Can Dogs Eat Corn? Yes, in moderation: Safe Amount by Weight

In moderation

Yes, in moderation

dogs can eat plain corn kernels in moderation. Corn is not toxic and is used in many dog foods. Never give your dog a corn cob: cobs are a common cause of dangerous intestinal blockages.

Corn for dogs at a glance

Can dogs eat it?	In moderation
Calories	About 8 kcal per tablespoon of corn kernels
Main benefit	Source of carbohydrates, fiber and some vitamins
Main risk	Corn cobs can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage
Puppies?	In tiny amounts once on solid food; puppies have sensitive stomachs

How much corn can a dog eat?

Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One tablespoon of corn kernels has about 8 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult dog could have in a day if corn were the only treat.

Dog weight	Daily treat budget	Max corn per day
10 lb (4.5 kg)	35 kcal	4 × tablespoon of corn kernels
20 lb (9.1 kg)	59 kcal	7 × tablespoon of corn kernels
40 lb (18.1 kg)	98 kcal	12 × tablespoon of corn kernels
60 lb (27.2 kg)	133 kcal	16 × tablespoon of corn kernels
80 lb (36.3 kg)	166 kcal	20 × tablespoon of corn kernels

Benefits and risks

Benefits

Source of carbohydrates, fiber and some vitamins
Plain kernels are not toxic
Already a common ingredient in commercial dog food

Risks

Corn cobs can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage
Buttered, salted or seasoned corn adds fat and sodium
Popcorn kernels and husks can be choking hazards

How to feed corn to your dog

Cut plain cooked kernels off the cob
Serve without butter, salt or seasoning
Throw cobs away in a dog-proof bin

What if my dog ate too much corn?

Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your dog seems unwell.

Related: My dog ate a corn cob

Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.

Corn and dogs: FAQ

Can dogs have corn?

Yes, dogs can eat plain corn kernels in moderation. Corn is not toxic and is used in many dog foods. Never give your dog a corn cob: cobs are a common cause of dangerous intestinal blockages.

My dog ate a corn cob. What should I do?

Call your vet right away, even if your dog seems fine. Cobs often get stuck in the intestines, and signs such as vomiting, lack of appetite or straining can take a day or more to appear.

Is corn bad for dogs?

No. Corn in dog food is a source of energy and nutrients. True corn allergies are uncommon.

Can dogs eat corn on the cob?

Only the kernels, cut off the cob. Never let a dog chew on the cob itself.

Can puppies eat corn?

Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete puppy food.

More "can dogs eat" guides

Browse lists: all vegetables dogs can eat · human foods dogs can eat · foods dogs can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Dogs Eat Corn?