My dog Scout looks forward to movie night in our household with a particular fervor. With three young kids toting around bowls of popcorn, it’s unavoidable that he’s going to score a kernel… or 20. He hangs out on the floor in front of the couch doing his best to look innocent, but he doesn’t have me fooled for a second. To be honest, though, it never occurred to me to ask if dogs can eat popcorn.
There are plenty of foods out there that our dogs can enjoy along with us, but it's important to do the research before dropping something from your plate into their bowl. It's not an absolute no no for dogs to eat popcorn, but it must be enjoyed correctly to ensure that they won't get sick. Check down below to learn all about popcorn as it pertains to your dog's diet. Learning now will mean plenty of guilt-free movie nights with your pup in the future!
Thumbnail Photo: Christin Perry
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
In its pure form, without all the butter and salt, popcorn is a pretty harmless treat. It’s fat free, low in calories, and seems to be on just about every list of healthy snacks. So, I never worry when Scout vacuums all the dropped popcorn. Nevertheless, I decided to research , "is popcorn safe for dogs?" While it’s definitely not on the list of harmful foods for dogs, which includes chocolate, apple seeds, raisins, grapes, apricots, and peach and cherry pits, moderation is key. If you choose to give your dogs popcorn as an occasional treat, the American Kennel Club (AKC) gives this advice: “Kernels can get stuck in dogs’ teeth and pose a choking hazard, so it is probably a good idea to keep whole or only partially popped kernels away from curious dogs.”
Is Popcorn Healthy For Dogs?
We all know that safe and healthy aren’t always the same thing. So, even though air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs as long as you take some precautions, you may still find yourself wondering if popcorn is good for dogs. The answer is multifaceted. According to the AKC, “Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to canine nutrition, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.”
Can They Eat It All The Time?
Popcorn certainly shouldn’t replace anything in your dog’s regular diet, nor should it be used to fill your dog up if you run out of food. Although it may have some nutrients, popcorn doesn’t provide your dog with everything he needs to grow and function properly — namely, protein — and it won’t make your dog feel full, which may lead him to search out food that’s harmful or dangerous to him. If you find you’ve run out of dog food and the store is closed, or you’re traveling and can’t find your dog’s regular food, here are some of the healthiest people foods to feed your dog:
- Boiled cut of meat like chicken or pork
- Yogurt or cottage cheese
- Fatty fish like salmon or tuna
When Is Popcorn Bad For Dogs To Eat?
Popcorn is OK for dogs as long as it doesn't have any of the toppings that make it delicious for us, like salt, butter, and even caramel. According to dogster.com, “The average healthy adult dog should get no more than 10mg of sodium per pound of body weight per day.” When it comes to commercially sold popcorn (such as microwave popcorn), you may ask, “Why is popcorn bad for dogs?” The reason is that microwave popcorn can contain hundreds of milligrams of sodium. So, is it OK for dogs to eat popcorn? Yes, but popcorn that’s been air popped at home with no topping or coating is the only kind of popcorn you should share with your canine friend.
Can My Dog Eat Caramel Popcorn?
If you’re wondering can dogs eat caramel popcorn, the answer is no. Of course, you don’t need to panic if your furry friend hoovers a few pieces of butter popcorn or caramel popcorn off the floor before you have a chance to pick them up. I speak from experience here, since my dog definitely doesn’t discriminate when it comes to popcorn flavors! While not dangerous for dogs in small amounts, you may find yourself taking a trip to the doggy dentist if your pet routinely consumes the popcorn. That’s right, dogs can get cavities just like us, which is why they should stick to dog food and vet-approved treats and bones as much as possible, and steer clear of sweet, sugary or sticky foods like caramel.
How Much Popcorn Should a Dog Eat?
Just as with humans, moderation is key when it comes to popcorn. It’s so fun to share things with our furry friends; it deepens our bond with them and makes us feel like we have something in common. So, go right ahead and share — just keep it to a few pieces here and there. Your dog will love you for it, and you’ll be worry-free as you share a snack together.
If you’re thinking about sharing popcorn with your special canine pal, please SHARE this article with all your dog-loving friends!
