Can dogs or cats eat corn?

27 June 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat corn?

Corn is a safe and healthy food option for dogs. In fact, if you check the ingredients on many dog foods, you'll often find it listed! Corn is a great source of carbohydrates, fibre, protein, and essential nutrients like vitamins B complex and E. Corn also contains antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and boost your dog's immune system.

One of the main concerns about feeding corn to dogs is its digestibility. However, this should not be a problem as long as you feed it to them in moderation and ensure that it's properly cooked before you serve it to your pet. Raw or uncooked corn can cause digestive problems such as bloating, gas, or diarrhoea.

As always, consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet! If your dog eats corn (or any unfamiliar food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. And if your furry friend requires veterinary care because of something they ate, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat corn?

Corn is a staple ingredient in many commercial cat foods, and it can also be served as a treat to cats. It contains essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, vitamins B and C, fiber, and minerals, which are all vital for feline health.

When considering corn as an occasional treat or snack for your kitty companion, make sure you only serve cooked kernels without any added salts or spices. Canned corn must also be thoroughly drained and rinsed before your cat eats; this minimize sodium levels, which is important because excessive salt can trigger health problems in cats, like hypertension or kidney ailments.

Remember, as obligate carnivores, cats can only acquire the nutrients they need from a heavily meat-based diet. So while it's fine to feed them corn as an occasional treat, don't let corn or any other plant-based foods displace the meat in your cat's diet.

As always, consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet! If your cat eats corn (or any other unfamiliar food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. And if your furry friend requires veterinary care because of something they ate, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Food safety statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet