While preparing grits for myself one day, I wondered whether my dog might enjoy them too. After all, keeping my canine friend to only about five different meals is boring. Having a new meal to feed my dog would be welcome. So, I searched the internet to find out if my dog could have grits. Here is what I discovered.
Yes, dogs can eat grits. But dogs should only eat grits in moderation. Too many grits may cause stomach upset for pups. Grits contain corn grounded in a powder-like form, and they are prepared like regular oatmeal. Grits usually come in two types: instant grits and plain grits. Plain grits are recommended for doggies.
Read on to learn more about why your dog should only eat plain grits. You’ll also discover some benefits of feeding grits to your furry friend and, most importantly, why grits cause problems for some dogs. Finally, you will learn safe ingredients and other foods that your doggie may enjoy with grits. First, let’s delve into why plain grits are best for your pooch.
Can Grits Hurt Dogs?
No, grits don’t hurt dogs if they consume a proper amount.
Plain grits are the only type of grit you should feed to dogs. Plain grits are non-instant grits. Instant grits aren’t healthy for your pooch since they’re pre-cooked. Pre-cooked, or instant grits, often contain ingredients harmful to dogs: bacon, oils, salt, sugar, and other seasonings.
Dogs should only eat a very small amount of grits.
How Many Grits Can Doggies Have?
Doggies can have a small number of plain grits; otherwise, grits may negatively affect your pup’s health.
Feed your dog no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons of grits per day. Also, remember that your pup is not to have more than 10% of any human food. Dogs need to have a well-balanced diet with proper nutrition, and grits should not replace your canine friend’s regular diet.
If you are feeding your canine friend grits for the first time, monitor your dog for any adverse reactions after feeding them a very small amount.
Reasons Too Many Grits Or Seasoned Grits Are Such A Bad Idea
It is a bad idea to give your dog too many grits or grits that have added seasonings that may not be safe for pooches. We’ll explain the risks in detail below:
Intestinal Disturbance
Grits can cause intestinal disturbances, especially if your canine friend has a corn allergy. Some symptoms of a grit allergy are lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Obesity
Mainly composed of corn, grits are high in carbohydrates. Too many carbohydrates can cause obesity in dogs if they eat too many over time. Obesity leads to other health problems, such as diabetes or pancreatitis.
Instant grits are ready-made. You can prepare them easily and quickly, which can lead to overconsumption and obesity for your canine friend. Overconsumption also prevents doggies from benefiting from other healthy meals because their tummies are full of grits.
High-Sodium Risk
Commercially sold grits often contain high sodium. Salt is a serious hazard to your furry friend, so only give plain, low-sodium grits to your canine companion. When dogs ingest too much salt, they may experience salt poisoning.
Its symptoms may include increased thirst, yellowish urine, tremors, or seizures. Take your dog to a vet immediately. Always consult a veterinarian before giving your canine friend grits.
If you suspect your canine buddy is showing adverse reactions to grits, you should inform your veterinarian or visit an emergency clinic.
Can Grits Kill Dogs?
No, plain grits cannot kill dogs. However, do not feed your dog instant or ready-made grits with high sodium. High sodium can lead to salt poisoning in dogs.
Your canine friend can also become sick from overeating plain grits or consuming instant grits. Overconsuming plain grits may cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Dogs typically recover from such problems in less than a day.
When dogs overconsume instant grits, they can also experience some stomach upset. But they are usually fine within a day if that occurs. However, avoid feeding your dog instant grits, which are high in sodium and can cause salt poisoning in dogs. Only feed your dog plain grits.
What Are Grits Made Of?
Grits are made of ground corn, either yellow or white. The ground corn is mixed with water, milk, or broth until it obtains a moderately thickened and smooth texture like porridge. For doggies, mix grits only with water, not milk or broth.
There are two kinds of grits: plain grits and instant grits. Plain grits are ideal for doggies because they are made of 100% ground corn and do not come pre-cooked. Plain grits include stone-ground grits, hominy grits, and quick and regular grits.
However, instant grits are pre-cooked and widely available at grocery stores. Instant grits often contain additional ingredients, such as milk, soy, cheese, and butter, not suitable for all doggies.
Why Do Dogs Love Grits?
Dogs love grits because of their sweet taste. For some dogs, plain grits can taste sweet without added ingredients.
Other dogs may enjoy grits more when they’re mixed with other safe foods or ingredients. Examples of safe ingredients for doggies to eat with grits are shrimp, eggs, or honey.
Are Grits Good For Dogs To Eat?
Yes, grits are good for dogs to eat, but in small amounts and only on occasion. If you give your furry friend small servings of grits, they won’t be negatively affected by obesity or stomach disturbances. Instead, your dog will only derive grits’ health benefits.
Plain grits contain healthy nutrients that benefit dogs; B-complex vitamins, iron, lutein, and zeaxanthin. B-complex vitamins and iron are essential for cellular respiration and healthy red blood cells, respectively. Together they help your pooch produce energy.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants for the retina (eye) cells and help maintain the eye health of your canine friend.
Grits also contain essential amino acids such as leucine and arginine. Leucine and arginine help repair old tissues and produce new cells.
Can Dogs Eat Grits For Diarrhea?
No, dogs can’t eat grits for diarrhea. In fact, grits are more likely to act as a laxative.
That is why you should only feed your doggie a small serving of grits.
Can My Dog Eat Shrimp And Grits?
Yes, dogs can eat grits with shrimp, as both foods are safe for dogs.
If you give dogs grits with shrimp, ensure to serve a small amount. Before feeding, you can check with your vet to ensure that your canine friend isn’t allergic to grits or shrimp.
Can Dogs Eat Grits And Eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat grits and eggs in small to moderate serving sizes.
Grits and eggs are good sources of carbohydrates and proteins that dogs need. But serve a small serving size and only on occasion as a treat.
Can Dogs Eat Grits With Cheese?
No, dogs can’t eat grits with cheese. Cheese contains a high amount of fat. Heavy fats could upset your doggie’s stomach and cause a risk for obesity and pancreatitis.
In addition to cheese, always avoid giving your canine friends butter, sugar, salt, fats, and other unsafe ingredients.
