Can dogs eat popcorn
Can My Dog Eat Popcorn? (& Which Flavors are Safe?)
Can dogs eat popcorn? When you sit down with a big bowl of this delicious fluffy treat on movie night, your dog's pleading eyes might tempt you to share your salty, buttery snack. But is that a good idea? While your heart might say "yes," your dog's health may say "no." But is popcorn bad for dogs? Or are there certain conditions that can actually make popcorn a healthy dog treat? Read on to learn the ins and outs of feeding popcorn to your pooch.
What Is Popcorn?
Popcorn is simply corn, a type of grain that's found in many commercial dog foods. Corn kernels that have been dried and hardened "pop" into fluffy, white popcorn when heated up.
There are two types of popcorn, says The Spruce Pets: butterfly popcorn, which is the spread-out kind found in movie and microwave popcorn; and mushroom popcorn, which is the rounder kind found in popcorn tins and candied popcorn mixes.
Is Popcorn Bad for Dogs?
So, can dogs eat popcorn? In and of itself, fully popped, unseasoned popcorn is safe for dogs in small quantities, as long as it's popped using methods that don't require oil, such as air popping. As with plain yellow or white corn, popcorn is rich in fiber and antioxidants, as well as B vitamins and minerals like iron, copper, magnesium and zinc, says Verywell Fit, all of which are good for your pup in moderation.
The concern with sharing popcorn with your pooch lies mainly in the way popcorn is prepared for human consumption. Typical popping methods that use oil add fat and calories that can cause gastrointestinal issues in your dog and contribute to obesity. The same can be said for the butter that's often added. Salt can also contribute to a host of health problems, and some popcorn seasonings, such as garlic, are toxic to dogs. Microwave popcorn, in particular, contains chemical preservatives and unhealthy forms of fat.
Fats and seasonings aren't the only potential danger when it comes to dogs and popcorn. Unpopped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your dog's teeth, says Spruce Pets. Additionally, popcorn hulls can get stuck in your dog's teeth and cause irritation or damage to gums.
Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common and noticeable reactions dogs have to eating buttery popcorn, says Spruce Pets. While these symptoms usually pass on their own, more serious health issues like dehydration and kidney damage from excessive salt consumption can occur in dogs who are given large amounts of seasoned popcorn. Obesity and weight gain can also result from dogs being fed popcorn that's been prepared for humans on a regular basis.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn That's Sweet or Seasoned?
When the holiday season rolls around, you may find that you have other kinds of popcorn in your home as well. Here are some of the concerns associated with feeding your dog sweet or seasoned popcorn.
Sweet Popcorn
Can dogs eat popcorn if it's sweet instead of salty? Caramel corn, kettle corn and other types of sweet, coated or candied popcorn can pose a different set of dangers to your dog. These can contain artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, that are toxic to dogs. Some candied coatings, like chocolate, are toxic as well. And sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes in dogs much more quickly than in humans. It's also not good for their teeth.
Seasoned Popcorn
If your dog gets a hold of one or two kernels that have been dropped on the floor, it probably won't harm them, but you should keep an eye on them for signs of vomiting or diarrhea. If these symptoms don't clear up within a day, give your veterinarian a call. If your dog gets a hold of popcorn that's been coated with different seasonings such as butter or cheddar cheese, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance. And if you've been sharing your seasoned popcorn with your dog on a regular basis, it's important to stop and take your dog for a health checkup. Your veterinarian will likely want to check your pup's kidneys for any damage from excess sodium.
How to Safely Feed Popcorn to Your Dog
Most methods of popping popcorn, including a stovetop, campfire, electric popper and microwave, usually involve heating the kernels in oil, which adds fat and calories that aren't healthy for your dog. If you really want to share popcorn with your dog, follow these steps to turn popcorn into a safe and healthy treat.
Air pop a small amount of popcorn, or use the oilless microwave method discussed above.
Separate out unpopped kernels and hulls.
Feed it to your dog plain, with no salt or butter added.
As with any dog treat, be sure to factor it into your dog's daily calories and adjust meals accordingly. Keep in mind that your dog benefits from the proper balance of nutrients as well, so more than just calories, you should never feed your dog popcorn in excess to avoid upsetting that nutrient balance. If you ever have any questions or concerns, make sure to talk to your veterinarian.
Dogs love to eat what we eat, but it's generally not a good idea. However, when prepared correctly, popcorn in moderation can be a safe and healthy dog snack with consent from your veterinarian. So go ahead and pop your dog their own popcorn treat, so they can share the fun on your next family movie night.
Contributor Bio
Jean Marie Bauhaus
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet lover and freelance pet writer whose work also appears on AKC.org, Care.com and the Daily Puppy, among others. She's also a novelist who resides in the Ozarks with her husband and their gaggle of four-footed dependents, where she enjoys watching deer, wild turkeys and the occasional stray cow wander through her back yard while drinking her morning coffee.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any foods or treats outside of the diet.
Movie nights arent complete without two things: a bowl of popcorn and your furry best friend. And as youre snacking, your pup will probably be staring at you, hoping youll share. But can dogs eat popcorn?
Is Popcorn Bad for Dogs?
Popcorn itself isnt toxic to dogsbut there are certain ways we prepare it that can be very harmful to our pets. Completely plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small portions, but popcorn covered in butter and salt is very unhealthy for dogs.
Eating a piece or two isnt the end of the world, but eating popcorn as a regular snack over time (or devouring a large amount at once) can hurt your dogs health. The butter can cause serious problems, such as an upset stomach, obesity, or pancreatitis.
But its not just the buttertoo much salt can cause salt poisoning in dogs. And for very small dogs, such as Chihuahuas, any swallowed unpopped kernels could become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.
Can Dogs Eat Kettle Corn or Caramel Popcorn?
Kettle corn and caramel popcorn are not good snacks for dogs. In addition to the butter and salt, both types of popcorn have tons of sugar and other preservatives that are very unhealthy for our fur babies. They may give your pup stomach issues like gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Eating sugar over time can cause numerous health issues for your dog, including:
There could also be ingredients in the popcorn that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate and xylitol. Overall, its best to keep your dog away from kettle corn and caramel popcorn.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Popcorn
Completely plain, air-popped popcorn can be a safe treat thats high in fiber for your pup. Just remember: No oils, butters, salts, sugars, or any other added ingredients, and always check for any lingering kernels.
Remember to keep the portions small and in moderation. Treats of any kind should make up only 10% of your dogs diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food. Check out the general portion size suggestions for giving your dog a popcorn treat, listed by breed size below:
Extra-small dog (2-20 pounds) = one to two pieces
Small dog (21-30 pounds) = two to three pieces
Medium dog (31-50 pounds) = five to six pieces
Large dog (51-90 pounds) = small handful of pieces
Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = handful of pieces
What If Your Dog Eats Popcorn Kernels?
Unpopped popcorn kernels can be hazardous for your dog. They can get stuck in your dogs teeth and cause dental issues or they can cause choking problems and even an intestinal blockage.
If your dog ate just one or two kernelsdepending on your dogs sizethey may be OK. But if your dog is small, or if they ate multiple kernels, or if you see your dog chokingbut they can still breathetake them to your veterinarian immediately.
If your dog is choking and cant breathe, use the Heimlich maneuver to remove the item from their throat and contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.
Alternatives to Popcorn for Dogs
If youre looking for something similar to popcorn that's small and easy to feed your pup, but is much healthier and safer for dogs, you can try treats like BIXBI Liberty Ruff Puffs Chicken-Free White Cheddar Flavor Dog Treats or PupCorn Plus Chicken & Cheddar Cheese Dog Treats.
These are both light, airy, and crunchy like popcorn, but they are specially formulated just for dogs. So there are no hazardous ingredients or dangerous kernels to worry about!
Featured Image: iStock/SolStock
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
Theres nothing better than sitting down in front of the TV with a big bowl of popcorn, ready to watch your favourite movie but are our dogs allowed to join the fun too? Find out all about can dogs eat popcorn and if its safe for your pup, here.
Movie night isnt complete without a big bowl of our favourite popcorn. Its the perfect, easy snack as it only takes moments in a microwave and its a fairly healthy treat for us humans, containing high-fibre whole grains. While were sat on the sofa consuming handful after handful, its easy for us to drop pieces of popcorn, where our dogs will be waiting all too eagerly to gobble it up. But this does beg the question, can dogs eat popcorn?
Weve put together this guide to whether dogs can have popcorn to answer all your questions. Keep reading to find out whether your dog can join in with the next movie night snacks or not.
Can dogs eat popcorn?
Yes, but only in certain circumstances. Dogs can eat popcorn in small amounts but only if its unseasoned and it should only be given as a treat on the odd occasion. Its also important to remember to follow healthy feeding guidelines and ensure that treats only make up 10% or less of their daily calorie content.
Is popcorn good for dogs?
While popcorn isnt bad for dogs, it isnt necessarily that good for them either. Corn kernels do contain minerals including magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, fibre and trace amounts of vitamins, but these are all things your dog should be getting from their daily food anyway, providing you feed a complete and balanced diet of high-quality dog food.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn Safely? A Vet Weighs In
If you love having popcorn on movie night, you might be wondering if you can share some with your pup.
The Dodo reached out to Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian at Paramount Pet Health, to find the answer to the question: Can dogs eat popcorn?
Is popcorn safe for dogs?
When it comes to whether or not your dog can snag some popcorn, its more of a maybe than a definite yes or no.
The reason being that some popcorn is safe for your pup, while others should be avoided.
The best kind of popcorn for your dog to enjoy? You guessed it: the plain kind.
Unflavored, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities, Dr. Burch told The Dodo.
Can dogs eat flavored popcorn?
When it comes to flavored popcorns being safe for your pup, thats a whole other story.
I do not recommend dogs eating flavored popcorn, buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings, Dr. Burch said.
Flavored popcorn, like caramel popcorn, has a high salt content, and if your dog consumes it in excess, she may develop salt toxicity.
Salt toxicity can cause:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Muscle tremors
- Seizure
Buttered popcorn, on the other hand, is high in fat, which can cause gastrointestinal problems and increase the risk of developing pancreatitis.
With that said, if your dog accidentally grabs a little bit of your flavored or buttered popcorn, you dont need to worry. If one or two pieces fall on the floor and your dog eats them, it will be OK, Dr. Burch said.
Can dogs eat popcorn kernels?
When it comes to popcorn kernels, these arent recommended to give to dogs either (but really, why would you anyway?).
Popcorn kernels can become stuck in between the dogs teeth, Dr. Burch said. If too many popcorn kernels are consumed at one time, they can cause intestinal blockage or constipation.
How much popcorn can dogs eat?
Since popcorns probably something youre only enjoying on occasional movie nights, you can be confident in knowing you wont be overfeeding your dog if you only throw her a couple of unflavored pieces.
Dr. Burch recommends not feeding your dog more than 10 percent of her daily caloric intake with popcorn (or other healthy treats), so keep this in mind when giving your dog any type of treat, including popcorn.
So the next time youre snuggling on the couch for some Netflix, you can toss a couple pieces of plain popcorn to your pup guilt-free.
