Pet Care Blog

Can Dogs Eat Corn? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Dr. Ricky Walther
Veterinarian
Beagle dog with corn in mouth

Corn is a common food that humans consume, but can dogs eat corn? Yes, corn is perfectly safe for dogs. In fact, because it is one of the most inexpensive cereal grains, corn can be found in many dog foods. However, there are some things you need to take into consideration, such as what form of corn you give to your pooch and in what amount.

Let’s take a closer look at the overall pros and cons of feeding your canine companion corn and corn products.

Pro tip: If you suspect your dog has swallowed something they shouldn’t, such as corn cob, be sure to contact your vet right away. GI obstruction procedures are expensive and sometimes reach up to $3,000! Signing up for pet insurance can protect you and your four-legged friend should an accident like this happen.

Table of Content

Benefits of corn for dogs

Corn is not toxic to dogs and a small quantity won’t harm your pooch. Studies have shown that corn is easily digestible and is usually the second choice behind rice for foods designed for canines.

Corn is one of the most widely-used grains in the world and, depending on the type, it might be a good source of the following nutrients:

  • Easily digestible carbs, which serve as an energy source for your furry friend.
  • Protein and amino acids, which are vital for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and muscles.
  • Antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin E, which help support the immune system.
  • Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that canines can’t produce on their own. It is crucial for helping your pooch grow and maintain a healthy immune system, coat, and skin.
  • Dietary fiber, which promotes gut health and motility.

dog waiting for grilled corn on barbecue (Image source: The Spruce Pets)

Is corn bad for dogs?

In general, corn is safe for pups and can be part of a well-balanced diet. However, it should only be served in moderate quantities. Generally speaking, treats should not make up more than 10% of your pup’s diet and too much human food might make your pet’s diet inadequate to their nutritional needs or contribute to weight gain.

Although very rare, some pups suffer from corn allergies as a result of an overactive immune system to the product. Symptoms of corn allergy in dogs include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Itching
  • Skin irritation
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Hives
  • Obsessive licking
  • Biting of the paws

If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, be sure to make an appointment with your vet. There’s a number of conditions that might cause similar clinical signs as a food allergy, so the vet will need to run some tests to rule out any illnesses.

If the vet suspects a food allergy, they will provide you with instructions on how to determine which specific food item is causing your pet distress. They might also suggest an elimination diet, which you’ll need to follow very closely.

If your dog is allergic to corn, you’ll need to do research on dog foods that don’t contain corn and corn products. It is much more common for your pet to be allergic to the protein source in their food than to the other components like corn or rice.

Can dogs eat corn cobs?

Many pups like to chew on corn cobs but unfortunately, they might swallow a big piece of cob, which can be a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal obstruction or injury. Corn cobs don’t completely break down in a pup's stomach and their size is often too big to pass through the GI tract. The risk of GI obstruction is highest in smaller and medium-sized breeds, although big canines can be affected as well.

Most pups with gastrointestinal injury or obstruction will show the following symptoms:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Heaving
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tarry stool
  • Constipation

If you suspect your canine companion has eaten a corn cob, call your vet. The signs of a gastrointestinal obstruction can be similar to the signs of other health conditions. If your pooch starts showing symptoms of illness, take them to the nearest vet office immediately.

Pro tip: GI obstruction is an emergency situation and the cost of surgery is expensive. The good news is most pet insurance companies will pay for treatment and surgery. You can get insurance quotes and sign up quickly online.

Do not try to induce vomiting in your furry pal unless you’ve been advised to do so by your vet. Inducing vomiting can cause further damage to your pet’s esophagus and stomach.

So, how can you make sure your dog doesn’t get their teeth on corn cobs? Some pups won’t hesitate to go through the trash looking for tasty treats. For that reason, you should avoid leaving corn cobs in a trash can that your pet has access to. Instead, dispose of them in the outside trash can that’s out of their reach.

dog eating corn from the cob (Image source: Dogster)

Can dogs eat corn kernels?

Corn kernels are small, which means there’s no risk of choking and your dog can safely consume them. Be sure that the kernels are served plain, without any butter, salt, mayonnaise, or other fatty flavor enhancers. A bit of fat is fine, but too much fat and salt can lead to stomach issues and obesity.

Can dogs eat popcorn?

Popcorn can be a fun and tasty treat for your four-legged companion, as long as you serve it unbuttered and unsalted. Plain popcorn is rich in dietary fiber, as well as carbs which give extra energy. Avoid serving flavored and pre-packed popcorn, which contain lots of artificial flavors, oils, and sodium.

When making the popcorn yourself, remove all the kernels that don’t completely pop as these can cause stomach upset in your dog. You should also be aware that popcorn that gets stuck between your pup’s teeth might cause gum disease or teeth decay.

Can dogs eat sweet corn?

Sweet corn is picked at a more immature stage than regular corn and has high sugar content. In addition, this type of corn is quite starchy and difficult to digest. That being said, sweet corn is not dangerous provided it is given in small amounts and as an occasional treat.

Can dogs eat canned corn?

Canned corn consists of kernels taken off the corn cob, so it's safe for canine consumption. Just remember not to give your pooch too much of it.

Can dogs eat cornflour?

Cornflour is used as a thickener in some dog foods, so you can safely add it to your dog’s meals. Cornflour doesn’t add much in nutritional value but can be useful if your pet eats only gluten-free meals or if you want to prepare your own treats.

Key Takeaways

  • Pups can safely indulge in corn once in a while. However, you need to be very careful when it comes to corn cobs as they can cause serious GI obstruction.
  • To stay on the safe side, let your pet have only the kernels. You should also avoid toppings like butter and salt.
  • Ultimately, it is important to ensure that your pet has all the nutrition they need. Give corn as an occasional treat and make sure your canine companion doesn’t eat too much.
  • As with any new foods you introduce to your dog’s diet, consult with your vet to make sure it’s safe for them to consume.

Do you want to find the best pet insurance?

Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Ready?

Analyze My Pet

About Pawlicy Advisor

The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. By comparing personalized coverage and pricing differences we can save you a ton of money, up to 83% in some instances!

Pawlicy Advisor helping a pet parent and their dog find a great deal on insurance

Instantly Compare Pet Insurance Plans

Get Quotes

Guides

How Pet Insurance Works

How To Compare Plans

Determine If Pet Insurance Is Worth It

Determine If Wellness Plans Are Worth It

Vet Visit Costs

New Puppy Checklist

Comparison Charts

ASPCA vs. Pets Best

Pets Best vs. Embrace

Embrace vs. Pumpkin

Pumpkin vs. MetLife

More Comparison Charts

Find Your State

New Jersey

California

Florida

Oregon

Texas

New York

Colorado

Pennsylvania

More States

Dog Insurance

German Shepherd

Rottweiler

Akita

Boxer

English Bulldog

French Bulldog

Great Dane

Pug

Corgi

Chihuahua

Poodle

More Breeds

Ricky Walther, DVM

Dr. Ricky Walther
Veterinarian

Ricky Walther, DVM, is a small animal general practitioner in the greater Sacramento, California area. Realizing the positive financial and medical impact that pet insurance can provide for pet parents and the profession, he lends support and advice to companies like Pawlicy Advisor "The Pet Insurance Marketplace") that simplify the process of connecting with veterinary financing resources.

More you might like

Pug lying on the ground looking at cheese
7 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Jack Russel dog grabbing orange from tree
9 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Oranges? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Tapeworm infestation in dogs
6 minute read
Tapeworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention
vet giving medicine orally to dog
7 minute read
Hookworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Kitten with ear mites
7 minute read
Ear Mites in Cats: Symptoms & Treatment
mixed breed puppy with parvovirus at the veterinary clinic
7 minute read
Parvo in Puppies: Everything You Need to Know
Beagle laying down on the floor
6 minute read
Beagle Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
dog with constipation
8 minute read
Constipation in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Border Collie dog
6 minute read
Border Collie Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
dog drinking water from river
8 minute read
Giardia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Training a dog on a leash
5 minute read
7 Mistakes People Make When Training Their Dogs
sick cat lying on top of red car
9 minute read
Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Symptoms & Treatment
female veterinarian giving a pill to a brown labrador in a clinic
6 minute read
Metronidazole for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
Cane Corso dog
8 minute read
Cane Corso Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Professional veterinarian giving pill to German Shepherd dog in clinic
7 minute read
Trazodone for Dogs: How Does It Work and When Is It Prescribed?
Shiba Inu dog running in field
7 minute read
Shiba Inu Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Dog waiting to take prescription medication pills
5 minute read
Benadryl for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
yeast infection in a dog's ear
7 minute read
Yeast Infections in Dogs: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Vet holding medications for a little maltese dog
8 minute read
Tramadol for Dogs: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
sick dog lying on couch
8 minute read
Pancreatitis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
X-ray of Hip Dysplasia in Dog
7 minute read
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
dog eating a nut
5 minute read
3 Types of Nuts That Are Safe for Dogs to Eat
growing corgi puppies
7 minute read
Corgi Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
poodle puppy playing on the floor
8 minute read
Poodle Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
increased pot belly of a dog with cushing disease
6 minute read
Cushing Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Save on Costs
Dog reaching into picnic basket for food
8 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
dogs looking at a dish of pistachios
5 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Here Are The Risks!
human's hand feeding dog a carrot
6 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Carrots? Everything You Need to Know
puppy eats peanut butter off of a spoon
8 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? Only If It's Xylitol-Free
dog eating banana from woman's hand
6 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Bananas: Everything You Need to Know
growing pug puppy
7 minute read
Pug Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Jack Russel carrying apply in mouth
6 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Apples? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Golden Retriever looking at a pile of mangoes
5 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Mango? Here's Everything You Need to Know
growing akita puppy
7 minute read
Akita Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
growing great dane puppy
8 minute read
Great Dane Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
dog with broccoli in mouth
7 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? Here's Every thing You Need To Know
golden retriever puppy eating watermelon
5 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Here's Everything You Need To Know
dog wants to eat a potato chip
6 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Here's Everything You Need to Know
growing chihuahua puppy
7 minute read
Chihuahua Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
growing Rottweiler puppy
8 minute read
Rottweiler Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
growing boxer puppy
7 minute read
Boxer Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
growing french bulldog puppy
7 minute read
French Bulldog Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
pets across the united states
15 minute read
Pet Ownership Statistics by State, And So Much More (Updated 2020)
sleepy english bulldog puppy
8 minute read
English Bulldog Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
dog being pet by the vet
9 minute read
Leptospirosis in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & How to Save on Costs
dog looking at a wild mushroom
8 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? Here's Everything You Need To Know
dog having tick removed
8 minute read
Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & How to Cut The Costs
sick dog at the vet
9 minute read
Heartworm Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Reducing Costs
german shepherd puppy playing
6 minute read
German Shepherd Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
dog at vet with kennel cough
10 minute read
Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & How To Save On Costs
Back to Blog
A family with pets that are insured by Pawlicy Advisor
Pawlicy Advisor is the leading independent marketplace for finding the best coverage for your pet at the lowest rate.
Join 2,438,795+ insured dogs and cats across the US.
Get a Quote
Our pet insurance partners
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Logo
Pets Best Pet Insurance Logo
Embrace Pet Insurance Logo
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Logo
MetLife Pet Insurance Logo
Prudent Pet Insurance Logo