Most dog parents will be familiar with the following scenario; you sit down to your Sunday roast and suddenly get the feeling that you’re being watched. The big eyes, the paw on your knee, maybe a little whimper, how can you ignore that?
While it might be tempting to let your little furry friend share some of your food, not everything we eat is good for them, in fact, some of it can be harmful.
Something we’re often asked is – can dogs eat sweetcorn? It’s a good source of carbohydrates and fibre, and full of nutrients, so what’s the problem? But not everything we eat is safe for dogs to eat too, so here’s what you need to know.
Is Sweetcorn Good For Dogs?
While sweetcorn isn’t poisonous to dogs, they shouldn’t be given corn on the cob because while the cob part might seem like it’s too tough to gnaw through, they can still chew a bit off and swallow it.
The cob part isn’t very digestible and could create a choking hazard or become lodged in the intestinal tract. Any obstruction could lead to pain, vomiting and dehydration which can be very serious if left untreated.
Can Dogs Eat Sweetcorn Safely?
Dogs can eat sweetcorn, either on its own or as part of a meal, but it’s important to remove it from the cob first. They can also eat sweetcorn from a can, but canned vegetables often don’t have the same nutritional value as fresh; canned sweetcorn often has added sugar, and eating too much sugar can make your dog dehydrated.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Corn On The Cob
The first thing to do is contact a vet, telling them what your dog has eaten, how much they ate and when, and remember to make a note of any symptoms. Your dog may be given something to help them pass the cob naturally and will require close supervision.
In more severe cases your dog may need surgical intervention, possibly under a general anaesthetic. In both cases, your dog will need careful monitoring afterwards.
What About Popcorn?
While plain popcorn isn’t dangerous for dogs, it usually comes with added seasonings; salt, butter, sugar etc, which isn’t great for dogs. They could get an upset stomach and it could affect their weight.
If they do have some, make sure it’s only a small amount and make sure that the kernel has properly ‘popped’, otherwise it could stick in their teeth, or even become a choking hazard.
While we all think of our pets as one of the family, it’s still important to remember that they can’t eat everything we eat, even if they do give us ‘the look’ when we’re eating something tasty!
Of course, we want to involve them in family meals and special occasions, but there are ways to do this without putting them at risk; for example, pet owners often wonder if it’s safe for pets to eat pancakes.
We all want the best for our pets and want to protect them as much as possible, and this is where dog insurance comes in. With 5 policy types to choose from, you’ll be able to find the cover you need for the budget you have. Call us today for a free, no-strings quote and we’ll make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew.
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