Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
Yes, But

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?    |Published 08-23-2023

There are varying opinions on whether or not popcorn is safe for dogs to eat. Some believe that the kernels can pose a choking hazard, while others argue that the salt and butter often added to popcorn can be harmful to dogs.

Ultimately, it is up to the pet owner to decide whether or not to give their dog popcorn. If you do choose to give your dog popcorn, it is important to make sure that the kernels are fully popped and that there is no salt or butter added.

Is Popcorn Bad for Dogs? 

While a few pieces of popped popcorn here and there probably won't hurt your pup, it's generally not a good idea to feed your dog popcorn on a regular basis.

Popcorn can be hard for your dog to digest, and the unpopped kernels can pose a choking hazard. In addition, many brands of popcorn are flavored with salt, butter, and other ingredients that are not necessarily good for dogs.

If you do want to give your dog a few pieces of popcorn, make sure it is plain, popped popcorn with no added salt, butter, or other flavorings.

How to Safely Feed Popcorn to Your Dog 

The best way to feed popcorn to your dog is to give them a small amount at a time. You can either give them a handful of popcorn or put a small amount in their food bowl.

If you are giving them popcorn for a treat, make sure to only give them a few pieces at a time.

The best way to safely feed popcorn to your dog is to remove all of the unpopped kernels and give them only the popped corn. You should also avoid giving your dog any popcorn that has been flavored or popped in oil, as this can be harmful to their health.

Can My Dog Eat Popcorn? 

As with anything else, the answer to this question depends on the ingredients used in the popcorn. In its natural form, popcorn is safe for your dog to eat. However, it’s the flavorings and ingredients added to the popcorn that will determine if it’s safe for your dog or not. 

Certain Flavors of Popcorn You Can Feed Your Dog 

There are some flavors of popcorn that you can feed your dog. In general, any flavor of popcorn that’s safe for humans should be safe for your dog.

However, make sure to check the ingredients on the bag to make sure that it is free of salt, butter, onions, garlic, chocolate, and artificial sweeteners. The best option of homemade popcorn is to either flavor it with cinnamon and sugar or just leave it plain. 

Cinnamon and sugar are safe ingredients for dogs, and they won’t add too much sugar to your dog’s diet. And, if you make the popcorn from scratch, you can decide how much salt (if any) is put into the popcorn. However, keep in mind that if you have any artificial sweeteners or other unsafe ingredients in the popcorn, it will likely harm your dog. 

If you believe that your dog might be experiencing a critical emergency situation (eating popcorn could be one of them), it worth to consider subscribing to an emergency pet fund. The service allows you to receive up to $3,000 per year in pet emergency insurance for up to 6 pets. And also be in touch with a vet online if anything critical occurs!

The flavors that you should avoid feeding your dog include: 

• Salty Flavors 
• Buttered Flavors
• Chocolate Flavors 
• Onion Flavors 
• Garlic Flavors 
• Artificial Sweetener Flavors 

As a general rule, popcorn flavors that are safe for humans should be safe for your dog (as long as they contain no salt and butter).

What If My Dog Has Eaten Popcorn? 

If your dog has eaten popcorn, there’s a chance that he or she may experience some upset stomach or diarrhea. However, it’s unlikely that your dog will be seriously harmed, especially if you fed them homemade popcorn without any seasoning.

If your dog has eaten flavored popcorn, there’s a chance that the salt, butter, or other seasonings may cause more serious issues. We always recommend that you speak with your veterinarian if you feel that your dog has eaten something that may harm them. 

Luckily (and thanks to the Internet!) there is a very useful option available to pet parents who need to chat with a vet ASAP.

Talk to a vet online with a service called Online Vet. A team of professional veterinarians is available to you at any time of the day wherever you are for a small monthly subscription.

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? Conclusion 

As you can see, popcorn can be safe for your dog to eat, but it really depends on the ingredients used in the popcorn. If you have any concerns about your dog eating popcorn, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian about this issue.