The United States Of America grows corn much more than other countries in the world, making them the world’s largest corn-producing country. China, Nigeria, Brazil, Argentina & Mexico also produce large amounts of the staple food on their farms.
Alongside rice, millet, wheat, and potatoes, corn is referred to as a staple food because of its growing dominance among other crops and its constant consumption worldwide.
Apart from humans, pets such as dogs can also eat corn. Veterinary dietary aides generally accept that corn meals won’t pose a problem to dogs. They agree that corn, in fact, can be served alongside a dog’s regular diet.
This article is a definitive guide to provide insight into the question, “Can Dogs Eat Corn?” Analyzing Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, and Safe Ways to Serve Corn to Dogs.
Common Uses Of Corn In Human Foods
Can dogs eat corn that is sweetened? What kind of corn is suitable for dogs? In many parts of the world, Maise can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as roasted or boiled.
It is also used to produce sweeteners, cornmeal, porridge, and bread. Cornstarch ( serves as a sweetener & thickening agent in homemade & processed meals ), corn oil, and other sweeteners like corn syrup are also produced with corn.
Cornmeal is produced out of dried, ground maise. Polenta and sadza communities in Italy and Zimbabwe, respectively, cook porridge by using cornmeal. Cornmeal is widely used for cornbread, tortilla, and masa as well after treating with limewater.
Common Uses Of Corn In Pet Foods
Dog food producers do not use the “sweetener” type of corn “sweet corn” to produce pet food. Field Corn is the widely used corn variety in pet food production. Even cattle and other animals, apart from dogs, also feed on field corn.
Animals benefit greatly from vitamin E, lutein, linoleic fatty acids, and beta-carotene antioxidants in corn because it keeps essential cell components from possible damage. Aside from Field Corn, mashed corn is another digestible and absorbable corn variety that can be fed to pets.
Understanding Corn
Corn is a widely used reference name for Maize (Zea Mays); it is an annually grown starchy staple food that has an equal number of seeds in each row, coated by an elongated husk.
Corn is classified as a vegetable by vegetarians, kernel lovers as cereal, and botanists call it a fruit.
Types Of Corn
Corn comes in not only different types (Species) but also different colours. The colour of each corn is used to determine its specie (Type).
Corn is of three major categories: Flint corn, Dent corn, and Sweet corn (Which consists of subcategories, namely: Yellow, White, and Bicolor corn).
The three popular categories of corn all provide a lot of characteristics, applications, and attributes. We will mention the types of corn, their major attributes, and their cooking applications.
1. Flint Corn
The Flint corn is durable and tough; it is mostly very dry and comes in many different colours. Popcorn producers majorly use Flint corn, used to make cornmeal porridge dishes in Italy (Polenta) and decorations.
2. Dent Corn
Dent corn is a variety that is mostly used in pet meals, and this is the type of corn dogs can eat. It is starchy in nature and does not have much sugar content; small dimples are observed in each of this variety’s kernels.
Dent Corn is best used for animal feed, cornmeal & grits, alcohol fermentation (production of whiskey), tortilla chips, and processed meals.
3. Sweet Corn
As mentioned above, this category consists of subcategories, namely: Yellow, White, and bicolour corn. It is very juicy and sweet and must be eaten fresh because its shelf life is extremely short.
Sweet corn is generally accepted as a salad sweetener (spread) and used for spoon bread, corn porridge, and creamed corn meals.
More On Corn: Can Dogs Eat Popcorn: Is Popcorn Safe for Your Dog?
Composition Of Corn
One of the major reasons this staple food is accepted worldwide and consumed greatly is its nutritional value, what with the essential fatty acids, proteins, and carbohydrates.
However, – depending on the variety (Specie) – Nutritional components such as vitamins B and C, folic acid, phosphorus, manganese, provitamin A, magnesium, dietary fibre, natural sugar, zinc, selenium, iron, copper, low levels of sodium, calcium, protein, and potassium are gotten just by consuming corn.
If corn meals are a part of your dog’s regular diet, you should be aware that corn lacks healthy growth essential amino acids like tryptophan and lysine, so it needs to be provided in the form of protein meals along with corn.
The nutritional content and composition of corn vary tremendously; this variation is determined by specific coloured pigments universally called carotenoids.
Carotenoids are also called provitamin A or beta carotene. When consumed, normal metabolism converts it to pure vitamin A in the body.
Answering the question; Can dogs eat corn is very important because dogs that consume vitamin A foods have better vision and antioxidants than dogs that do not. Therefore, corn is an excellent meal for dogs in addition to vegetables, fruits, and pet meals.
Listed below are proportional figures of the nutritional composition that benefited from a typing serving of corn (Maize)
Corn-Derived Calories And Their Daily Value
Calories: 132 Calories From Fat: 16
Nutritional Profile Daily Value
Saturated Fat – 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat – 1g.
Monounsaturated Fat – 1g
Total Fat: 2g 13%
Cholesterol – 0mg 0%
Sodium – 23g 1%
Dietary fibre – 4g
Sugar – 5g
Total Carbohydrates: 9g 10%
Protein – 5g
Vitamins & Minerals Derived From Corn And Their Daily Value
VitaminA 6% Calcium 0% Thiamine 21% Vitamin C 17%
Niacin 13% Iron 4%
Zinc 5% Copper 4%
VitaminB6 4% Magnesium 14%
Phosphorus 14% Potassium 12%
Riboflavin 5% Pantothenic acid 12%
So, if you are always contemplating, “Can Dogs Eat Corn” as an owner, I guess you have your answer now.
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Can Dogs Eat Corn?
Field corn, cooked corn, and mashed corn are very safe to serve as part of a dog’s regular diet, in moderate portions, please, and very importantly, serve it off the cob to avoid blockage of intestines and choking possibilities.
Pet food corn meals are already processed in the right proportion, so it is okay to serve your dog any amount of it; because of the presence of corn, it is still advisable to closely observe in case of any choking incident.
Also, any maise you feed your dog should be served plain – No spice, salt, no supplement, butter, onions, garlic, or ginger.
In addition to corn meals. Corn is already packed with nutrients, and any more spices or supplements without checking with a veterinarian first can lead to severe food poisoning.
Can Dogs Eat Corn? Perspectives From Veterinary Professionals
Veterinary professionals have it that the safety measure regarding regular corn servings to a dog is determined by the way corn is served to the dog. Always seek professional advice from a veterinarian first before serving your dog “Human fruits, vegetables or grains.”
Human foods that are found tolerable to some dogs may be found intolerable and toxic to other dogs. This, however, depends on many different factors such as Age, health status, breed, health history, and dietary allergies.
Regarding health status and dietary allergies, canines on drug and dietary prescriptions should not be served any human staple food outside of what is prescribed.
Potential Health Benefits Of Corn For Dogs
Just by adding a serving of the global staple food in its daily meals, your canine will benefit from essential nutritional needs such as:
1. Energy And Carbohydrates
The most preferred & accepted source of energy, “Glucose,” is broken down in a canine’s body upon digestion of carbohydrates from corn. Glucose is used up by different cells in the body, even the brain.
In the body system of healthy pets, blood glucose levels are controlled so that there always be a sufficient amount ready to provide energy to its body cells. This, in turn, grants them an energy boost when need be.
Dogs can eat corn as it is a healthy source of dietary carbohydrates for its body to have sufficient glucose. Consumption of dietary carbohydrates also enables essential proteins to be managed to maintain a dog’s body tissues rather than being used up for energy.
A sufficient amount of energy is extremely important for enabling your dog to live a happy and healthy life.
2. Vitamins And Minerals In Corn
Regarding a dog’s nutrition and balanced diet, an owner should always provide foods that are best for his pet. Essential vitamins and minerals provide an array of nutritional benefits to dogs, which in turn provide a boost to their immune system.
Minerals Derived From Corn And Their Benefits
- Phosphorus – For healthy teeth and bone development
- Calcium – For healthy functions and development of the nerves, bones & teeth
- Potassium – Serves to maintain nerve function and hydration
- Magnesium – To maintain neuromuscular function
Vitamins Derived From Corn And Their Benefits
- Provitamin A – Supports fetal development, boosts the immune system, and promotes eye health.
- B Vitamins – Support metabolism processes and boost energy and brain development.
- Vitamin C – Supports injury healing, immune system function, and bone health.
3. Dietary Fibre
Fibre aids digestion for dogs, and it is beneficial to their digestive tract. The useful bacteria in every dog’s intestine are responsible for the fermentation of fibre into fatty acids.
Then the fatty acids boost the immune system to inhibit the growth of bad bacteria and relieve colon injury. Fibre serves the purpose of absorbing excess water, which aids proper bowel movement; as a result, the dog’s stools are firm.
Precautions And Risks Associated With Corn For Dogs
All canines enjoy chewing corn cobs, and yes, it provides a great deal of nutritional value, but unfortunately, unlike humans, dogs do not have the ability to chew, digest & tolerate edible corn cobs.
They swallow food most times, and swallowing whole corn excessively can lead to indigestion, choking hazards with corn cobs, digestive issues and allergic reactions.
Can Dogs Eat Corn: Corn Cob Choking Hazard In Dogs
Corn seeds that are too big might not completely digest in a pup’s stomach or effectively pass through the gastrointestinal tract. Although this can affect big dogs as well, the risk of gastrointestinal obstruction is way higher in small and medium-sized canine breeds.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction Symptoms Associated With Corn For Dogs
- Lethargy
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Tarry stool
- Abdominal pain & discomfort
- Heaving
- Constipation
Allergic Reactions Associated With Corn For Dogs: (Symptoms Of Corn Allergy In Dogs)
- Allergy rash
- Nausea
- Itching
- Hives
- Skin irritation
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Tongue rash
- Anaphylaxis
- Urticaria
These are the descriptions of choking hazards, allergic reactions and digestive issues that can result from feeding corn to a pet. If it shows any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately for treatment.
How To Safely Introduce Corn To Your Dog’s Diet
First off, can dogs eat all kinds of edible corn varieties? The answer is no. Garden-planted seed corn, roasted corn, and corn husks are toxic to dogs because they will barely be able to digest them.
However, canned corn, cooked corn, mashed corn, off-cob corn kernels and homemade corn-based recipes can be added to a canine’s diet as they are safe and easily digestible. That being said, owners should Feed only dog-friendly corn varieties to their pets.
Preparing Corn For Dogs
Below are the best corn varieties to serve dogs, alongside their daily portion sizes and feeding frequency.
1. Cooked Corn
Can dogs eat corn that is cooked? This is mostly consumed with salt by humans; pet owners who feed cooked corn to their dogs should properly wash off the salt from the corn before feeding it to their pets. For easy chewing, they should carefully remove the seeds from the corn cob before serving.
At least 4 tablespoons of properly cooked corn should be mixed into a dog’s daily diet. As long as the corn is properly cooked, then it can be easily digested. You can serve corn to your pet in this manner however you want because it is completely safe.
2. Mashed Corn
Can dogs eat corn that is mashed? Mashed corn is mostly for puppies, but it can be fed to medium-sized and big dogs. To prepare mashed corn for your puppy, all you have to do is properly cook corn seeds, mash them properly on a separate plate, wait until warm enough for consumption and serve.
Plain mashed corn is very safe for dogs and does not pose any digestive issues or choking hazards. It can, however, cause allergic reactions in dogs that are allergic to grains, so serve in moderate amounts at least once a week alongside your pet’s regular diet.
3. Sweet Corn
Can dogs eat corn that is sweet? Sweet corn kernels can be served as delicious treats to your canine as they will definitely enjoy it; however, just as normal dog treats, sweet corn should only be served occasionally.
Sweet corn is a processed food, and its content may not be dog friendly, so it is advisable to properly wash the contents of the sweetcorn first before serving. At least a handful of soft sweetcorn kernels should be added to your dog’s regular diet, but only on special occasions, not regularly.
Seeing that your dog actually enjoys sweet corn may tempt you to give it more on a regular basis, but please don’t make it a regular thing because this can cause digestive issues.
4. Canned Corn
Can dogs eat corn that is canned? Canned corn for dogs, just like sweetcorn, can be served only as treats and not regularly. To properly induce canned corn into your pet’s diet, you must wash off the salt content first before serving.
Canned corn must be washed first because of its extreme sodium (salt) levels, and if you forget to wash it properly, your dog will be prone to digestive issues.
In addition, do not give your dog canned corn frequently. Only cooked and mashed corn can be served on a daily basis; canned corn is not entirely safe for dogs.
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5. Homemade Corn-Based Recipes
You can add corn to the favourite meals of your dog by using oven roasting, microwaving, grilling, steaming, cooking and boiling techniques.
Homemade foods such as salad, grilled meat, potatoes, rice, macaroni, corn salsa, and chicken soup can be paired with corn – Off the cob – and fed to your pet.
Corn In Commercial Dog Foods
Why exactly do commercial kibble companies use corn to manufacture dog foods today? Could it be that corn be used because it is more natural than other kibble ingredients? Why is the pet industry suddenly using corn as a source of essential carbohydrates in processed kibbles?
The Role Of Corn In Dog Food Formulations
The truth about corn in commercial dog foods is that it provides essential carbohydrates, vitamins & minerals to dogs, and it is also a cheap source of all these essential canine nutritional needs.
Decoding Dog Food Labels
Decoding the labels on dog food begins with studying the format in which the ingredients and other important information are relayed. The label on dog food must have accurate information such as:
- Product name
- Brand name
- Country produced
- Unique producer
- Quantity of the product – You can measure this by weight, liquid measure or count to make sure the information provided on the label is accurate.
- Product’s ingredients – This is described based on the weight of each ingredient in descending order. Before you decide to buy a particular product for your dog, consider studying the first three ingredients written on a product’s label because those make up the largest part of what your dog will actually consume.
- Composition and daily Value (percentage) of each nutritional component.
- A well-written statement that assures consumers of the product’s safety and describes its nutritional value.
- Recommended portion sizes and frequency
- How to serve or prepare ( especially if uncooked )
- Manufacturer’s name and address
Note: Only transparent dog food brands provide a detailed label on each pack of kibble, and in most cases, what you consume tallies with the information their labels provide.
Most brands that are not transparent lie a whole lot on their labels and do not provide the mandatory information as stated above.
All of the antioxidants, chicken breasts, locally sourced meat, and staple foods promised by non-transparent commercial dog food brands on their labels can never match the honest and straightforward information provided on the labels of transparent brands.
Suppose you ever find yourself scanning a kibble brand’s label and you get confused about the information provided; chances are. In that case, the confusion is an intentional move because they have something to hide.
Real-Life Experiences And Case Studies
A pet dog owner is cautioning other owners to be very careful with corn cobs after her pet accidentally choked on the centre of the corn served.
On a peaceful Saturday at Brookside Recreation Ground in Burbage, Leicestershire, Lisa Pateman confirmed that Hollie, her eight-year-old cocker spaniel, discovered the corn cob on the group during a walk and consumed it; as a result, it was stuck in its intestines.
Mrs Lisa Pateman, 31, a mother of two, confirmed she was pleading to the public to help with her dog’s medical treatment because there was no pet insurance to fall back on. She told the public that her dog accidentally consumed a corn cob during a Saturday afternoon walk.
In her words, “I observed her eating something unusual” – At first, I thought it was a sandwich or something similar to that – which someone had thrown on the ground.
“I reprimanded her and walked over to yank it out of her mouth.”
“Just as I attempted to yank it out, she started choking, I observed closely and that was when I realized it was a corn cob”.
Later that Saturday, Mrs Lisa Pateman consulted a veterinarian doctor for Hollie. After a successful X-ray check, the veterinarian told her that Hollie required an operation to safely get rid of the corn cob.
After getting the information, she opened a fundraising account to raise money for her dog’s medical treatment.
The 31-year-old is now warning pet owners to consider their dogs when discarding corn cobs.
“Please do not just chew and throw them on the walkway if you happen to be consuming one in public”, She said.
The British Veterinary Association has also cautioned the public – especially pet owners – on the dangers of feeding dogs corn – On the cob -.
Their warning is thus “A corn cob can cause a GIT obstruction which can have adverse effects on a dog’s digestive system, such as lethargy and a rupture of the intestines.
Insights From Veterinarians On Corn Consumption
Veterinary professionals have confirmed that the safety of corn meals for a dog is determined by the variety of corn and the way it is served. Always seek professional advice from a veterinarian first before serving your dog “Human fruits, vegetables or grains”.
Any staple food that you share with your dog should only be served plain – No spice, no salt, no supplement, no butter, no onions, no garlic, no ginger – should be served in addition to corn treats.
Corn is already packed with nutrients, and any more spices or supplements without checking with a veterinarian first can lead to severe food poisoning. It is therefore advised that all dog food, or in this case corn food, be authenticated by a vet before being served to your dog.
FAQ
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Corn?
Dogs enjoy the tasty bits of corn left on the cob, but the cob is NOT edible. If your dog cuts a cob, he risks choking on it or, worse, an intestinal blockage. This is especially true for large dogs, who are known to take huge bites of food and swallow it.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Sweetcorn?
Avoid feeding your dog canned corn as it tends to contain salt and sugar, which are not good for your dog. Stick to frozen or freshly cooked corn kernels.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Corn?
Although dogs can eat corn, the canned version is usually prepared with a high salt content, making it less suitable for dogs. Non-canned corn is usually a much better choice for dogs willing to try it.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Your dog should eat only the main body of ripe tomatoes with the stems and leaves removed. Unripe tomatoes contain much higher amounts of the toxic substance tomatine than ripe tomatoes, so they should never be fed to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?
Cucumbers are safe for dogs and offer a low-calorie crunchy snack many dogs love. Pickles contain only about 8 calories per half-cup slice, compared to 40 calories in one medium cookie, and are very low in sodium and fat.
Can Dogs Eat Rice?
The answer is yes. Rice is an ingredient sometimes found in commercial dog foods. Many pet owners feed their sick dog’s white rice. White rice is the best choice for a dog with an upset stomach because it is quick to prepare and easy to digest.
Can Dogs Eat Beans?
Yes. Beans can be part of a dog’s healthy diet. They are rich in fibre and also have some protein. Dogs can have beans as a treat.
Can Dogs Eat Onions?
The onion plant is toxic to dogs, including the pulp, leaves, juice and processed powders. Onions are harmful to dogs, whether raw or cooked, fried or powdered.
Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
While some of the vegetables we love are not safe for dogs, carrots are a perfectly safe and nutritious treat for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Bread?
Yes. Dogs can safely eat bread in much the same way as humans in moderation. Plain white and wheat bread are generally safe for dogs as long as they don’t have any allergies and usually don’t cause any stomach problems.
Conclusion
So, Can dogs eat corn? Corn, the global staple food, can be induced into a canine’s diet once in a while. However, pet owners need to be very careful and serve corn – off the cob – because the cob can cause severe digestive blockage/obstruction.
To be on the safe side, dogs can eat only the corn kernels. Extra toppings such as garlic, salt, butter, spice & supplements should not be added to corn treats.
Ultimately, it is essential to provide the best nutrition to pets to ensure healthy growth and development. But, when introducing new “human food” to your dog’s diet, you should first check in with a vet to ensure the new food is safe for consumption.
Additional Information
There is no specific treatment or antidote for food poisoning in dogs, so delicate care is needed for a positive diagnosis. Prevention includes avoiding food sources that are contaminated with aflatoxins and feeding your dog a balanced diet.
