Corn, whether eaten on or off the cob, is a summertime treat that many people enjoy. After all, there’s nothing quite as enticing as hot buttered corn on the cob, straight from the grill! But can dogs eat corn too?
Can dogs eat corn?
Dogs can eat corn, and if fed correctly and safely, corn can make a healthy and nutritious snack for your dog. However, some problems can be caused if corn is not fed in the correct manner.
Most dogs will enjoy eating corn, and they seem to relish the juicy sweetness as much as we do! Corn can also bring some nutritional benefits to your dog’s diet.
What are the health benefits of corn?
It is highly likely that your dog already eats corn without you even realizing it! This grain is included in many commercial dog foods, as it is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Corn is high in fiber, which helps to promote intestinal motility. It is also a good energy food, and will give your dog a boost after a long walk or training session.
These sweet yellow kernels are also high in antioxidants, helping to protect against cellular damage.
What should I be aware of when offering corn to my dog?
The number one rule to remember when feeding corn to a dog is to never feed them corn that is on the cob. The sweet yellow kernels should always be removed from the cob before giving them to your dog as a treat.
The reason for this is that dogs cannot digest the inner tough cob of corn. Many dogs will happily chew on this cob, but if they attempt to swallow part or all of it, it can cause a dangerous and life-threatening blockage in the gastrointestinal system.
Some dogs may also have an allergy or intolerance to corn. Most commonly this will lead to itching and irritation of the skin, although you may also see gastrointestinal side effects.
Corn is also quite an energy-dense treat, and should not be fed to dogs that are prone to obesity or that need to lose weight. As with all fruits and vegetables, corn should make up no more than 10% of the dog’s daily food intake.
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