Can Dogs Eat Grits? Nutrition Information You Should Know About

Quick Summary

• Grits are made up of corn which is safe for dogs to consume. However, dogs should only be fed grits in small quantities. Only one tablespoon a day for a medium sized dog is recommended.
• Grits contain high sodium and empty calories that could lead to increased weight gain and further health problems in dogs if eaten in big amounts.
• If your dog accidentally eats a bunch of grits, monitor them for any symptoms. If he experiences vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and twitching, take him to the vet immediately.

Grits are typically eaten at any time by people with any meal, but the question is, can dogs eat grits? The answer is yes, but in moderation. Grains are easy for dogs to digest despite the carb makeup, but pups should not also be given whole cans—especially the young ones that should only be eating the best dog food for puppies. Rather it should be in small amounts from time to time.

Grits are loosely ground corn that has been cooked and prepared with butter. Although it does not sound so bad, it isn’t as healthy either. Below, I’ll explain grits’ nutritional benefits to dogs, the risks, as well as what to do if Fido accidentally eats too much of it.

Do Grits Have Nutritional Benefits for Dogs

I quite like grits. These are great snacks for people, but the same does not hold for dogs. Grits, which are basically corn, only have empty calories [1]. It is made of a lot of carbohydrates and little protein levels. They are a good supplement for calcium or sodium should the dog lack these elements in its meals.

Having your dog eat grits will also encourage him to eat more due to its ease in going down. Some vets even recommend occasionally having dogs eat cooked grits because they have fiber and contain vitamin B. They also go well with meat-based meals.

However, dogs eat corn grits sparingly because of the low carb tolerance that dogs have, being carnivores. If they consistently eat grits, the empty calories could lead to increased weight gain and further health problems. It’s not good if you are trying to help your dog lose weight.

Risks of Feeding the Dog Grits

Grits are a ground cereal, and they can be a choking hazard if swallowed whole. That is why they need to be cooked completely before feeding the dog to soften them. Corn grits are also largely composed of carbohydrates which means they have a high caloric count.

Dogs do not need these calories in their everyday intake as they have a low carb tolerance. If they are consistently fed grits or still a large amount to eat, they could gain a lot of weight, leading to obesity.

Grits are high in sodium as well. Each gram has 223 milligrams of salt, and a 30-pound dog should not eat more than 10 milligrams of sodium in a day. Sodium has a more short-term effect on dogs as too much will lead to vomiting, muscle tremors, and even seizures.

However, carbs that are provided should come available with vegetables and fruits rather than other grains. That increases the fiber and nutrient value of the meal. If you decide to feed the dog grits, it should not exceed weekly feeding. It should also be combined with other dog food.

Some dogs also have corn allergy, so I advise you to watch out for any signs of discomfort from your dog after you feed him grits, especially if it’s the first time.

What if the Dog Steals a Bunch of Grits?

Grits are not something you would regularly feed to the dog, of course, but there are scenarios where the dog happens upon a can of unattended grits or a plate of them. Should it be a small amount, it will probably not cause any problems, but you should keep an eye on the dog, considering it is hard to determine the quantity it consumes.

Monitor their behavior for the next one or two days and watch for particular symptoms. These include diarrhea and lethargy, as well as excess twitching. These are signs of sodium poisoning, and in this case, please rush the dog to your vet. Corn grits are usually seasoned with salt and sugar or other additives which are not safe for dogs. Can dogs eat sugar grits? No, do not give your dog sugar grits—it can lead to weight gain and other complications. What about hominy grits? These are corn grits as well, it just has a slightly different process, so the same rules apply.

Potential Mixtures to Feed Your Dog

You can use certain iterations when feeding the dog grits that should make it less problematic. The first is in its original state without additional ingredients. Dogs eat unseasoned or plain grits meaning no butter, oils, salt and pepper, and other seasonings. If your dogs eat cheese grits for example it will not end well. Combine them with something else. Cooked grits can be offered with eggs.

Though it would mean foregoing any additives and seasonings as well. For example, dogs should not eat cheese grits. Instant grits are a potential alternative for dogs though you would need to read the full nutrition label as well as the list of ingredients. That is to make certain there are no forbidden ingredients added to the dog food, and they can be shared in moderation. Avoid fried grits because of the unhealthy amount of fat in it. Cooking grits in milk for dogs is also not advisable as this can cause stomach upset. Feed your dog only about 1 tablespoon per day.

FAQs

Can dogs eat grits?

The answer to the question, “can dogs eat grits?” is yes. Grits are made of corn which is not poisonous to dogs. There is a low nutritional value however; even if it has calcium and vitamin B. They have a high-calorie level content which is not advisable for dogs in large quantities. It is not advisable to feed dogs too much grits as it may lead to rapid weight gain and eventual obesity.

Can dogs eat hominy?

Hominy is corn but the dried-out kernels soaked in alkali solutions. Dogs may eat it because it is rich in amino acids and vitamin B. It would be advisable to seek advice from the vet before feeding.

Can dogs eat grits made with soy?

There’s no conclusive evidence so far saying grits made with soy is toxic to dogs. However, considering soy can initiate allergic reactions in dogs the same way with corn, it can be fed to dogs but only in moderation and monitoring of side effects is important. Soy is a legume, which means it is a good protein source, but it may lead to indigestion and deficiencies in the dog’s metabolism. You can introduce it to the diet, but that would be after consultation with the vet and in minor quantities.