You might have wondered, “Can dogs eat corn?”. When given in moderation, corn is generally okay to give to dogs according to veterinary nutritionists. Since corn is one of the most known and affordable grains worldwide, you will see this as an ingredient in many dog foods.
Nevertheless, there are things that you need to take into consideration when giving vegetables such as spinach and corn to your dog. Let’s talk about everything you need to know about dogs and corn.
Can I Give Corn to My Dog?
Corn is an all-in-one food since it is a vegetable, grain, and fruit at the same time. The corn kernel, which is the edible plant part, has a lot of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins K, C, E, B, selenium, and folic acid.
Moreover, corn is a rich source of fiber and potassium. Even though it is high in carbohydrates, it only has little fat content and some protein. There are also phytochemicals such as carotenoids that many believe to have numerous health benefits that can prevent the development of chronic illnesses.
Now that you know what compounds are found in corn, is it safe to give corn to dogs? Can dogs eat canned corn? As mentioned, corn products are used to make dog food for many reasons. One of these is because corn is not expensive.
Even though corn allergy is not common in dogs, there are some dogs who can have an allergic reaction to corn. Therefore, it is best to practice caution when giving this to your dog.
Another thing you need to keep in mind is that corn allergies do not manifest right away. Even if your dog has not adversely reacted to corn, it might not be the case later on in his life.
Returning skin problems or digestion problems that cause loose bowels or diarrhea are some of the symptoms of corn allergy among dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Husks?
Even though they are not toxic to dogs, corn husks are not easy to digest. Depending on the number of husks eaten and the dog’s size, these can cause mild gas or severe intestinal problems if a piece of husk blocked his intestines.
Can I Give Corn from My Plate?
Corn does more than fill the tummy. It is a great source of fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, linoleic acids, and protein. Therefore, can you give dogs any type of corn you eat? Well, it is possible to share some of your corn from your plate.
Can dogs eat corn chips from my meal? For this, you have to remember that the corn you give has no oil, seasoning, salt, and unhealthy butter.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs?
A corn on the cob is very crucial when considering giving corn to your dogs. You might be thinking that letting your dog gnaw on the cob is a good way to divert his attention. However, if your dog accidentally bites the cob chunks and eats them, it could be dangerous.
Aside from the chunks being a choking hazard, they could also cause severe blockage in the intestines. Even though chunks of corn cobs may not cause harm to big dogs, small and medium-sized dogs are at a greater risk for obstruction.
If you saw or suspect your dog ingested it quickly, you should observe for any signs of distress such as straining when he poops, loss of appetite, whimpering, restlessness, vomiting, and stomachache. When you see any of these, you need to consult your veterinarian right away.
So, can dogs eat corn on the cob? Definitely not.
Can I Give Popcorn to My Dog?
If popcorn has no butter and salt, it can be a fun treat you can give your dog from time to time. Air-popped and flavorless popcorn has high fiber content. It can give your dog a boost of energy because of carbohydrates.
You have to make sure that the popcorn you prepare for your dog is all popped. When making popcorn, there are some pieces that do not pop. You have to remove these so that your dog will not have any gastrointestinal problems or indigestion.
When popcorn gets in between your dog’s teeth, it can cause gum disease or tooth decay. To avoid this, you should not give flavored or pre-packed popcorn to your dog as it has a lot of artificial flavoring, oil, and sodium.
Conclusion
Finally, it is okay to give some fresh produce to your dogs such as carrots and corn from time to time. After all, corn has nutrients that are helpful for your dog.