Cats can eat corn? Although corn is frequently used as a filler in commercial cat diets, should you include cob-fed corn kernels in your cat’s daily diet?
Can cats eat maize, too? Corn is a widely available food item for humans that goes well with practically anything. The answer is that sure, cats can consume maize given that many cat food producers include it as a filler.
However, just because corn isn’t poisonous doesn’t indicate that it’s a healthy option for your feline family member.
Can Cats Safely Eat Corn?
Absolutely. In actuality, your cat is most likely already eating maize in addition to the fact that it can. Corn and cornmeal are frequently used as filler ingredients in many commercially marketed pet diets and snacks due to their easy availability and high fiber content.
But the main query here isn’t whether cats can eat maize, but if they should. While maize won’t hurt your cat (and some may actually love the sweet flavor of corn kernels as a treat! ), it won’t necessarily be beneficial either. In terms of nutritional value, it’s not really doing anything else for them.
Cats are obligate carnivores, so their bodies are really set up to process meat protein most efficiently. This means that, while corn will provide some minor nutritional benefit in B vitamins and fiber, it is going to mostly act as a blank filler in their stomachs, which can cause them to eat less.
Filler foods (like maize) won’t be the finest choices, according to Denver, Colorado resident Kaci Angelone, DVM, MS. “I always suggest a meat-based dish. Salmon, liver, and dehydrated chicken breast are all healthful choices.”
As a result, if you’re going to feed your cat some popcorn kernels as a snack (or if they sneak a few while you’re cooking), just be careful and mindful of how you do it.
Which Corn Snacks Are the Best for Cats?
The next most crucial thing to keep in mind while feeding corn to your cat is moderation, followed by how simply you prepare it. The problem with many maize-based products isn’t how much corn is in them; it’s all the other stuff. Keep an eye out for extra ingredients like butter, milk, and salt.
Popcorn
Plain popcorn doesn’t truly offer your cat any nutritional advantages despite being a light, delectable treat for humans. Additionally, according to Angelone, eating butter- or seasoning-covered popcorn may result in nausea and diarrhea.
Sweet Corn
The greatest option for your cat will be corn that has been grilled or cooked and separated from the cob. When given to them simple, sweet corn will be pleasant without upsetting their stomachs and will still preserve the majority of the corn’s nutritious worth.
Tortillas and Cornbread
Because they are so nutritionally worthless for cats and take up a lot of space in their small stomachs, breads of all kinds should generally be avoided as feline treats. The same is true with polenta and cornmeal, which have no nutritional value and can expand to take up a lot of space when consumed.
Corn Chips
These ought to be a definite no when it comes to your cat’s snack time. The greatest corn chips usually have a lot of salt added to them. The worst case scenario is that they are smothered with cheese, spices, and preservatives that are toxic to cats.
When is maize harmful to felines?
Therefore, if given occasionally as a snack and in modest amounts, maize is safe for cats. Here’s why eating too much maize might be harmful:
Allergic reactions.Cats who are allergic to corn are not rare. In fact, it is well recognized that corn causes the majority of allergic reactions in felines. The symptoms of corn allergy can include frequent itching, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, coughing, etc. Because of the zein in corn, your kitty companion can also acquire a gluten allergy. In addition to bloating, lethargy, and diarrhea, gluten sensitivity can cause weight loss.
Carbohydrates and sugar also sugar Cats don’t digest carbohydrates effectively and don’t require them in the same quantities as they do animal protein. Sugar, which is usually found in the form of sucrose, is the most damaging of the carbs contained in corn. Blood sugar increases have been linked to heart and cardiovascular disorders among other health problems.
Poor digestion.Phytic acid, a chemical found in corn that is known to prevent the absorption of minerals like iron and zinc, is present in corn. Corn that has been sprouted, fermented, or soaked may have phytic acid effects that are lessened, but other significant minerals may also be lost.
Corn husks can cats eat them?
Although corn husks are not harmful to cats, they can nonetheless result in intestinal blockage or cause problems including vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and appetite loss. In addition, maize starch, baby corn, and corn flakes might upset a cat’s stomach.
How to feed corn to cats?
The most crucial thing to keep in mind while feeding corn to your cat is to just give it to them sometimes as a snack and in moderation. Additionally, the corn is to be served without any seasonings, butter, salt, milk, or other additives.
Before introducing any new human foods to your cat, be sure to check your veterinarian. Based on your pet’s medical history, they ought should be able to give you more accurate information on what it is and isn’t safe for it to eat.
If your veterinarian gives the all-clear, start by giving your cat a small quantity of corn to observe how she responds to it. Stop feeding your cat maize and contact your veterinarian if you observe any digestive issues or indications of an allergic response.
Pro tip: Cats can develop food allergies at any time in their lives.Cats can eat corn? Having a quality pet insurance plan before allergy symptoms appear will ensure that these chronic conditions are covered for the remainder of your cat’s life.
