Can Dogs Eat Grits? Plain Ones, Yes — Skip the Butter

Why plain grits are safe for dogs

Grits are coarsely ground dried corn, often hominy, cooked into a soft porridge. Corn itself is not toxic to dogs, and the AKC says plain corn kernels are fine when served without butter, salt, oil or seasoning. Many commercial dog foods use corn as a carbohydrate source.

Cooked grits are soft, easy to swallow and gentle on the stomach, so a small spoonful is unlikely to cause trouble in a healthy dog. They are mostly starch, though, and add calories rather than nutrients a complete dog food lacks.

What makes most grits a poor choice

Southern-style grits are often cooked in milk or cream and finished with butter and shredded cheese. The ASPCA notes that pets do not digest dairy well, and the AKC warns that fatty foods can lead to weight gain and pancreatitis. Cheese grits can be very rich.

Salt and toppings add more risk. Grits are usually salted generously, and the ASPCA warns that excess salt causes thirst and, in large amounts, salt toxicity. Shrimp and grits, sausage gravy and seasoned grits may contain garlic, onion, hot sauce or Cajun spice, which should not be shared.

How to make grits for a dog

Cook plain stone-ground or quick grits in water only, with no salt, butter, milk or cheese. Cook them until fully soft and thick, then let them cool to room temperature, since hot grits stick to the mouth and can burn.

Serve a spoonful on its own or mixed into your dog's usual food. Avoid instant grits packets with flavoring, which often contain salt, butter powder, cheese powder or bacon flavor. Check the label: the only ingredient should be corn.

How much grits by dog weight

Keep it to a small, occasional extra. As a rough guide: under 20 lb, one to two tablespoons of plain cooked grits; 20 to 50 lb, two to four tablespoons; over 50 lb, up to about a quarter cup, now and then.

Because grits are starchy, they are best skipped for overweight or diabetic dogs unless your vet says otherwise. If you add grits to a meal, reduce the regular food slightly so your dog is not getting extra calories every time.

For dogs that gulp anything new, a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat keeps portions small and eating slow.

Puppies and grits

Puppies can have a small taste of plain grits cooked in water, cooled and smooth, once they are eating solid puppy food. Start with a teaspoon, since any new food can loosen a puppy's stool.

Growing puppies need nutrients balanced for development, which grits do not provide, so keep them as a rare taste rather than a regular part of meals. Never give a puppy leftover cheese grits or grits with gravy.

Signs grits disagreed with your dog and when to call a vet

Plain grits rarely cause problems. Rich, buttery or cheesy grits can cause vomiting, loose or greasy stools and gas within a few hours. Salty grits may make your dog very thirsty. Mild signs usually settle within a day.

Call your vet the same day for repeated vomiting, diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, a painful belly, lethargy or refusing food, especially after a large or fatty serving. Call promptly if the grits contained garlic, onion or a lot of salt.

Other plain grains and starches for dogs

Plain cooked white rice, plain cooked oatmeal made with water, and plain cooked potato or sweet potato are other gentle starches dogs can share in small amounts. The AKC also lists plain popcorn and plain corn kernels as fine without butter or salt.

Never give your dog a whole corn cob, which the AKC warns can cause an intestinal obstruction. Keep all extras to a small part of the daily food so the complete diet still does its job.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.