Cats can eat corn, although it doesn’t benefit them nutritionally. A cat’s diet should consist mainly of meat, and corn is definitely not meat.
Some commercial cat foods are made with corn or corn-based ingredients, but these aren’t the best option for your cat’s long-term health. Cats may sometimes nibble at table food – we all know how stealthy they can be. If your cat snags a bite of buttery corn-on-the-cob or salty corn-chip, it’s not likely to hurt him.
However, corn doesn’t provide anything nutritionally for Felix, and shouldn’t be a regular feature in his diet. If you are searching for a snack for your cat, consider something that is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates, such as freeze-dried liver or other grain-free snacks.
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Is Corn Good for Cats?
Corn is an ingredient in many cat food brands, so it is safe for cats to eat. However, you should always examine the ingredients list to ensure that corn is not one of the primary ingredients.
Some brands use corn as a filler. Fillers are cheap food substances that take up a lot of space in the food. This means that those cat foods will not have many nutrients. Some cats can live a long time on nutrient-poor cat food, but they may be at risk of long-term diseases such as joint pain, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or cancer if they cannot get enough nutrition for their organs and immune system to function optimally. Verify that your cat is getting the best possible nutrition and choose cat food with meat as the main ingredient.
The best type of corn to give your cat is cooked sweet corn right off the cob. This fresh corn still contains nutrients and moisture, and there’s still some intact fiber to aid with digestion.
So while cats can eat corn, they don’t get much from it. It’s better to focus their diet on meat and other animal-based proteins.
Kittens should not eat corn, as their digestive systems are not yet mature enough to handle it. Stick to a diet of kitten food until they reach adulthood.
Can Cats Eat Corn Husks?
No. Corn husks are not poisonous to cats, but they aren’t digestible either. Eating corn husks can cause vomiting and intestinal blockages in cats. Your cat is not likely to try eating corn husks, however, and is more likely to try to play with it as a toy. It’s fine and fun for your cat to swat or bite the corn husks. Just be sure that he is not consuming it.
Can Cats Eat Corn Chips?
Cats shouldn’t eat corn chips. The oils, high amounts of processed salt, and other flavoring ingredients (such as on Doritos or other flavored corn chips) have a high likelihood of giving your cat digestive distress, and may cause harm.
What Should Cats Eat Instead of Corn
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their diet should consist mainly of meat. The amino acids and fatty acids found in meat are essential for a cat’s health, and they cannot get these from plant-based sources.
However, cats can still eat some fruits and vegetables. These foods contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may be digestible, and may be fun and exciting for your cat to taste.
Here are some healthy meat- and plant-based treats your cat can enjoy:
- Liver
- Bone marrow
- Butter
- Eggs & egg yolks
- Yogurt or Kefir
- Cheese
- Bananas
- Mango
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Carrots
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
Remember, cats are carnivores, and meat should be the focus in their diet, with plant matter kept to a minimum. Additionally, you should avoid giving your cat any foods containing onions or garlic, as these can be toxic.
So Can Cats Eat Corn?
Cats can eat corn, but they really shouldn’t be eating it on a regular basis. If you are curious about what you can and cannot feed your cat, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice.
