Can dogs eat corn? And cats?
Corn kernels are safe. Corn cobs cause dangerous intestinal blockages every summer.
Plain cooked kernels are safe in small amounts.
Plain corn kernels, off the cob and unbuttered, are a safe treat and a common pet-food ingredient. The cob is the hazard: dogs love to chew them, cobs do not break down in the gut, and a swallowed chunk is one of the most common causes of surgical intestinal blockage, especially after cookouts. Kernels yes, cob never.
Signs to watch for
- Cob: vomiting, straining, painful belly, no appetite (blockage signs)
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control people-foods guidance, Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Poison Helpline. Verdicts are conservative by design: where evidence is thin we choose the stricter rating.
This is general educational information, not veterinary advice. When in doubt about your own pet, ask your veterinarian.
If your pet just ate something risky, act now: call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (consultation fees may apply).