Since grits are basically made from corn, is it safe for dogs? Can dogs eat grits? Here is what you need to know!
There are a bunch of different types of grits – are all of them safe for dogs? Keep reading and learn everything about grits for dogs.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating grits.
Can Dogs Eat Grits
Dogs and Grits
Grits are a southern staple and there are tons of ways to prepare it. Unfortunately for your dog, grits are made from corn which could be difficult for your dog to digest in large quantities. Plus, some dogs are allergic to corn.
Most dogs can eat and digest corn without any problems. Corn is really high in carbs and doesn’t have very many nutrients, so it doesn’t benefit your dog to eat it.
Grits are safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, but too many carbs can cause weight gain and health problems related to obesity.
There are lots of ways to serve grits, so let’s look at the safest ways to share them with your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Grits
Corn grits are only safe for dogs in small amounts. Keep corn grits away from your dog if they have a corn allergy.
There is a safe way to share grits with your dog. Only give them a small amount and serve it cooked and unseasoned.
Can Dogs Eat Grain Grits
A dog’s stomach can’t handle whole grains like our stomachs can. It is best to give your dog a small amount of well-ground grain grits if you want to share some.
Can Dogs Eat Hominy Grits
Grits are often made from hominy, which is corn treated with lime. This treatment doesn’t alter how safe it is for your dog.
Hominy grits are safe for your dog in very small amounts and served cooked and unseasoned.
Can Dogs Eat Instant Grits
Instant grits won’t harm your pup. They aren’t toxic so a little bit won’t hurt your dog. This is so easy to digest that your dog will easily overindulge and eat too much.
If your dog fills up on corn and grits, they won’t eat other foods that are actually good for them.
Eating too much grits too often could lead to weight gain, obesity, and other related health problems.
Can Dogs Eat White Grits
Dogs should only eat a small amount of white grits once in a while. Since they are not nutritious for dogs, you should not give them white grits regularly or in large amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Yellow Grits
Yellow grits are made from yellow corn. Yellow grits are empty calories – eating too much yellow grits will fill up your dog without giving them enough nutrition. This is what leads to weight gain, heart disease, and diabetes in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Dry Grits
Dogs should not eat dry grits at all. If they eat uncooked grits, they will need to drink more water to help it digest. Dry or uncooked grits are not harmful. Just give them more water and your dog should be just fine.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Grits
Dogs can safely eat a small amount of cooked grits. When you cook the grits, if you are going to share them with your dog you should cook them plain. Don’t add anything to the grits. This will keep them safer for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Fried Grits
Do not give your dog anything fried, including grits. Fried foods leads to weight gain and heart disease.
If your dog happens to eat fried grits, just keep an eye on them. They should be just fine. The biggest concern is if the dog eats a large amount of fried foods very often.
Can Dogs Eat Plain Grits
The safest type of grits to share with your pup is a small amount of plain, cooked grits. This should be a rare thing since grits are not healthy for dogs to eat regularly.
Can Dogs Eat Grits And Butter
Butter is mostly made up of saturated fat and doesn’t offer any health benefits. Eating a small amount of butter is safe, but eating too much too often could increase your dog’s risk of heart disease.
It’s best not to give your dog grits and butter.
Can Dogs Eat Grits and Eggs
Eggs are high in protein and contain essential amino acids for your dog. It is safe to feed eggs to your dog. A tiny amount of grits with lots of eggs is a safe treat for your dog on rare occassions.
It’s safer to feed your dog eggs than grits.
Can Dogs Eat Cheese Grits
Dogs should not eat cheese grits. Some dogs are lactose intolerant and cheese is high in saturated fats.
A small amount of unseasoned or plain grits with cheese won’t hurt your dog. You shouldn’t give them very much of it very often.
Can Dogs Eat Sugar Grits
Do not give your dog sugar grits. Sugar is an ingredient that dogs should avoid. It can lead to weight gain and make blood sugar levels difficult to manage. Dogs that eat a diet high in sugar are at a higher risk for diabetes.
Final Thoughts
Knowing all of this, it’s best to avoid letting your dog eat grits. Even though they are safe for dogs, they are made from corn which are nothing but empty calories.
If dogs eat grits once, they will probably be just fine. Just be careful and make sure this doesn’t become a normal part of their diet.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are some more articles about other human foods and whether they are safe or toxic for your dog to eat.
- Can Dogs Eat Cheerios
- Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni
- Can Dogs Eat Pinto Beans
- Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Bread
- Can Dogs Eat Salami
- Can Dogs Eat Shredded Wheat
- Can Dogs Eat Thyme
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DANIEL E JACKSON JR says
This article was very informative and helpful to me because my dog 🐕 loves to eat 😀 what I eat but before I give him anything other than his dog food I look up the things I eat first and this Article was great. Thanks for the informative article because it really helps animal lovers like myself. Keep up Good work.
Cathie says
Thank you so much for this valuable information. Being southern we love our grits and eggs and love sharing with our with our four legged fur babies. I now know it’s best not to let them have grits because we use butter and a lot of cheese. I will be cooking a lot more eggs now so they can enjoy our Sunday morning feast without getting sick from the corn, butter and cheese. If they want some grits, I will take about two tablespoons (plain) and give them with their eggs.
anes saci says
Thank you for the information.
tcan dogs eat grits