Can Dogs Eat Corn?

Hands up if you love corn on the cob as a delicious summer snack! Even the mere mention of this sweet yellow treat is enough to get many stomachs rumbling. But if you want to share some with your canine pal, it’s only right to ask — can dogs eat corn?

The answer is yes, dogs can eat corn — but only when it’s been removed from the cob. Don’t give your pup the whole thing as the cob stalk can be a choking risk. Corn should also only ever be given in moderation as well. For more details on all things corn for dogs, keep reading to discover how to share the ingredient with your dog safely.

This guide will tell you these key takeaways:

• It’s safe for dogs to eat corn, providing it’s unseasoned, off the cob and only served in modest amounts
• Corn for dogs can be actually be nutritious, given that it contains fiber, vitamins and antioxidants
• Parents should think of corn as a treat for dogs, as it’s carb-heavy and too much could lead to weight gain
• Dogs can also eat popcorn and canned corn with the same caveats — no potentially toxic seasonings and only in modest amounts

Corn has been a part of humans’ diets since it was first cultivated in Mexico at some point between 7,000 and 10,000 years ago. Dogs love the taste of corn too, but seeing as they’re prone to eating all sorts of things that aren’t particularly good for their insides, parents will naturally ask is corn safe for dogs?

The answer is yes, although there are some buts. Here are the ways in which parents must serve corn for dogs if they wish to do so.

Corn Can't Eaten Straight Off The Cob

Humans love to gnaw corn straight off the cob, but can dogs eat corn cobs? The answer is a definite no. The main issue is they might be tempted to wolf the whole thing down in one go, which would pose a choking hazard. If they manage to swallow the cob or part of it, this could cause an intestinal obstruction, a problem that requires urgent veterinary attention.

Corn Must Be Unsalted

Parents need to watch their salt consumption, but the amounts that are safe for them could prove dangerous for a dog. Salt poisoning can lead to dehydration, illness or even death in dogs, so be sure that any corn given to them is unsalted.

Corn Must Be Unseasoned

There are certain herbs and spices that are safe for humans to consume, but potentially toxic to a dog’s insides. When giving corn for dogs, it’s best to be safe and only pass it on as nature intended. That means no seasoning whatsoever.

Corn Should Only Be Given to Dogs In Moderation

As is so often the case with many foods, moderation is key when it comes to corn for dogs. Parents should only use corn as an occasional treat and the ingredients should consist of no more than 10% of their dog’s daily caloric intake.

Now that we’ve established that corn is safe for dogs provided it’s prepared in the right way, the next question that follows is why give it to them in the first place? Is corn good for dogs as well as being tasty?

The truth is that corn for dogs can provide some health benefits. It’s a good source of fiber, which promotes proper digestion and a healthy gut. Corn also contains B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants.

While corn is a source of protein, it’s heavier in carbohydrates — in fact, the ingredient is sometimes used as a filler ingredient in dog food in place of more desirable components, such as meat and vegetables.

It’s not a good idea to feed your dog too many carbohydrates, especially if they’re a breed prone to weight gain and obesity. That’s why it’s important to only feed corn for dogs in moderation.

Just as corn for dogs is OK providing it’s in a suitable form and small amounts, the same is true of popcorn. Yes, dogs can eat popcorn, but there are a few caveats.

Namely, popcorn needs to be plain and unseasoned (don’t even think of giving your pet buttered, sugary or salty popcorn). It needs to be completely ‘popped’ as hard kernels can present choking hazards. 

And by the way, we’re only talking a modest amount here — a handful will be more than enough for extra-large breeds and toy breeds should be given no more than three pieces. 

Think of it as another tasty and nutritious treat to give to your dog, but not something that can replace their meals.

As a form of corn for dogs that’s not on the cob, canned corn could be a good option for parents looking to introduce this ingredient to their dog’s diet — however, they need to look at the packaging beforehand to ensure that the contents are corn and only corn.

Avoid products containing excess salt or oil in the ingredient list, as these can lead to health problems.

Just because dogs can eat corn doesn’t mean it’s a completely safe food. There are a few risks you should be aware of before letting your pup chow down on some corn:

• Choking hazard. If you’re thinking of giving your dog corn on the cob, think again. Your dog might be tempted to wolf the whole thing down in one go, and the cob could potentially be a choking hazard.

• Could cause an intestinal blockage. Another reason why you should never give your dog corn on the cob is that it can cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed. This can be a serious problem, so seek urgent veterinary attention if your dog starts showing any symptoms of an intestinal obstruction.

• Must be unsalted. If you like to add salt to corn when cooking, you won’t be able to share this delicious veggie with your pup. Too much salt can cause dehydration, illness, and even death for dogs, so it’s not recommended for your furry friend.

• Make sure it hasn’t been seasoned. It’s also important that you never give your dog corn that has been cooked in any sort of seasoning or oil that may be unsafe for dogs to consume. So if you’re thinking of sharing any corn off your plate with your dog, make sure it hasn’t been prepared with anything that could be toxic to dogs.

• Only in moderation. Corn should be considered a treat for dogs, so it should only ever be fed in small amounts. The general recommendation is that treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. 

But as long as you avoid giving your pooch corn on the cob, and always make sure the corn you feed has been prepared correctly, it’s fine for your dog to eat corn kernels as an occasional snack. A tasty summer snack that you and your dog can enjoy together — what’s not to love about that?

If your dog has eaten something they really shouldn’t have (trust us, this happens a lot), you’ll want the swift assistance of a trusted vet — the right pet insurance policy will ensure this can happen when you and your dog need it most