Can dogs eat corn?

Updated 18/04/2024

The simple answer is yes - dogs can eat corn. In fact, corn can be a source of a range of nutrients for your pup such as magnesium, vitamin K and potassium (but more on that later). Like with any vegetable, there are a few precautions you'll need to take if you're considering corn as a snack for your pup. The main one being to completely avoid the cob itself. Why? Well it's a serious choking hazard and can cause all kinds of gastrointestinal issues, including obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract which is a surgical emergency. So if you’ve come home to your dogs eating corn on the cob, be sure to take it away immediately, contact your vet for advice, and monitor their symptoms (more on those below, too). So, if you want to know more about whether corn is good for dogs or your dog ate corn cob, read on to get clued-up about what your pup can and can't eat.

Is corn poisonous to dogs? 

So, can dogs eat corn or is corn toxic to dogs? The good news is - if you’ve found your pup nibbling pieces of plain corn, they shouldn't experience any nasty symptoms unless of course, they’re allergic to it. The reality is quite the opposite, in fact. Corn (off the cob and without any seasonings, butte, or sauce) can provide a variety of nutrients for your pup. If your dog ate corn on the cob, however, you'll need to monitor their symptoms and contact your vet immediately. Let's explore why dogs and corn cobs simply don't mix below.

Related article: Can dogs eat edamame?

Can dogs eat corn cobs and what happens if a dog eats a corn cob?

If you're reading this thinking, 'my dog ate a corn cob, what's the worst that could happen', unfortunately, if you find your dog eating corn cob, you'll need to contact your vet immediately. Why? Well whilst corn cobs aren't toxic to dogs, they can cause a variety of potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal issues. So if you're wondering - can dogs digest corn cobs - the answer would be no. Corn cobs are a choking hazard and can cause gastrointestinal blockages, both of which can be life-threatening. If you suspect that your dog may have eaten a corn cob, there are a few nasty symptoms you'll need to watch out for. These include…

• lethargy and reduced activity,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• reduced appetite,
• and dehydration. 

Related article: Can dogs eat radishes?

Can dogs eat corn husks?

So if dogs can have plain corn off the cob, but not the cob itself, can dogs have corn husks, or are corn husks bad for dogs? Well it's a straight up no for this one - corn husks are just as dangerous as corn cobs for dogs. They can cause intestinal blockages, vomiting, diarrhea, and of course pose a serious choking hazard. So, if you've found your poor pup gnawing away on corn husks, monitor your pooch and get straight to your vet if you think they might have swallowed any or they start experiencing any of the symptoms we've mentioned.

Related article: Can dogs eat kale?

Is corn good for dogs?

Corn, when plain, off the cob, and fed in small amounts, can actually be a pretty healthy snack for your pup. So, if you’re wondering - should dogs eat corn or is corn healthy for dogs - the answer is yes, but in moderation As with many vegetables, they’re not essential for dogs, so don’t go raiding your local store! And for all of the curious pet parents wanting to know if corn is okay for dogs, check out some of the nutrients your pooch could get from eating corn. Corn is rich in…

• vitamins C, B, E and K,
• magnesium, 
• potassium,
• lutein,
• fiber,
• and carbohydrates.

Related article: Can dogs have lime?

What to do if your dog ate a corn on the cob

If your sometimes-too-curious dog swallowed a corn cob morsel, you won't need to whisk them to the vet's immediately, as corn isn't toxic to dogs. As we've explored, corn cobs do pose a variety of gastrointestinal issues for our canine pals as they simply can't digest them. So, if your dog eats corn cob, contact your vet straight away, especially if they start suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, or any of the other symptoms we've mentioned. 

Related article: Can dogs eat cilantro?

Other corn products and their risks for pups

So, now that you're all clued up on why we should stop our dogs eating corn cobs, what about other corn products out there? Should they be avoided altogether or can table-side corn titbits at dinner time pose no harm to your furry friends? Let's take a look.

Is canned corn good for dogs?

If you're wondering - can I feed my dog corn if it's canned - we'd say no. Lots of the canned corn options out there are prepared with high levels of salt which isn't good for our furry friends. 

Can dogs eat corn nuts?

While we can agree that corn on the cob is bad for dogs, it's also pretty clear that corn nuts aren't the best choice for our furry friends either. They're often deep fried (which of course results in a fat content that's off the charts) and are coated in lots of salt and seasonings that can be toxic to dogs (like onion and garlic, just to name a couple). 

Can dogs have sweetcorn?

Is sweetcorn good for dogs, and is corn okay for dogs to eat if it's sweetcorn? Again, we'd avoid feeding pups sweetcorn - it's often stored in a very salty, sugary liquid that won't do your pup's health any favors.   

Can dogs eat baby corn?

Some good news on the corn front for you - dogs can eat baby corn (otherwise known as mini corn), so long as it's plain.

Can dogs eat corn dogs?

Are corn dogs safe for our furry friends? They're deep-fried, high in salt, fat, and sugar, so our canine pals should avoid this indulgent snack altogether.

Can dogs eat creamed corn?

Certainly not - it's packed with salt which in high levels can be toxic for our canine companions.

Can dogs eat peas and corn?

Yes - so long as they're cooked without any seasonings or sauces, your pooch can enjoy this popular side dish, too.

Can dogs eat hominy?

While plain hominy is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in your pup, it doesn't add much nutritional value to your dog's diet, so just a couple of kernels will do. 

Can dogs eat tostadas?

Technically a small amount of a plain tostada isn't going to harm your pup, but don't go overboard as they can contain high levels of salt and are often deep-fried. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

Now you're officially a clued-up pet parent on the corn and dogs front, what other foods do you need to be wary of feeding to your pup? Take a look below and explore more foods dogs can eat on our blog.

• Avocado
• Grapes
• Garlic