Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs?
Dogs are scavengers and it is natural for them to eat everything they find, whether it is edible or not. Many people know the risks of incurring pancreatitis if they feed pets a diet of table scraps which contain high amounts of fat, like gravy, trimmings and others, especially pets who are not accustomed to consuming table scraps on regular basis.
While it may seem like a healthy alternative to feeding your pet with corn cobs, can dogs eat corn cobs?
Technically speaking, corn on its own is not really generally harmful or toxic to dogs. Corn is a great form of energy source due to the high carbohydrate content. Corn is also rich in natural antioxidants, protein, and essential fatty acids.
Before you scrape off some kernels from the corn cob and offer these to your pet or let him clean off a few corn remnants while holding on to the cob, it is best to know the answer first if dogs can really eat corn cobs.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Cobs? Not Recommended!
Although a kernel or two of corn will not typically hurt your dog, you might want to intervene right away if Fido suddenly gets hold of the leftover corn on the cob you forgot on your plate.
Most dogs love chewing on corn cobs thanks to the taste of butter, salt and bits of corn, not to mention that these are just plain fun to chew. There are dogs that really chew them up but others don’t. But, there are real dangers that exist and corn cobs are not recommended for dogs.
Corn cobs are found to cause intestinal obstruction, which happens to be extremely serious and even possibly fatal medical condition. In addition, there are dogs sensitive to corn and they may suffer not just from intestinal effects but even from physical obstruction.
It would be wise if you will keep all the cobs away from your dog’s reach and secure them safely inside the trash bin. Don’t forget that dogs can get really creative if there is something in the trash so you have to ensure that the bin has been emptied or made impossible for your pet to access.
If you suspect your pet to have eaten a cob, it is best to call or visit your vet at the soonest time possible. While there are instances when the corn on the cob can pass uneventfully in the large dogs, the small and medium dogs are the ones who are at bigger risk for obstruction.
This video shows a dog eats corn on the cob:
Some common signs of partial or intestinal obstruction as the result of eating corn cobs include dry heaves or vomiting, straining or diarrhea, painful abdomen, not eating or loss of appetite and lethargy. Your vet is the perfect person who can advise you as to what is the best course of action to take, whether it is an immediate examination or a watch and wait situation.
So, can dogs eat corn cobs? Well, it is not recommended.
