maize or other additives are the cause of your dog’s itchiness or diarrhea. Consult a veterinarian for the diagnosis and treatment of your dog’s medical conditions.

How to Feed Your Dog Corn

Like any people meal, even healthy ones, corn should only be provided to your dog in limited amounts as a treat. Most of your dog’s daily calories should come from a nutritionally balanced commercial diet (which may or may not include corn!)

If your dog like corn, provide unseasoned kernels devoid of salt, butter, oil, and other additives. Try scattering kernels on their food or simply allowing them to consume them plain. You may also feed your dog popcorn as a snack but avoid salt or fat additions.

A Word of Warning When Feeding Your Dog Corn

While maize is safe for your dog to consume, corncobs are not. Corncob chewing may seem like a harmless pastime, but your dog can easily bite off and swallow pieces that can become lodged in its intestines.

Many a pup has plundered the dumpster after a summer BBQ only to find themselves requiring surgery a few days later to remove a corncob from their stomach.

To keep your dog safe after a dinner that included corn-on-the-cob, dispose of the cobs in a secure trash container or take them directly to the outside bin.

Never purposefully give your dog a corn cob. Take the kernels for their consumption and retain the cob.

Conclusion

Corn is one of several human foods that are healthy and beneficial for your dog’s health.

Yet, as noted in “Can Dogs Eat Corn? All You Need To Know!” by BestForPets (bestforpets.org), consider that not all dogs can eat human food, and even non-toxic things such as maize might irritate their stomachs.

Even with their big, pleading eyes, your dog doesn’t need corn or any other human food they may beg for.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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