Corn is loved by both plant-based eaters and meat eaters for its high nutrient density. You can get your popcorn sweet, salty, spicy, popped, boiled, or grilled.
It’s great as a snack, side dish, or main course because it contains protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Plus, it has a wonderful taste all by itself.
Given all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that corn is a common ingredient in many different types of cat food.
However, what kinds of corn are safe for felines? And maybe your cat shouldn’t eat corn. After all, it has many manifestations, not all of which can be lumped together.
Can Cats Eat Corn?
Corn is safe for cats to eat in small quantities. In fact, it’s a staple of many commercial cat foods.
Corn, however, is not a biologically appropriate food for cats and should not be fed to them. Meat is the only thing a cat needs to thrive, and corn is just a cheap filler ingredient in most commercial cat foods.
If you want to treat your cat, fresh corn is something he can eat. However, eating corn for an extended period of time (especially the lower quality corn used in cat food) can lead to stomach problems and a reduction in the absorption of other vital nutrients.
Yes, most varieties of corn are safe for cats to eat (though not in any quantity), and some are highly toxic to them, especially when seasoned.
Corn is used as a filler in cat food and contributes no nutritional value. Unlike real meat, it does not provide a significant amount of protein or vitamins.
In addition, depending on their health, some cats shouldn’t eat cat food that contains corn and other grains like soy, wheat, etc.
What Kind of Corn Snacks Are Best for Cats?
However, corn that isn’t found in pet food or canned goods is a different story. Here’s a rundown of the most common corn-related products and whether or not cats can safely consume them.
Corn Chips
These are probably not a good choice for your cat’s snack time. Premium corn chips usually have a generous amount of salt added. Cats should avoid them because they may be covered in cheese, spices, or preservatives.
Tortillas and Cornbread
Breads of any kind should not be given to cats as treats because they offer no nutritional value and are too bulky for their small stomachs.
Similar arguments can be made for cornmeal and polenta, both of which add nothing nutritionally but can bloat the stomach once consumed.
Tacos and breads
Tacos, tortillas, quesadillas, and other types of bread should not be fed to your cat. As a result, they prioritize carbohydrates over protein, vitamins, and other vital nutrients. Don’t freak out if your pet eats some bread.
Tacos and corn tortillas use a special kind of bread that doesn’t contain gluten. It won’t harm your cat’s body if it’s unseasoned and consumed in very small amounts. However, you shouldn’t feed your pet tortillas.
Corndogs and other cornmeal snacks
Cornbread, for example, is a common snack that many people enjoy. Cats obviously can’t have this delicious comfort food. Yes, the meat in the middle is a major draw for feline fans.
However, the fried corn batter isn’t exactly good for you. The same holds true for any cornmeal-based snack. Finally, the corndog’s sausage is among the worst meats you can feed your beloved pet.
Popcorn
While plain popcorn may be a tasty treat for humans, it offers little in the way of nutrition for your cat. Angelone warns that the addition of butter or seasoning to popcorn can lead to stomach problems.
Polenta
Polenta, like cornmeal, is made from finely ground dried maize or corn. Also, felines shouldn’t consume it.
Polenta, which is made with a variety of spices, may be toxic to cats and isn’t suitable for their diet anyway. You might as well be feeding your cat unhealthy fast food.
Grilled/ boiled corn
The corn that has been grilled or boiled is probably the most secure for your cat. They are low in fat and still contain many of the beneficial elements found in organic corn.
Simply put, it’s the most risk-free corn snack option. Once more, check to see that it is unsalted before offering it to your feline friend.
Fried kernels
Pre-packaged fried corn kernel snacks are the absolute worst possible choice for your cat. Your pet’s health can quickly be destroyed by these. Fried corn is unhealthy for your pet because of the high concentration of fats and sodium.
Sweet Corn
The best preparation for your cat is corn that has been grilled or boiled and then has had the cob removed. Sweet corn, when given to them plain, will be tasty without causing digestive distress and will still retain most of the corn’s nutritional value.
Plant and husks
Corn husks and other parts of the corn plant may be appealing to some cats for various reasons. Keep your furry friend from ever consuming them.
They aren’t deadly, but they can make you sick in a number of ways, including diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Keep in mind that corn is a grain, even if you choose the healthier options.
It’s not substantial enough to meet the nutritional needs of any cat, despite being rich in B-group vitamins, essential minerals, and protein.
To rephrase, moderation and selecting nutritious options are key if you insist on feeding your cat some of your corn.
What Other Foods Can Cats Eat?
While corn may not be the best option, there are a few human fruits and vegetables that can be consumed in moderation without ill effects on cats.
If you want to make sure your cat gets all the nutrients he needs, the best way to do that is to feed him a balanced diet of cat food designed specifically for felines. However, on occasion a healthy cat can enjoy a treat that was intended for humans.
On the other hand, cats should avoid eating the following foods due to their potential toxicity:
- L’ail et l’oignon
- The sugar alcohol xylitol is widely used.
- Raisins and grapes.
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Yeast bread dough
- Coffee
- Grapefruit, orange, lemon, and other citrus fruits.