Corn is a very popular vegetable that can be found in many foods. It is a main ingredient in cornbread, muffins, and some dog treats. Although it is not harmful for humans to eat corn, it may be harmful for dogs.
Unfortunately, many dog treats contain high amounts of corn. Since most dogs love these treats, it can create some problems down the road.
Some dogs have very sensitive stomachs and may develop GI issues after eating foods with high amounts of corn. Other dogs may experience skin issues or weight loss due to eating too much corn.
Fortunately, it is easy to reduce the amount of corn your dog eats by making homemade dog treats. By using other ingredients such as peanut butter or oats, you can make a treat your dog will love that is low in corn!
This article will discuss how to make canine-friendly snacks containing minimal amounts of corn.
Can dogs eat corn muffins?
Unfortunately, dogs cannot eat corn muffins due to the high amount of dog-unsafe ingredients included in the recipe.
Although corn is an ingredient in dog food, it is not considered a vegetable. Therefore, dogs can consume a small amount of corn as an occasional treat.
Too much of this grain can result in weight gain, obesity, and other health concerns. Additionally, dogs may have allergies to corn that may trigger skin irritation or stomach problems.
The butter used to bake the muffin creates a greasy texture that your dog would not enjoy. He or she would probably lick off the butter first and then leave the rest behind because it is not tasty.
The eggs in the batter are also not safe for dogs due to the potential for salmonella contamination. This would cause stomach upset and possibly dehydration if severe enough.
Yes, dogs can eat corn muffins
While it is true that dogs can eat regular corn on the cob, it is harder to get them off the cob. Plus, the cob can be hard for a dog to chew.
So, why not let them enjoy a delicious corn muffin? Since they are made with soft ingredients like flour and butter, your dog will have no problem chewing them and enjoying them.
Just make sure that there are no extra additives in the muffin like preservatives or lye. If so, then your pup may have a slight reaction.
Corn can be hard for dogs to digest, so only give them a small portion to try first. Then, see if they enjoy it and if they don’t have any negative side effects afterwards!
Usually, if your dog is allergic to something, they will have some kind of reaction after eating it. If you notice any of these signs after your dog eats a corn muffin, take them to the vet.
No, dogs should not eat corn muffins
Corn is a common ingredient in dog foods. It is used as a staple food and energy source for your pup. Unfortunately, corn is one of the top ingredients that are restricted for dogs.
Dogs cannot digest grains as efficiently as people can. Their bodies do not produce the needed enzymes to break down certain components of grains.
One of these components is called linuron, which is a pesticide commonly used on corn. People can safely eat linuron, but it can be toxic to dogs.
Because of this, most pet food manufacturers do not use corn as a main ingredient in dog food. However, if your dog eats dry food, they may eat some grain fragments that are in the food as a supplement component.
Raw diets allow for more natural ingredients, but may have ingredients that are harmful to dogs like corn.
Corn is fine for dogs to eat
While corn on the cob is a fun treat for dogs, even more fun is licking the butter off the cob. Luckily, even half of the cob is a good enough treat for most dogs.
Even if your dog does not like the taste of corn, it is safe to give them cooked corn. Dogs can eat frozen or cooked corn as a treat as well.
The problem comes when people mix corn with other ingredients. Then, there is a chance of an allergic reaction. So, just give your dog plain cooked corn and you are good to go!
However, there are some types of maize that contain compounds that are toxic to animals, including zearalenone and aflatoxin. If you are feeding your dog maize that contains these compounds, then they should not eat it.
Always check with your vet before giving your dog human food
Although it may seem harmless to give your dog human food, it can lead to some serious health concerns for your canine friend.
Canines have very different nutritional needs than we do, and what your dog likes may not be good for them. Some foods, like chocolate and grapes, are deadly to dogs.
Even if you’re having a snack and your dog is hungry, don’t give them the food unless you’re sure it’s safe. Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Dog foods are made with protein sources and nutrients tailored specifically for dogs. If you feed them human food, they may not get all the nutrients they need and there is a chance of overloading them with calories.
Unfortunately, the worst time to find out that something is harmful to dogs is when it’s too late. All we can do is constantly educate ourselves and our pets so we can keep them as healthy as possible.
Muffins are usually made with sugar too
A common ingredient in muffins is sugar. Luckily, we can easily exclude it in a canine-friendly recipe! Just by replacing the sugar with a bit more coconut flour, the muffin will still taste good.
Just like with cookies, you can use peanut butter instead of butter to make them more canine friendly. Dogs can have peanuts, so that is an easy yes!
The hardest part about making canine-friendly muffins is getting the right texture. Since dogs do not have strong digested, like us humans, they would not get much out of a muffin that was soft and doughy.
Try making your own dog treats using organic ingredients
If you know how to make dog treats, then you will never run out of treat options for your dog. Plus, making your own treats lets you control all the ingredients that go into them.
Most pet stores and even some supermarkets now sell pet food and treat making kits. These include all the essentials to make your own dog treats, from the batter to shape them to cooking them.
Some even come with special cutters for the shapes and a cooker so that they are perfectly cooked. Your furry friend will definitely appreciate this extra touch!
Even if you do not want to make your own treats, buying the kits can be a good way to get some new treat ideas. Look at what ingredients are in the batter and then find a way to substitute healthier alternatives.
Dogs can smell sugar on our hands even after washing
Just like cats, dogs have a very strong sense of smell. A dog’s nose is between hundred and ten thousand times more sensitive than a human’s.
So, if you have dog allergy, it is best to avoid dogs altogether. Even if you do not have allergies, your dog will most likely notice that you have food on your hands even after washing them.
Dogs can also smell sugar on our hands even after washing our hands with soap and water. So, how can you stop your pup from begging for food? The answer is simple: use paper towels!
When you cook or bake, always use paper towels to dry your hands and any utensils or dishes.
