As overly-loving dog parents, sometimes we feed our pet pups the things that we shouldn’t.
If you’re watching a movie with your dogs and they’re trying to have a few pieces of popcorn from the tub you have on your lap, should you let them? Read on to find out.
Can dogs eat popcorn?
Popcorn, especially air-popped and free of salt, is generally safe for dogs to eat.
In fact, popped corn kernels contain a variety of minerals such as manganese, phosphorous, zinc, copper, and magnesium that are relevant to dog nutrition. Popcorn also has some fiber and trace amounts of vitamins A, E and K.
However, as the 10-percent guideline suggests, the intake of popcorn shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dogs’ routine calorific consumption.
So, it is generally safe for your dogs to scavenge around for a few pieces of popcorn after you’ve had a movie night on your couch, but is it good for them? We’ll talk about it next.
Is popcorn good for dogs?
Although generally safe, there are several reasons you may want to clear of popcorn when it comes to your dogs.
It is better to not feed popcorn to dogs primarily because they pose a choking hazard. In fact, the dogs of smaller breeds are exceptionally prone to it.
Another downside of feeding popcorn to pets is that its pieces could possibly harm your dog’s oral health. Little bits can get stuck in their teeth and damage their gums. The stuck popcorn may also lead to dental cavities.
On top of that, some individual canines can have an allergic intolerance to popcorn and other similar grains. If your dog shows sensitivity to popcorn, you should avoid feeding it to them at all.
Is popcorn nutritious for dogs?
Popcorn isn’t really nutritious for dogs. Your dogs most likely already receive all the nutrients they can from popcorn if you provide them a standard diet.
By and large, popcorn cannot be considered good for dogs. The disadvantages largely outweigh the benefits.
What’s wrong with salted or buttered popcorn?
Along with potential windpipe blockages and allergic reactions, some styles of cooked popcorn may compound the hazards.
For example, if you use excessive salt or butter in preparing your popcorn snack or if it comes with cooking preservatives, dogs could potentially suffer from symptoms like diarrhea, dehydration, and blood pressure irregularities.
Whats the best way to feed popcorn to dogs?
Again, it would actually be best not to feed them popcorn at all.
However, if they love its flavor and emotionally blackmail you with their bright pup eyes to allow them to have some, there are better ways to feed it to them than others.
The most appropriate way to feed it to your dogs is by making air-popped popcorn. You can use a pan, a popcorn popper, or a microwave for air-popping.
After popping your popcorn, remove any unpopped pieces and give them to your dogs without any additional ingredients. Don’t add cooking oil, butter, or any toppings to the popcorn, as they aren’t healthy for your pets.
So, can dogs have popcorn?
Plain, air-popped popcorn in moderation are generally safe for your dogs to eat once in a while, but not very beneficial from a health standpoint. If possible, it can be wise to avoid popcorn altogether.
Can dogs have too much popcorn?
If it may be possible your dog ate too many peaches, watch carefully for any symptoms of stomach issues.
Symptoms could include fatigue, reduced appetite, apparent discomfort, vomiting and/or diarrhea, decreased water consumption, and/or increased licking of lips, objects, or the air.
Contact your veterinarian if you observe these symptoms.
Learn more helpful tips for mastering dog care at The Dog’s Avenue.
Editor’s Note
This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not to be used as a replacement for veterinary advice. Factors like a dog’s age, health, and diet can impact the safety of a food, activity, or product for the dog.
You should regularly consult with your dog’s veterinarian to learn how you can provide the best care for your dog. Always ask your dog’s veterinarian before giving your dog a new food or trying out a new activity or product.
