Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs? Here Are 12 Critical Facts
Your Guide To: Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs?
Fact checked and reviewed by:
Dr. Joseph Menicucci, DVM, MBA
Worrying about the safety of our pet’s favorite treats in the wide world of dog dining is normal. Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs? comes up frequently. Determining if our dog friends will benefit from this well-liked snack is our responsibility as pet owners.
You may be wondering about the appropriate thing to feed your dog or giving it something different to taste because you’ve read a lot of advice online.
Generally, corn is great and healthy for your dog, but corn on the cob isn’t a great option because of its many disadvantages.
Why? Prepare for an easy and enjoyable journey into the realm of dog treats! We’ll discover whether corn cobs are a favorite snack or something your dog should avoid!
Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs? Should Dogs Eat Corn Cobs?
Asking your dog to eat corn cobs is like asking it to satisfy hunger by eating hard-to-digest snacks—something like stone
No, it would help if you didn’t feed your dog with corn cobs.
Because their digestive systems differ, dogs’ stomachs can have severe problems with corn cobs. Dogs cannot digest the hard substance on these cobs, which can cause choking or intestinal blockages.
Dogs’ intestines differ from ours. Therefore, they have trouble digesting corn cobs. Dogs have difficulty digesting down the cellulose strands, which are the hard part of the corn cob.
A dog can choke if they attempt to eat a corn cob since it can be difficult to chew, and portions may get trapped in their throat. Also, improper digestion might result in significant issues, including blockages.
Can Puppies Eat Corn Cobs?
If you’re ever wondering Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs? and are they safe for my puppy? That’s a dreadful combination. Puppies should not eat corn on the cob.
Dogs can benefit from a balanced diet that includes corn. However, the cob part can be harmful to our small furry friends. Puppies may find it difficult to handle corn cobs’ stiff and hard feel because of their tiny stature and still-developing digestive systems.
Puppies like to explore their surroundings using their lips, and corn on the cob might make a fun chew toy. For these tiny beings, there is a high chance that they will choke or have difficulty breaking down the cob.
Unlike adult dogs, puppies’ stomachs are still new to handling new foods; thus, the cob’s hardness could cause significant issues.
Discover other foods puppies can and can’t eat:
My Dog Just Ate A Corn Cob? What Do I Do?
First things first, you shouldn’t panic. It is not going to die because there’s a solution.
If you begin to see signs that your dog has eaten corn cob, you should immediately contact a veterinarian or an animal hospital near you if a vet isn’t around. You should provide your vet with all the information needed, such as when it ate the corn cob or the amount it ate.
You should also watch out for changes in your dog, such as obstruction, vomiting, or discomfort. Remember, this is when your dog needs you the most, so do not deprive it of attention.
Also, you shouldn’t try home remedies such as forcing your dog to vomit, as it only makes things worse. Even though it may be tempting to try home treatments, avoiding it without consulting your veterinarian is essential.
Still Wondering Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs? This Might Change Your Opinion!
Why Can’t Dogs Digest Corn Cobs?
Unlike humans, dogs have a unique digestive system. Their stomachs are weak, and their bodies do not have certain elements that help to break down stiff fibers in the belly.
As a result, a dog’s gut finds it hard to process corn cobs effectively. They may be at risk since the cob’s fiber structure is complex for them to break down.
This inability to digest food properly puts them at risk for choking or, more dangerously, obstructions in their digestive tract.
Signs Your Dog May Have An Obstruction
Humans are great at hiding their pains, but our dogs aren’t built for that. They begin to reduce activity and remain in a position when experiencing illness or discomfort. As a pet owner, your attention might not always be on your dog because of the numerous things you must do. However, since you do not seek to be negligent about your dog, here are a few things that can help detect when your dog has an obstruction.
- It could be a serious concern if your dog begins to throw up frequently, especially if it’s more than just the usual hairball or upset stomach. Vomiting repeatedly could be a sign of an intestinal obstruction.
- Is your dog usually energetic? Then, a decrease in its energy is also a sign that it is experiencing obstruction. If they appear extremely tired or sluggish, it may indicate a problem.
- While dogs cannot communicate with us when sick, they can display it. Abdominal pain may be indicated by your dog’s discomfort, crying, or avoiding contact around the belly.
- If your dog has never been a picky eater, then a sudden lack of interest in food is a reason for alarm. Loss of appetite could be a sign of discomfort or digestive problems.
- You should also pay attention to your dog’s feces. Constipation, diarrhea, or any apparent changes in their poo motions could be signs of a digestive tract blockage.
Are Corn Cobs Good For Dogs?
When you ask yourself the question Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs? Corn kernels which are attached to the cob can be included in a balanced dog diet in moderation, even though the cob is strictly not recommended. Corn offers fiber, carbs, and a few key elements.
To ensure your dog gets the nutritional benefits of maize without potential risks, it’s important to offer it in a dog-friendly manner, free of additions like butter or salt.
Can A Dog Chew On A Corn Cob?
Are you still debating Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs? They may enjoy chewing because it’s like their view on working out at the gym and maintaining good teeth. Through chewing, they come across corn cobs. Although corn cobs seem like exciting chew objects, they cause more harm than good.
First of all, dogs face the risk of choking on corn cobs since they are hard and thick. Imagine it as attempting to chew on something callous, which is not the best situation! Second, the tough sections of corn cobs are inedible to dogs.
Therefore, if they chew on the cob, those stiff particles may remain in their stomach, resulting in digestive issues.
To keep our dogs happy and healthy, many toys are safe for dogs to chew.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs? Here’s A Few Alternative Options
After reading all these, you wonder if there’s anything good enough for your dog to eat. The good news is that there are a lot of alternatives.
Start by considering fresh fruits. Try feeding your dog carrot sticks or apple slices instead of corn cobs. These add essential nutrients, a naturally sweet taste, and a pleasant crunch.
Dog dental treats are an excellent additional alternative. Not only are these treats delightful, but they also keep your dog’s teeth in good condition.
Seek for treats made to improve oral health. It’s a simple method to protect your dog’s teeth and make snack time fun.
Looking For Some Healthy, Homemade Dog Food Recipe Inspo?
What’s The Verdict!? Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs?
To clarify, dogs and corn cobs aren’t the best of friends.
It’s just too dangerous to take the chance of your dog’s health by choking or experiencing digestive issues. However, you shouldn’t panic. This doesn’t rule out the possibility of your dog eating corn.
You should keep it simple regarding corn because the kernels alone will do. Dogs find it difficult to chew and digest the tougher sections of the cob. So, give your dog some plain corn kernels instead of the cob and smile.
Being more careful and sensitive about your dog’s food is part of being an excellent pet owner. So, stay safe and keep those corn cobs out of reach during its next dog diet.
This way, you can feed your dog with peace of mind while it can eat without any complications and keep wagging its tail at you. If you’re looking for more nutritional advice for your pet, The American Canine Club is a great starting point for all things canine nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions…
Can Dogs Eat Sweetcorn?
Luckily for dogs, they can eat and enjoy sweetcorn. It is not toxic to dogs, but it is vital to serve it in a dog-friendly manner as sometimes it can contain too much seasonings like butter and salt. It is better to give your dog plain and cooked sweetcorn and place it as an occasional treat, not a part of its everyday diet.
Can Dogs Digest Corn?
Yes, dogs can digest corn, but this comes with some considerations. It is essential to serve it to your dog in a cooked and digestible manner without too many extras. This is because dogs lack certain digestive enzymes in their saliva, which they often produce in the pancreas and small intestine.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs Cooked?
No, dogs can not eat cooked corn cob. This is because, generally, corn cob is a potential hazard to a dog’s health and can cause intestinal problems. While you can serve your dog cooked plain corn in moderation, corn cob can cause severe obstruction in its digestive system. The largeness of the cob makes it hard for dogs to chew in small pieces and even harder to digest.
