Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? (2024)

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 aren’t complete without two things: a bowl of popcorn and your furry best friend. And as you’re snacking, your pup will probably be staring at you, hoping you’ll share. But can dogs eat popcorn?

Is Popcorn Bad for Dogs?

Popcorn itself isn’t toxic to dogs—but 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 isn’t the end of the world, but eating popcorn as a regular snack over time (or devouring a large amount at once) can hurt your dog’s health. The butter can cause serious problems, such as an upset stomach, obesity, or pancreatitis.

But it’s not just the butter—too 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, it’s 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 that’s 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 dog’s 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

    • Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs

  • Small dog (21-30 pounds) = two to three pieces

    • Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds

  • Medium dog (31-50 pounds) = five to six pieces

  • Large dog (51-90 pounds) = small handful of pieces

    • Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds

  • Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = handful of pieces

    • Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

What If Your Dog Eats Popcorn Kernels?

Unpopped popcorn kernels can be hazardous for your dog. They can get stuck in your dog’s teeth and cause dental issues or they can cause choking problems and even an intestinal blockage.

If your dog ate just one or two kernels—depending on your dog’s size—they may be OK. But if your dog is small, or if they ate multiple kernels, or if you see your dog choking—but they can still breathe—take them to your veterinarian immediately.

If your dog is choking and can’t 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 you’re 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? (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? ›

Yes, but only in certain circ*mstances. Dogs can eat popcorn in small amounts but only if it's unseasoned and it should only be given as a treat on the odd occasion. It's also important to remember to follow healthy feeding guidelines and ensure that treats only make up 10% or less of their daily calorie content.

How much popcorn can a dog safely eat? ›

Dr. Dimock agrees and says that a handful for a medium-large dog is plenty–and only use it as a treat or snack, not a part of their regular diet. So enjoy your next movie night guilt-free with your pup and a little bit of plain air-popped popcorn for a special treat.

What happens if my dog eats a little bit of popcorn? ›

Popcorn can cause a host of issues in dogs when consumed, including allergic reactions and an upset stomach. While it likely won't cause a life-threatening reaction, corn is one of the most common food allergies in dogs and should be approached with caution.

Is popcorn easy for dogs to digest? ›

It's not great for them (just like it's not great for us) but it's also not inherently dangerous for dogs. A whole bowl may cause some digestive upset, especially if it had butter/oil or salt, but I wouldn't expect anything worse than perhaps some softer stool for the next day or two.

Why do dogs go crazy for popcorn? ›

Dogs are highly attuned to auditory cues, and the satisfying crunch of popcorn kernels being devoured provides a sensory delight that can be quite addictive. Just as we enjoy the satisfying pop of each kernel in our mouths, dogs savor the sensory experience of eating popcorn.

Why is my dog throwing up after eating popcorn? ›

If your dog eats a big portion of salty popcorn, they become at increased risk of suffering from dehydration or excessive thirst, while salt toxicity is also a possibility — this happens when there's too much salt in your dog's system and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, elevated blood pressure, seizures or even death.

Can dogs have cheese? ›

Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or other large amount of cheese, they may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell.

Can dogs have bananas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

What popcorn contains xylitol? ›

Xylitol. Often used as an alternative sweetener in kettle corn or caramel popcorn, xylitol is deadly to dogs. Even a small amount of xylitol can lead to poisoning in as little as 10 minutes. Garlic.

Can popcorn cause bowel obstruction in dogs? ›

Unpopped popcorn kernels can be hazardous for your dog. They can get stuck in your dog's teeth and cause dental issues or they can cause choking problems and even an intestinal blockage. If your dog ate just one or two kernels—depending on your dog's size—they may be OK.

Is popcorn bad for dogs teeth? ›

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.

Is butter bad for dogs? ›

‍Is butter bad for dogs? Butter isn't toxic for dogs, so your pup will likely be OK if they eat a small butter serving. However, the downside with this spread is that its high-fat content can cause pets to experience upset stomachs, Dr. McCullough explains.

Can popcorn cause blockage in dogs? ›

Unpopped popcorn kernels can lead to many issues for dogs. They are not easily digested, so can cause blockages or have difficulty moving through the digestive system. Popcorn Kernel hulls are also an issue.

Can dogs with pancreatitis have popcorn? ›

Sharing snacks with your dog that has pancreatitis is a bit tricky as you can't feed it all types of snacks. One of the favorite snacks our furry friends like is popcorn. Although popcorn is safe if fed in small amounts, you must make sure it is free of seasonings like salt, oil, butter, or sugar.

What animals can eat popped popcorn? ›

Ultimately, all sorts of animals will enjoy popcorn kernels as well as popped popcorn. Just be sure that it is completely unflavored so that you don't give them any ingredients that are harmful or too high in calories.

Can dogs have sweet and salty popcorn? ›

Unfortunately, ingredients like butter, oil, salt and sugar (almost all the things we add to popcorn to make it tasty!) aren't good for dogs and can even be toxic, so while hoovering up the odd dropped piece here and there isn't going to hurt them, dogs can't eat salted popcorn or sweet popcorn regularly.

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