Can cats eat corn? Yes, cats can eat corn without any major concerns but, as cats are obligate carnivores they’re unable to get any real nutritional benefits from corn.
While corn contains a good amount of plant protein, cats are unable to digest this and instead thrive on a traditional animal meat based protein.
Many cats seem to enjoy eating corn for whatever reason however, there are a few things to note when it comes to cats eat corn.
Many commercial dry cat foods will include corn or grain as a common filler ingredient. This is because plant based protein is far cheaper than animal meat protein.
Can Cats Eat Corn? Is It Safe?
A piece of corn is not toxic or going to cause harm to your cat however, it should only be eaten in moderation and small amounts.
But what about other types of corn products? Well, more on that later!
Cats are carnivores by nature and require certain proteins, minerals and amino acids in order to maintain a healthy diet. Cats have a hard time digesting anything plant based and why a meat based diet is better.
Although corn is a good protein source for humans, our domestic furry friends won’t be able to digest and absorb all the nutrients like we can, even if they wanted to.
Corn also lacks in essential amino acids that are vital to a cats health. If you cat likes to eat corn let them, but only in very small amounts.
There are no real benefits of corn for cats but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a piece or two, or three!
Is There Corn In Cat Food?
If you have never taken the time to read the food ingredient list on dry cat foods, you may be surprised by what’s actually in there.
Corn or corn products can often be used as a cheap filler ingredient by cheaper quality food companies as a way to include “high protein” in their marketing.
Cat’s require animal muscle meat protein rather than plant based protein to get all their nutrients their bodies don’t naturally produce.
Many pet owners are turning to a grain free dry cat food option in order to try and provide a high quality balanced diet rather than a cheep filler like corn.
A common ingredient corn gluten, corn starch or corn meal in cat food is considerd to be of low quality. Our furry friends thrive on a meat based protein diet rather than plant protein.
It makes sense that cheaper priced foods would include grain fillers as it’s obvioulsy far cheaper than a meat based protein.
As you now know, cats rely on their diet to produce critical vitimins, minerals and essential amino acids that their body doesn’t naturally produce. In the wild they would get these from eating their prey or animal muscle meat.
When you feed your cat low quality cat food filled with grain fillers they simply aren’t getting the best quality food they could be. They could develop health issues due to the lack of vital ingredients they miss out on.
One grain free cat food I’d recommended is Purina Beyond Grain Free.
Corn Allergy In Cats – What Does It Mean?
A common misconception is that corn is the most common plant based food that causes or triggers an alergic reaction with cats.
Wait, what? Why would commercial food manufactures use it in their products then? Well, for one it’s a cheap filler. Secondly it’s worth noting that most vets will tell you pet owners often wrongly diagnose a food allergy.
It’s easy to get confused between an upset tummy and an actually allergy. You might be surprised to find that a study conducted by Cummings Vet Medical Centre noted that common allergies for cats are chicken, dairy, eggs, beef and fish.
That doesn’t mean your cat might not be allergic to corn. Typical signs of an allergy to corn are below.
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Diarrhea ( not always an allergy )
- Lethargicness
If you notice any of the above symptoms, stop feeding your cat corn and take your furry friend to your vet to have it checked out.
Corn Plants & Husks
This one is a no go. You shouldn’t let your feline friend eat any corn husks. While they aren’t toxic to cats they will likely cause stomach upset, diarrhea and all sorts of implications.
As for the corn plant also known as the cornstalk plant is toxic to cats. If ingestured, corn plant poisoning could occur and it will cause kity to have severe stomach pains and cramps.
It’s better for your cat to avoid any of these corn based products.
Can Cats Eat Sweet Corn?
Boiled or grilled unsalted or seasoned sweet corn is okay for your cat to eat. Again there isin’t any benefits for them nutritionaly but it can make for a fun treat.
Should Cats Eat Corn Chips?
Corn chips are a no go for cats. Almost all corn chips have ingredients or seasonings that you don’t want your cat eating such as salt, spice or sugar.
In-fact many of the name brand chips are so seasoned that they could be toxic for our feline friends.
Can Cats Eat Popcorn
I’ve actually written an article on can cats eat popcorn here.
In a nutshell cats can eat popcorn but, it should be avoided if possible. While plain popcorn is okay in moderation, never give your cat popcorn with toppings added as these are toxic for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat tortilla bread?
Technically yes but, you’ll want to avoid it if possible. Cat’s don’t process carbohydrates like humans do and to much carbs can cause some health issues.
Read more about can cats eat bread here!
Can cats eat corn bread?
You should avoid feeding any type of bread to your cat. Cornbread is not toxic to cats however, be careful of any topping that could be toxic to your cat.
