A dog eating just a few bites of cornbread might not seem like a problem at first. Surely, some dogs tend to gnaw on whatever food they see on the kitchen table. But just because they can eat whatever they want doesn’t mean that they should. Now, the question is, it is safe for dogs to eat cornbread? Can dogs eat cornbread?
What Is Cornbread?
First, let’s define what cornbread exactly is. Essentially, cornbread is a bread product that’s made from maize (a grain closely related to millet), which is cooked with baking soda and water until it becomes a soft dough that can be shaped into many different forms. When baked, it develops its characteristic texture and appearance. Many home-baked cornbreads are loaded with refined sugar and unhealthy fats that aren’t good for consumption.
You might also be interested in “Can Dogs Eat Corn?”
So, Can Dogs Eat Cornbread?
Maybe. Feeding a few slices of cornbread might not be harmful to your dog but you need to be cautious about the amount served. Providing cornbread in a small amount is less likely to harm dogs than if you were to provide them with an enormous amount.
Here are 4 reasons why consuming cornbread in a large amount could be bad for your pooch:
Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to grains therefore feeding them cornbread is not a good idea. If your dog doesn’t have a diagnosed grain sensitivity and you give them cornbread anyway, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Red and itchy skin
- Constant scratching could also lead to hair loss
- Obsessive licking
- Constant chewing
- Potential ear infections
- Inflamed paw pads
- Gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, gas, and loose stools
If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has eaten cornbread, then it is high time that you book an appointment with a vet. The doctor will be able to identify whether your pup is allergic to grain and its byproduct and treat the condition accordingly.
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High sugar level
Cornbread is made with high levels of added sugar and other seasonings that can be potentially bad for your dog’s health. A slice of cornbread usually has around 18 grams of sugar and 180 calories. That is approximately four and a half teaspoons full of sugar. Too much sugar can cause weight gain, cavities, metabolic conditions, or even diabetes in dogs.
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Nuts
Cornbread with chocolate chips and raisins can be extremely dangerous for dogs to eat. It is because chocolate and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening effects such as seizures and organ failure.
Some dogs can also be allergic to nuts and raisins, so it is best to not give your dog cornbread with nuts or raisins.
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Lack of nutrition
Cornbread is not nutritious food. Since it is made with ground-up cornmeal hence, it doesn’t contain much fiber. Instead, cornbread is high in calories and sugar levels. Therefore, it is always a GOOD idea to switch your dog’s diet to more nutritious food than cornbread.
Conclusion
If you’re still wondering “Can Dogs Eat Cornbread?”, then the simple answer to that question is “only occasionally.” It is fine to feed your dogs some slices of cornbread once in a while. But they shouldn’t be provided every day. And if your pup’s health is compromised when it comes to foods made from grains like corn, then cornbread should be strictly avoided.
Thank you for reading the article.
Now that you know cornbread isn’t a healthy food for your dog, find out more about other corn-related dog articles in corn for dogs.
Have you ever shared a piece of cornbread with your dog? What was their reaction? Did they like it? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below!