Hominy is a Popular Human Dish, But Can Dogs Digest It?
Hominy is entirely safe for dogs. Indeed, one may find hominy in various dog meals as it is one of the most affordable cereal grains. However, there are certain factors you should consider, such as the type of hominy you feed your dog and the amount.
Table of Contents
What is Hominy?
Hominy is made from white or yellow maize, sometimes referred to as field corn. Dried hominy kernels are steeped in a lye or slaked lime alkali solution. This procedure, known as nixtamalization, removes the shell and germ from the corn, making it more straightforward to ground and cook.
Nixtamalization also helps the kernels release more nutrients, such as niacin (vitamin B3), making them simpler to digest.
Cooked hominy kernels are around three times larger than fresh sweet corn kernels. They may be eaten plain or added to corn-based meals like succotash.
One may also use them to reinforce a variety of soups, stews, and casseroles and make starchy side dishes like hash. They may also be used to make cornbread, quick loaves of bread, muffins, and flapjack-like hominy cakes.
Can Dogs Eat Hominy Corn?
Yes! Hominy is not only edible, but it may also be beneficial to dogs. A frequent misunderstanding is that hominy causes substantial allergies in dogs; however, only around 4% of dogs are allergic to hominy.
On the other hand, corn cobs are not recommended for dogs since they might cause choking or intestinal blockage (more on that later). Plain, cooked whole corn kernels and corn ingredients in many types of dog food and kibble are healthy for your dog in moderation.
Is Hominy Suitable For Dogs?
Hominy is not harmful to dogs, and a tiny amount will not hurt them. Hominy is easily digested, according to studies, and is frequently the second option after rice for canine diets.
Hominy is one of the world’s most frequently consumed grains, and depending on the variety, it may be an excellent source of the following nutrients:
Carbohydrates are easily absorbed and provide energy to your pet.
Protein and amino acids are essential for healthy skin, hair, and muscles.
Antioxidants that assist the immune system, such as beta-carotene and vitamin E.
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that dogs cannot manufacture by themselves. It is critical to assist your dog in developing and maintaining a healthy immune system, hair, and skin.
Fiber improves gut health and motility.
Is Hominy Harmful To Dogs?
Hominy is generally safe for puppies and can be included in a well-balanced diet. However, one should only use it in moderation.
In general, treats should not account for more than 10% of your dog’s diet, and too much human food may deplete your pet’s nutritional needs or lead to weight gain.
Although it is incredibly unusual, some puppies develop Hominy allergies because of an overactive immune system to the substance. Hominy allergy symptoms in dogs include:
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
- Hives
- Obsessive licking
- Biting of the paws
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Abdominal cramping
Book an appointment with your vet if your pet exhibits these symptoms. There are a variety of disorders that might create clinical signs similar to food allergies. Therefore, the vet will need to do some tests to rule out any infections.
If your veterinarian detects a food allergy, they will guide you through establishing which exact food item is causing your pet’s discomfort. They may also recommend an elimination diet, which you must strictly adhere to.
If your dog is allergic, you should look for dog diets that do not include Hominy or Hominy products. Your pet is considerably more likely to be allergic to the protein source in their meal than other ingredients such as hominy or rice.
How Much Hominy Can Your Dog Eat?
A small amount of hominy is generally safe to put in your dog’s diet. However, you should feed hominy in moderation and not allow such a treat to surpass 10% of your dog’s diet like any human meal added to a dog’s diet.
Too much human food may deplete your dog’s nutritional needs and contribute to dangerous additional weight gain. Ensure there are no salt, butter, or other fatty flavor enhancers on the hominy.
A little fat is delicate, but too much fat and salt is harmful to dogs and can lead to obesity or gastrointestinal problems, just like it does in humans.
Can I Offer my Dog a Recipe That Contains Hominy?
Always contact your veterinarian before serving hominy to establish the appropriate amount size for your dog. Even a healthy treat, such as hominy, should be included in your dog’s daily balanced diet.
If you’re also using corn on the cob, wash it thoroughly, cook it fully in unsalted water, and then scrape the kernels off the cob with a knife. (Remember to put the cob in the trash, ideally outside if your dog is a garbage digger.)
Frozen, bagged hominy from the grocery store can be a fun, crunchy meal topping for your puppy, but make sure there are no extra additives like salt, which is harmful to dogs if ingested in large quantities.
Sprinkle some corn on top of your dog’s usual food—or bury it beneath it to make them work for their reward! You may also offer them a little amount as a snack on occasion or mix it into homemade desserts or smoothie bowls.
Final Thoughts:
On the other hand, plain hominy is okay for dogs to consume in moderation if the dog is not allergic to hominy. Hominy can be fed to dogs as a treat or as a meal topper as long as it is removed from the cob. Simply chop the hominy on the cob off with a knife after cooking it and serve a tiny quantity.
Remember that dog treats, including hominy, should never constitute more than 10% of your dog’s primary diet. While it is a safe treat for dogs, it does not provide many nutritional advantages. Too many treats and insufficient complete and balanced dog food might result in malnutrition and other problems.
FAQ: Can Dogs Eat Hominy?
Can Dogs Eat White Hominy?
Dogs enjoy white hominy in moderation, and it is safe for them in various forms. Corn on the cob is poisonous. However, they can consume corn kernels fresh or from a can, provided it is free of other substances.
Can Dogs Eat Hominy Grits?
Grits are manufactured from maize, which some dogs find difficult to digest, and some dogs are allergic to corn. Grits are safe for most dogs, but they are heavy in carbs and low in protein; they just supply empty calories rather than sustenance.
