Did you know that popcorn is just one of six different types of corn? Or that one particular type of corn is the most common foreign object that has to be surgically removed from dogs.
Let’s navigate the confusing world of corn and answer the question, can my dog eat popcorn?
Types of corn
Not all corn is created equal. Of the six common corn varieties, it’s only likely that you will come across three that are commercially available for human consumption in the UK and USA:
- Popcorn
- Sweet corn
- Corn flour/cornmeal
Despite corn being an added ingredient in some commercial dog foods, in our experience, it’s actually popcorn and sweetcorn that most dog owners want to check on before feeding it to their dogs.
So what type of corn is safe for your dog to eat, and what do you need to keep away from?
Can dogs eat popcorn? The benefits
Popcorn is a whole grain, which means that the kernel contains the bran, germ, and endosperm. It’s the only type of corn that pops when heated. This is due to its relatively high water content (around fourteen percent).
Popcorn has been around for over 9,000 years and is argued to be the oldest form of corn known to man. Popcorn is high in fiber, low in fat, and contains reasonable amounts of vitamin C, B3, and manganese. It’s generally considered a healthy snack if it’s eaten plain.
Although there are healthier treats to give your dog, sharing a few pieces of air-popped popcorn on movie night is ok.
Can my dog eat popcorn? The risks
Popcorn is not poisonous to dogs, but it’s not the most healthy treat. We would always recommend moderation, and if you’re really concerned to contact your Veterinarian. As you may guess, there are much healthier snacks available that have far better benefits for your dogs’ health and well-being. In fact, popcorn can pose some health risks to your dog.
Popcorn isn’t recommended for children under 4 years old due to the potentially high risk of choking. It would be best if you considered popcorn as a choking hazard to your dog too. Not only is there a possibility of the popped kernels getting stuck in your dog’s throat, but unpopped kernels can also cause problems too.
With a hard exterior, popcorn kernels can get stuck in or between your dog’s teeth causing infections and dental disease. Un-popped corn can also cause an upset stomach. If those big eyes succeed in giving you a guilt trip, then only offer small amounts and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.
Perhaps the biggest risk that popcorn presents to your dog is how it is cooked and flavored. The majority of popcorn available pre-popped is heavily loaded with butter, salt, sugar, and oil. We’ve all heard of the health risks of an unhealthy diet, and there’s no difference with dogs. If it’s not good for us, it’s definitely bad for dogs.
The trouble is, air-popped pop-corn is not the most flavorsome snack, so it tends to have a lot of toppings added to it to make it more appealing. Butter is fattening, and salt can be toxic and dangerous to your pets. Bear this in mind if you like your popcorn flavored. It’s probably best not to share with your four-legged friend.
Can my dog eat sweet corn?
Although a few stolen kernels are nothing to worry about. Large amounts of sweet corn really shouldn’t be considered as a healthy, balanced dietary ingredient for dogs.
Sweet corn contains a much higher natural sugar content than popcorn. You may be surprised to learn that some people consider it a good method for relieving constipation in dogs by adding it to their diet. Again, it’s ok as an occasional snack in moderation, but there are much better choices out there other than corn if you want to be a fiber provider!
The key thing to bear in mind is that corn is relatively hard to digest for dogs and offers limited nutritional value. If you’re considering what to feed your dog, then there are better options than sweet corn.
Can my dog eat Corn on the cob?
Despite being non-toxic, it’s important never to give corn on the cob to your dogs. You may find people saying that their dogs love to chew on the cobs and that there’s never been an issue, but it’s really not worth the risk.
Corn cobs are very difficult to digest and can cause obstructions that only surgery can remove. If your dog has eaten a cob by mistake, then look out for the following signs, and if in doubt, contact your vet immediately.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Lethargy
So, can my dog eat popcorn?
Yes, plain air-popped corn in moderation, but there really isn’t anything in popcorn that your dog needs nutritionally. If your pet happens to snaffle a few pieces while you are enjoying movie night, there’s no need for alarm. But there really are healthier choices if you are looking for a training treat or something interesting for them to enjoy that supplements their diet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my dog sweet corn?
Although it may not do any harm, it won’t do your dog any good either. It has a high sugar content that isn’t good for the long-term health of your dog’s teeth. Despite being classed as a vegetable because it is harvested when it is immature, there are better vegetables to give your dog if you want to up their vegetable intake.
Can I give my dog corn on the cob?
No. Corn cobs are bad for dogs and are among the most commonly found foreign objects that have to be surgically removed from dogs! Your dog’s digestive system really isn’t adapted to break down the cob. This means corn can get trapped in the dog’s intestines and cause a lot of trouble.
Is it safe for dogs to eat popcorn?
Yes, if we consider foods as falling into two groups, toxic and non-toxic. Popcorn is a non-toxic food. However, eating popcorn doesn’t really provide any value to your dog’s regular diet.