Is it Okay to Feed My Dog Corn on the Cob?

Even though it’s a bad habit, many of us give our dogs the same thing we eat. Unfortunately, not all of these foods are safe for dogs to eat, and can cause mild to severe symptoms.

This is what you should know about feeding your dog corn:

Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob is a no-no for dogs. The actual cob is indigestible, but this won’t stop your dog from eating it. It will also start to swell once ingested. This acts as a choking hazard for dogs, and it may cause an obstruction in the GI tract. In severe cases, this will require emergency surgery and can prove deadly.

The absorbent corn cobs can drain moisture from your dog’s intestine and are coarse and sharp enough to cause lacerations in the GI tract, causing dehydration.

Symptoms

If you suspect your dog has eaten corn on the cob, but you didn’t see the incident yourself, these are some symptoms you can look out for:

• Lack of appetite
• No bowel movement
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Corn off the cob

Your dog probably eats corn off the cob a ton since they are ingredients in many brands of dog food. They also tout great nutritional benefits and are a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. Note that some dogs are allergic to corn, so be observant

Popcorn

Plain popcorn is actually okay for dogs. Just don’t add any butter or other toppings. This is unhealthy for dogs and can affect periodontal health. If your dog just can’t seem to stop running off with corn cobs, try a corn cob toy!