Can Dogs Eat Corn?

Corn is delicious for humans on or off the cob. And your dog might already know this.

If you catch your pup looking at the corn on your plate expecting you to share it with them, here is what you should know about this beloved grain and whether it is safe to give to your dog.

Can dogs eat corn?

Yes, dogs can eat corn if they’re not allergic to this grain, but make sure you only ever offer it in moderation. Corn is part of many dog food recipes thanks to its nutritional benefits. However, corn comes in many different forms and some are more beneficial for our pups than others. It’s always important to check with your vet first before offering your dog any human foods, including corn.

Is corn good for dogs?

Corn is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins, which is why it can often be found as an ingredient on dog food labels. High-quality commercial recipes are created with a keen eye for ingredients and their quantities, to make sure a complete balance is achieved between all the different nutrients that a dog needs to be healthy.

When giving pets corn at home, it’s important to be careful and only offer it occasionally, without any additional ingredients that might be harmful to dogs.

How to give your dog corn

As well as being an ingredient in many dog foods, we know that dogs can eat corn intended for human consumption every once in a while, so long as they’re not known to suffer from any allergies. Food allergies in dogs are not very common, but you should check with your vet if you have any concerns.

So, what is the best way to share a corn snack with your best friend? Firstly, it’s always important to remove the kernels off the cob. Never, ever allow your dog to have access to corn cobs, as these can cause nasty blockages and can even be fatal if they become lodged in the digestive tract. Once you have removed the corn kernels from the cob, make sure you boil them before offering corn to your dog. And always avoid adding salt, oils or any other seasoning, as these can cause digestive upsets, or may even be toxic for your pup. Those are the basic rules of feeding corn to a dog.

Can dogs eat corn on the cob?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat corn on the cob. Corn cobs are difficult to digest and can easily cause intestinal blockages, as well as become a choking hazard, especially for small pups. If you suspect your dog has accidentally consumed a corn cob, it’s vital that you contact your vet immediately.

Can dogs eat canned corn?

Although dogs can eat corn, the canned version is usually prepared with a high content of salt, making it less suitable for dogs. Corn that is not canned is usually a much better option for dogs who are keen to give it a go.

Can dogs eat frozen corn?

Yes, dogs can eat frozen corn, but it should be cooked first. The frozen kernels can be offered boiled or roasted, without any salt or cooking fats to avoid digestive problems. Don’t forget to check with your vet as well before defrosting your frozen corn and sharing it with your pet.

Can dogs eat popcorn?

Yes, dogs can eat popcorn occasionally. But only when it is cooked plain. Because of this, it’s best to home-cook any popcorn you offer to your pup, as you shouldn’t offer them sweet or salty popcorn or popcorn prepared with butter or other fatty ingredients. Find out more about dogs and popcorn in our guide.

Don’t forget that dog treats, such as popcorn, should only make up 10% or less of your pup’s daily calorie content. If you’re looking for healthy dog treats ideas, check out the top tips in our article.