Do you often give your popcorn? Just like us humans, many dogs also love them because they are yum! But can dogs eat popcorn? Before answering the all-important question let’s learn more about Popcorn. Popcorn is made from corn kernel, a cereal grain. Corn is a type of grain that is found in almost every dog food available in the market or stores. Corn enlarges and puffs up when exposed to heat. It is an amazing snack we can enjoy eating in the evening. Your dogs might be around while you are enjoying your popcorn and they might also want some. And I know it is very hard, almost impossible to resist those cute little eyes asking for a part of your snacks.

So, you may wonder if you can share your favorite snack with your little canine members of your family. There may be many questions in your mind like can dogs eat popcorn? If they are safe and suitable? If it can make your dog suffer from any negative consequences? It is always good to feed your pets something new, and it’s best to check enough about it before you do so. Also, read Can Dogs Eat Corn?

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? Image source@loveyourdog.com

Is Popcorn Safe For Dogs? 

Yes, popcorn is safe for dogs. It can be an overall low-calorie snack that your dog will love eating. It will make a great occasional treat for your dog. Completely popped, unseasoned popcorn in small quantities is good for dogs. Popcorn of yellow and white color are rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamin B, and minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc, which fits well with your dog’s food in moderation. Salted plain popcorn can replace high-calorie dog food, and can help the dogs which need to lose a little weight. Where plain popcorn is good for your dog, buttered popcorn or popcorn which have lots of seasonings are not safe for dogs, in any quantity. Just like any other treat, a large amount of popcorn is not good for your dog’s health. On the other hand, a little amount of popcorn will probably not harm them. You should make sure to keep your dog’s treat down to less than 10% of your dog’s regular caloric intake. 

Sweet or Seasoned popcorn? 

During the holidays, you might keep different kinds and multiple flavors of popcorn. Here are some things to have a look at, associated with feeding a dog seasoned or sweet popcorn. 

Sweet Popcorn: 

You might be thinking of serving your dog sweet popcorn instead of salty, but sweet coated or candied popcorn like caramel corn or kettle corn can be dangerous for your dog. These sweet coated popcorn contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol which are highly toxic for dogs. Candie chocolate coatings are also toxic. It’s best to avoid sugar-coating as it can lead to diabetes and obesity much more easily and rapidly than in humans. Sweet popcorn can also damage teeth. It is not good for their teeth and ultimately should not be fed.

Seasoned Popcorn:

A small number of kernels might not harm your dog but keep in mind if your dog is not getting to eat different seasoning popcorn, like butter or cheese regularly. If you are already feeding seasoning popcorn to your dogs regularly, and not getting any symptoms of illness, you should make an appointment with the vet soon for a routine check-up. 

How to Make Safe Popcorn for Dogs? 

Keeping the popcorn plain and simple is the best way to feed your dog. If you want your dog to enjoy some other flavors, you can also add some other natural food additives to the popcorn.

First of all, you have to learn to make popcorn nicely. You can use a pressure cooker, pan on the stove, microwave, or popcorn machine, for fully puffed popcorn. After popping the popcorn, separate or remove the kernels which didn’t pop because they can remain solid and can cause choking hazards. 

Cheesy bacon popcorn: Spread the popcorn on a baking pan and softly cover it with less-fat bacon and cheddar bites. Cook the popcorn at 350 degrees and let the cheese melt. After turning off the oven, let it cool down. A delicious treat for your dog will be ready. 

Peanut Butter popcorn balls: Try mixing 1 cup of unsweetened homemade peanut butter with a half cup of popcorn. Add one teaspoon of virgin olive oil. Make small balls and keep them on baking paper. After making some popcorn balls, leave it to set. Also, read Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Side Effects of feeding popcorn to dogs:

If you feed your dog any unhealthy or old popcorn, it can cause some side effects on your canine. Some excessive ingredients like salt or butter can create health problems in your dog. 

• From lots of salt and sodium, dehydration can occur. 
• Vomiting is common if popcorn is served with oil or butter. 
• If your dog intakes too much salt, it can damage its kidneys.
• If not properly digested, it can lead to diarrhea. 
• Feeding high-fat popcorn can cause obesity in the long term. 
• Popcorn can cause physical harm too. If unpopped kernels are served, it can cause choking.
• Not only humans but even animals’ gum and teeth can also get hurt due to kernels. 

Tips to feed your dog popcorn:

Your most probable cooking popcorn making includes a microwave, campfire, stove, or popcorn machine, generally including warming up the kernels in oil which naturally adds calories and fat which are not healthy for a dog. To provide a safe and healthy popcorn treat to your dog, follow these tips: 

• Use an air fryer to make popcorn for your dog. 
• Remove every non-popped kernel from the popcorn for safety. 
• Feeding the plain, non-flavored popcorn is best. 
• Keep an eye on the number of daily calories you are providing to your dog.
• Keep in mind you have to feed a balanced diet to your dog. Don’t feed an excessive amount of popcorn to avoid meals. 
• If you see any signs of vomiting or diarrhea, visit the vet immediately.

So, after reading the above article about the good and bad side of feeding popcorn to your dog, I hope you must have got a clear idea about can dogs eat popcorn? and whether you should feed your dog popcorn or you should look for other tasty treats for your canines. For extra information and perfect suggestions about feeding popcorn to your dog, your vet can definitely help you out with this!