In this cat blog, we will answer the major question, “Can cats eat corn?” we will also discuss the benefits of corn, the threats of consuming corn, and what are the products of corn.
Can cats eat corn?
Yes, cats can eat corn. Corn is healthy for your cat to eat but it has a very limited nutritive profile for your cat. A small amount of plain corn is good as a treat for your cat. Most cat foods have a small amount of corn due to their vitamins and fiber quality.
What are the benefits of consuming corn for your cat?
Following are the benefits of consuming corn for your cat:
B vitamins
Corn has a small number of B vitamins that can help in the growth of the body and also help in the production of red blood cells in the body. It also helps to improve the health of the brain and the digestive tract of the body.
B vitamins also play an important role in the conversion of food into energy.
Protein
The next important nutrient is the proteins in the corn. Proteins are required for the healthy growth of the muscles and also the body itself.
Protein also acts as a source of energy for animals and humans but cats are obligate carnivores and they get most of the proteins from the animal source. Giving a high amount of corn will not benefit the cat in the form of protein.
Fiber
Fiber helps to regulate the bowel movements of the body. It also plays an important role in controlling unhealthy weight gain and lowering blood sugar levels in the body.
Fiber will limit the food intake of your cat then the cat will not eat much of the food so it will help to control the unhealthy weight gain in the body.
Obese animals need more fiber because of their continuously increasing weight.
When the amount of food is limited for your cat it will also lower the blood sugar level in the body which lowers the risk of developing diabetes in your cat.
Fiber regulates the bowel movements of your cat to reduce the risk of constipation and diarrhea in your cat.
What are the major threats of consuming corn for your cat?
Following are the major threats of consuming corn for your cat:
Malnutrition
The first problem is malnutrition which is due to the inadequate supply of nutrients to the body. The body of your cat becomes weak and with time becomes emaciated.
The reproductive system of the body shuts down because the body doesn’t have enough energy to bear the load of the reproductive system.
Stomach upset
The stomach of the cat’s body is specialized to digest meat type of food rather than grain type of food. Consuming more than the required level of corn can cause stomach upset in your cat.
Following are the major clinical signs of stomach upset in your cat:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain
Allergy
The next problem is the allergic reaction in the body. The allergic reaction is due to the sensitivity of the body toward the corn. Some cats are sensitive to corn and you will see the following signs in such cats:
- Rashes on the skin
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Itching
- Breathing problems
- Hives
What are the different types of corn products?
Following are the different types of corn products:
Corn chips
The first is the corn chips. Corn chips are not healthy for your cat to consume due to the high fats, salt, and preservatives in them.
The high salt content is not healthy for your cat due to the high blood pressure threats that are related to it. High salt content also causes dehydration in the body and prolonged dehydration can lead to hypovolemic shock and the death of your cat.
High-fat content can cause obesity and pancreatitis in your cat.
Cornbread
Cornbread is safe but not healthy for your cat. It doesn’t have a high nutritional value for your cat. Consuming too much bread can limit the food intake of your cat which can cause problems.
Cornbread is easy to digest but will add empty calories to your cat’s body.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is healthy for your cat to consume in moderation. Corn and cornmeal have the same benefits for your cat. Giving boiled or roasted corn will be beneficial for your cat.
Cornmeal is attractive to your cat to consume so you can give it a pill very easily.
Conclusion
In this blog, we answered the main question, “Can cats eat corn?” we also covered the benefits of corn for your cat, the threats of consuming corn, and what are the products of corn.
