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Tailwise

Grains & bread

Can cats eat corn?

A little In moderation

A few plain kernels are not harmful to cats, but they are not needed and are hard to digest.

Why Cob pieces (blockage risk); butter and salt

If your cat ate some

  1. If your dog swallowed a piece of corn cob, call your vet — even if they seem fine, cobs often cause a blockage a day or two later.
  2. Do not make your dog sick.

Signs to watch for

  • Vomiting, especially repeated
  • Loss of appetite
  • Straining or not passing stools
  • Belly pain

How much, how often

A few kernels at most.

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories

Serving it safely

  • Plain kernels only, cut off the cob
  • No butter or salt
  • Put cobs straight in a closed bin

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs In moderation

The kernels are fine in small amounts, but never give a dog corn on the cob. Swallowed cob pieces are a common cause of intestinal blockages that need surgery.

How much: A spoonful of plain kernels.

Can dogs eat corn?

Cats In moderation

A few plain kernels are not harmful to cats, but they are not needed and are hard to digest.

How much: A few kernels at most.

The details

Corn cobs are one of the most common causes of intestinal blockage in dogs in summer. They are the perfect size to swallow, do not break down in the stomach, and often lodge in the small intestine. Signs may not start until the next day. Barbecues and picnics are the usual scene.

Safer treats your cat can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can cats eat corn?

A few plain kernels are not harmful to cats, but they are not needed and are hard to digest.

How much corn can a cat have?

A few kernels at most.

What makes corn risky for cats?

Cob pieces (blockage risk); butter and salt.

What are the signs to watch for in cats?

vomiting, especially repeated, loss of appetite, straining or not passing stools, belly pain.

What should I do if my cat ate corn?

If your dog swallowed a piece of corn cob, call your vet — even if they seem fine, cobs often cause a blockage a day or two later. Do not make your dog sick.

Is corn safe for dogs too?

The kernels are fine in small amounts, but never give a dog corn on the cob. Swallowed cob pieces are a common cause of intestinal blockages that need surgery.

Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards
  3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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