You know pop corn is a timeless snack, especially at the movies, but those strong eyes of your puppy staring at you as you causally grab a handful is a tempting situation. But if you’re a conscientious dog owner, you may wonder: can dogs have popcorn? The answer is nuanced. Popcorn isn’t typically toxic to dogs, but the way it is prepared and served can. Read on as we investigate the facts, risks, benefits, and responsible ways of sharing popcorn with your furry friend!
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? The Short Answer
Yes, dogs can have popcorn — as long as it’s unseasoned and completely air-popped, and the head for the popcorn bowls for two. Popcorn has a few minerals and fiber that is not bad for dogs. The thing is, the vast majority of ways that we prepare popcorn for ourselves — drowning it in butter, salt, sugar, or all three, with the addition of nuts, chocolate and more — make it an unhealthy or even dangerous choice for dogs.
Advantages of Plain Popcorn for Dogs
Simple, air-popped popcorn may serve as a light and crunchy treat for your dogs. Here’s why:
- Low-calorie treat: It’s a lower calorie treat than many commercial treats, so you can give him a fun snack every day.
- Fiber source: Popcorn contains trace amounts of fiber, which can help with digestion, but it’s not a replacement for fiber-rich dog food.
- Trace minerals: It includes magnesium, phosphorus and zinc — all of which are essential for bone health and immune function but already provided in a balance canine diet.
- Enrichment: Many dogs enjoy the texture and noise of popcorn, so it can be a fun and unusual treat for training purposes or for playing.
Dangers of Popcorn for Dogs
While plain, air-popped popcorn in moderation is not necessarily harmful for dogs, it is not recommended due to the possible health risks of feeding it to your pet:
1. Unhealthy Additives
Buttery, oily, salty, sweet, seasoned popcorn. These can cause:
- Gastrointestinal upset: Diarrhea or vomiting may occur with butter and oils.
- Obesity and pancreatitis: High-fat toppings such as butter can contribute to weight gain and pancreatitis, particularly in sensitive breeds.
- Salt poisoning: Excess salt can lead to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and salt poisoning.
- Toxicity: Some toppings, such as garlic or onion powder, are toxic to dogs.
2. Choking Hazard
Unpopped or partially popped kernels can become lodged between your dog’s teeth or at the back of his throat and present a choking hazard, especially in smaller breeds. Remove kernels before serving popcorn to a child.
3. Allergic Reactions
Some dogs are sensitive to corn. If your dog has never had any popcorn, give him or her a small amount and pay attention for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, vomiting, or diarrhea.
4. Digestive Issues
Popcorn in excess or too quickly can lead to an upset digestion, for gas, bloating, or even constipation.
5. Unbalanced Diet
Your dog should never be fed a diet of just popcorn. Snacks, like popcorn, should account for no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
How to Safely Give Popcorn to Your Dog
If you’re going to give your dog a piece of popcorn, make it this handful:
- Opt for unsweetened, air-popped popcorn. Stay away from microwave popcorn and any extra added flavors or toppings.
- Alwasy remove any unpopped kernels from the popped corn to prevent choking or tooth breaking.
- Serve in moderation. For some dogs, a few pieces are plenty. Here’s a general guide:
| Dog Size | Serving Size |
| Extra-small (2–20 lbs) | 1–2 pieces |
| Small (21–30 lbs) | 2–3 pieces |
| Medium (31–50 lbs) | 5–6 pieces |
| Large (51–90 lbs) | Small handful |
| Extra-large (91+ lbs) | Handful |
- Watch your dog while they eat popcorn for signs of choking or distress.
- Don’t feed popcorn to dogs with dietary restrictions, diabetes, or a known corn allergy.
Symptoms of Popcorn Problems in Dogs
After feeding your dog popcorn, be on the lookout for these signs:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or sluggishness
- Excessive gas or bloating
- Pruritic or irritated skin (may be allergic).
- Loss of appetite
- Choking, gagging, or difficulty taking a breath
If you notice any of the following signs, particularly choking or extreme digestive upset, get in touch with your vet immediately.
FAQs
Can dogs have buttered or salted popcorn?
utter, salt, and other toppings lead to digestive upset, obesity or even more serious health problems. Never skimp on simple, air-popped popcorn.
Can dogs have caramel or kettle corn?
Caramel and kettle corn are not. They are high in sugar, which isn’t good for dogs, and they can also contain artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. These kinds of mushrooms and others can also lead to stomach upset and are not safe for dogs.
My dog ate a lot of popcorn or flavored popcorn, what to do?
And watch to see if your dog is in any distress — vomiting, diarrhea, choking, etc. If your dog swallowed pop corn with some toxic toppings (like garlic or onion powder) or he is displaying symptoms, reach out to your vet immediately.
Can puppies eat popcorn?
Air-popped popcorn is technically safe for dogs to eat, in moderate amounts and provided that it’s unadorned with toppings and fully unpopped kernels, but we still don’t recommend it for dogs in almost all cases. Puppies can eat small amount of regular air popcorn, however smaller dogs are more likely to choke on it and have an upset stomach. It’s probably best not to give puppies popcorn, or to check with a vet first.
What are healthier treat options than popcorn for dogs?
Yes. Fruits and veggies, such as carrots, green beans or apple slices (no seeds), are healthful, less hazardous choices for dots. Introduce new treats slowly and in moderation.
Final Thought
Popcorn can be a fun, crunchy treat to share with your dog — if you do it right. Stick with plain, air-popped popcorn, give only a few kernels at a time, and keep all toppings and kernels away from your dog. Popcorn is supposed to be a snack, not a main course. Your veterinarian is always your best resource if you are ever in doubt about what’s safe for your dog. A bit of mindfulness and you and your dog can have movie night without any fears.
