There is an abundance of corn all over the world. This is one of the main reasons why you can find corn in almost every household (in one form or another).
Some even have corn plants and corn farms nearby. But what form the corn is in matters. So let’s look at whether dogs can eat corn on the cob.
Can Dogs Eat Corn on the Cob?
First things first… in moderation, your beautiful dogs can eat corn kernels. In fact, some dog foods even have corn kernels as one of their ingredients. These kernels provide some nutritional value to our furry little friends.
On the other hand, corn on the cob is a huge NO for dogs.
Why? Well, here’s a breakdown of why corn cobs are absolutely dangerous for our domesticated pets – especially dogs.
Right off the bat, it is obvious that corn cobs are big enough to cause choking and blockage to your dog’s esophagus and digestive tracts.
Some dog owners might assume that it is okay to give their dogs corn cobs to chew on. After all, if they’re teeth are strong enough to handle bones, what’s wrong with a little corn cob, right?
Well, that perceptive is wrong. When your dog gets a whole corn cob, there is a risk that they might swallow it whole. Even just a small chunk of corn cob is dangerous. It is not digestible and it doesn’t break down in your dog’s stomach.
Once your dog eats the cob, it is a guarantee that it will get stuck somewhere within the dog’s digestive tract. It can cause partial or complete intestinal obstruction which will need surgery.
Oftentimes, the signs of a stuck small corn cob in your dog’s digestive tract won’t show up immediately. Just like when they swallow other stuff such as rocks, sticks, and etc.
However, you should always look for symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty in pooping, loss of appetite, constant stomach pain, restlessness and whimpering. Other times, when your dog swallows a whole corn cob, they will choke and you will know immediately.
If you suspect that your dog has accidentally swallowed or eaten a corn cob, a visit to the vet is necessary. Even if the symptoms don’t show. This is just to make sure that a corn cob is not stuck in your dog’s internal organs.
Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry!
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
Please check out other articles in the series including: Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?
