Debunking Doubts Around Corn Diet for Dogs and More for Pet Parents
Many dog foods contain corn. However, as a protective dog parent, you often approach anything with certain apprehensions. You may wonder if eating corn is safe for your little furry friend. Vets and other experts say it’s a healthy diet for them when moderated well. Still, some popular misconceptions can prevent you from feeding this specific grain to your pet, even though its benefits are paramount. Let’s pick and discuss a few of them to relieve your stress regarding your dog’s health.
Is corn digestible for dogs?
Unchewed corn kernels often pass through the intestines into the faeces. This very sight can alarm you. However, corn is both nutritious and safe. Corn also needs proper cooking and grinding, like other grains, to digest well. That’s why many pet food items feature ground corn or corn meal. While giving corn to your dog is safe, avoid making them chew the cob, which can choke them if eaten in large portions. Such frequent incidents can also lead to gastrointestinal obstruction requiring surgery.
Is there a risk of allergy for dogs eating corn?
Once you realize the benefits of adding corn to your dog’s diet, the nature of the query will drastically change from “Can dogs eat corn?” to “Can corn dog food cause allergy?” When you reach this level of confidence, it shows your awareness about what makes a healthy snack or meal for your pet. At the same time, you want to practice caution to ensure the best health outcomes for your beloved companion. Nevertheless, it’s essential to know that some pet parents believe corn and other grains can be allergens. But the scientific data rebuff this perception. Health specialists and scientists explain that food allergies are rare for most pets, and those who suffer from them are usually sensitive to animal proteins. Grains or plant proteins are safer.
Rarely, corns may have resulted in allergies in canines. And often, the real culprit has been something other than what pet parents assumed, such as animal protein or non-food items.
Is corn glutinous?
While corn protein is called gluten, it’s different from the same compound found in other grains like rye, wheat, etc. As such, most pets can tolerate gluten, with only some specific breeds being an exception, like an Irish setter and a border terrier. Still, they can also handle corn.
A few critical aspects
Enough reasons favor the addition of corn to pet’s diet. Corn is the best if you want him to eat something fiber-rich, low-fat, and nutritious with anti-oxidant properties. However, keeping it as an occasional treat is advisable rather than making it regular. Although corn allergy is uncommon, you can monitor his health for signs like itchiness, diarrhea, and vomiting. Stop this treat and consult your pet’s vet if you suspect anything. Also, avoid giving your canine raw corn or too much sweetcorn. Sweetcorn can be difficult to digest because of its dense starch content. Then canned corn is also less advisable because of sugar and sodium levels.
If you plan to treat your dog with corn, give it only a small quantity, which should be 10% or less than his daily diet. Feeding this grain in excess amounts can lead to obesity and digestion troubles. You can buy readymade corn treats for your dog to train or bond with him for convenience.
