Can Dogs Eat Grits?

You may have wondered, “Can dogs have grits?" The icon of Southern culture is best left as a treat, if at all. This coarsely ground corn is lightly boiled in water and then cooked with butter. The sweet or savory porridge can be fashioned into grit cakes and grit fritters. The grits have a coarse texture and bland flavor when cooked without adding toppings or seasoning.

Grits are usually served with butter and salt or embellished with cheese, hot sausage, sugar or corn syrup. Grits are in two iconic regional dishes: shrimp, grits, and grillades. Imagine biting into tender beef cutlets simmered in rich gravy and served over creamy grits.

Stone-ground grits not only have far more flavor than quick-cooking or instant grits but also have a lot more antioxidants, B vitamins and fiber.¹

Use stone-ground grits as an alternative to rice or oatmeal. Grits have more nutritional benefits, such as calcium and iron content, than most other grains.¹

Dogs can eat grits in moderation. They may take some time to get used to the gritty texture. Grits are smoother than wheat or barley. Just watch that the grits aren’t given too early before they have cooled down, so your dog doesn’t burn the roof of their mouth.

Grits and corn are both high in carbohydrates, which can be difficult for dogs to digest. Corn can also be a common allergen for dogs, so it’s best to avoid it if your dog has allergies or sensitivities.

Don’t let dogs gobble grits down. It can create a choking hazard if they are swallowed whole. If your dog does experience wolfing down grits, lift their back legs and let gravity clear their throat.

Grits are so high in calories. Only give them as a treat. You can add a tablespoon each day to their bowl if they aren’t great eaters.

How to help a picky eater

Grits are delicious with cheese and turkey bacon. However, dogs have sensitive systems and too many seasonings and extras can cause an upset stomach. You can soak grits overnight for extra help with sore tummies and to make them more palatable. If they still don’t have a taste for grits or have a corn sensitivity, offer a few tablespoons of raw oatmeal.

How many ways can dogs eat corn?

Beyond being a filler, corn is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamins, linoleic acids and antioxidants.² You might be wondering whether dogs can eat corn in the same form as their pet parents. Dogs cannot have the same butter, salt, oil and other seasonings as humans. If you find yourself wondering if dogs can have grits with butter, the answer is no.³

Skip the cob when giving your dog corn. They can bite off chunks and choke or have a blockage, especially smaller dogs. If your dog shows signs of distress like vomiting, straining during defecation, loss of appetite, stomach pain, whimpering and restlessness, consult with a veterinarian.³

Popcorn is not made for canines. The unpopped kernels can wreak havoc on teeth, including decay and disease. Also swerve pre-packages and flavored selections, they can have way too much salt, oils and artificial flavors.³

There are other vegetables that dogs can eat besides corn. Chop up some asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, cucumbers and celery. Fruits like bananas, blueberry, orange, melon, pumpkin, apple, kiwi, dates, berries pitted cherries, cantaloupe and papaya.

Seafood can also be yummy for dogs. Opt for canned tuna, salmon, seaweed, shrimp, crabs and lobster. Any fish should be deboned and cooked to avoid bacteria.

Dogs can also enjoy beans. You might be wondering which beans can your dog eat. Well, you can add unseasoned green beans, black beans, lima beans, pinto beans and garbanzo beans. Please do not give your dog kidney beans, as they are highly toxic for dogs. Skip any onions and garlic to be on the safe side.

Dogs may love peanut butter, but are nuts suitable for dogs? It depends. You can give pups nut butter to help them swallow a pill, including almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts. Swerve on giving pups any dried fruit to be on the safe side. Dogs shouldn’t be given raisins, which are dried grapes.

Expert Insights at Spot

While sharing our favorite foods with our pets can be tempting, it's important to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Spot's internal data shows that pet insurance claims for dietary indiscretions average $642*, highlighting the importance of caution and research before sharing snacks with your pet.

Conclusion

As much as we love our dogs and want to give them the best life possible, they have very different digestive tracts than we do. Exploring the pet insurance plan options that Spot offers is a great way to learn more about ways to get help finding peace of mind. Spot offers pet insurance plans that help you focus on your pet’s care, not cost.