Can Dogs Eat Cornbread?

Cornbread is a tasty treat with enticing aromas that will certainly lure your begging pup to your side, pleading for a bite. However, is it safe to give your dog, and can dogs eat cornbread? It’s a staple food of the Southern diet, goes with everything, and it’s safe to share with your dog. However -as with most human foods – moderation is vital when giving your dog cornbread. Read on to learn more about feeding cornbread to your pup and what to keep in mind when sharing this tasty treat.

Can Dogs Eat Cornbread? 

Cornbread, store-bought or homemade, is a delicious comfort food that complements many dishes. However, as we explore whether or not it’s safe for your dog, you may want to evaluate how much you indulge in yourself.

Dogs can eat cornbread, as there’s nothing in it that’s inherently harmful to them. However, be sure to monitor your dog after he eats cornbread for the first time. Your dog could have an undiagnosed sensitivity issue or an allergic response. Dogs with gluten sensitivity or intolerance will be happy with a piece of cornbread, as most recipes don’t contain wheat flour.

Despite there being nothing harmful to dogs in cornbread, that doesn’t implicitly mean you can give your dog as much as you’d like. Cornbread is hardly nutritious and contains high levels of sugar – typically 18 grams per slice, depending on the recipe. Ground cornmeal also features little fiber or other nutrients. And while cornbread isn’t as sweet as, say, a slice of cake, their nutritional values are comparable.

In short, cornbread is fine in moderation but should absolutely not become a staple of your dog’s diet.

What Happens if Dogs Eat Cornbread?

In moderation, cornbread is a tasty treat that’s unlikely to harm your dog unless they have sensitivities to some of the ingredients. The added sugar in cornbread has minimal nutritional value for your pup, and too much sugar can pose long-term health risks such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.

Is Cornbread Good for Dogs?

Cornbread is neither good for dogs nor harmful to them. The treat offers zero nutritional benefits but can be an occasional snack that’s reliably free of toxins / allergens and unlikely to hurt your dog.

The key to feeding your dog cornbread – or any human food – is to limit the amount you give them and not make a habit of it. An occasional handful of cornbread is perfectly fine for most dogs, but be careful not to overdo things.

Benefits of Feeding Dogs Cornbread

While other human foods are perfectly healthy and even nutritious for dogs, such as apples, salmon, or green beans, cornbread is not one of those foods. It’s not unsafe for dogs to eat cornbread occasionally, but it confers no health benefits.

Cornbread does contain a decent amount of folic acid and amino acids, which are essential for healthy metabolic function and promote red blood cell production. Not all cornbread recipes are created equal: some homemade versions of the dish contain reduced levels of sugar, sweetened with honey or maple syrup instead.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Cornbread

When given the opportunity, dogs will indulge in human food until they’re stuffed. Never fear if your dog gets their paws on high amounts of cornbread before you can stop them. Monitor your dog for signs of hyperglycemic-related symptoms such as diarrhea, fatigue, increased thirst, or vomiting/diarrhea. If any of the above occur after a cornbread feast, call your vet to discuss the next steps.

If you’ve fed your dogs a small amount of ingredient-safe cornbread, they should be perfectly fine. However, it’s best to watch for adverse reactions and call your vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Is Cornmeal Okay for Dogs?

Corn is not a standard component of the canine diet, though it’s not intrinsically bad for dogs. Many industrial dog food brands include cornmeal as a cost-effective filler. However, some canines have trouble digesting it, leading many owners to opt for dog foods that are corn-free or prioritizing meat and food/vegetable ingredients.

Dogs are unlikely to react immediately to cornmeal, but some animals can develop an allergy with prolonged exposure. Signs of an allergic response to cornmeal include:

• Coarse, rough coats
• Weight issues
• Cracked nails
• Itchy skin
• Ear infections

If any of these symptoms occur, try giving your dog a grain-free dog food recipe instead.

Conclusion

Dogs can eat cornbread as an acceptable, occasional, and small treat and it’s perfectly healthy when doled out in moderation. However, too much of a good thing (read: cornbread) can lead to unhealthy outcomes such as weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and inflammation. Keep the cornbread indulgences to a minimum, and your pup’s tastebuds and health will thank you for it. 

Up Next

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Bruce Peter Morin