Is Popcorn Actually Bad for Dogs? An Emergency Veterinarian Shares What To Know

There’s no denying it, a movie night at home isn’t complete without a giant bowl of popped kernels. So, if you’re ever curled up on your couch alongside your adorable furry companion watching your favorite film, is it ok to share your theater-worthy snack with your pup? While those sweet puppy dog eyes may be begging you for a taste, sometimes it’s hard to know what foods are considered safe to give your pet. After all, as a dog parent, your pup means the world to you, so you’d never want to give them something that might make them sick—you want to be pop-pared with all the answers.

That’s why we reached out to LA-based Emergency Veterinarian Ross Bernstein to get a kernel of truth surrounding this delicious treat. He not only answered the popular questions “Can dogs have popcorn?” and “Is eating popcorn safe for dogs?” but he also explained the ingredients you have to watch out for in some foods that can be harmful to your pet.

Keep reading to find out everything he revealed, below! That way, the next time you make popcorn, you’ll know if your dog can try out this pop-ular American snack, or if you should make something a little special for them to have instead.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Experts Weigh in on Whether This Fruit Is Healthy for Pups

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

“Plain air-popped popcorn can be a decent snack for dogs when given in moderation,” Bernstein tells Parade. However, he says that’s only true if it doesn’t have any flavors.

“Make sure it doesn’t have any additional toppings like salt, butter or seasonings, though," he adds. "Plain air-popped popcorn can be a good treat because it contains fiber, which can aid in digestion for dogs. Additionally, it's a low-calorie snack option that can provide a satisfying crunch without adding excess calories to a dog's diet.”

If you’re thinking of giving popcorn to your pet, Bernstein suggests waiting until your pup is fully grown. “It may be safe for a puppy to snack on popcorn, but it is best to wait until they are older and their digestive systems are more developed,” he explains. “Popcorn, especially unpopped kernels, can pose a choking hazard to puppies, and they may be more sensitive to dietary changes or excess salt, butter or other seasoning.”

Related: Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? Veterinarians Explain If They're Safe

Is Popcorn Bad for Dogs?

“It’s not bad for dogs as long as it’s plain air-pooped popcorn and given in small amounts,” Bernstein reveals.

So what is considered the appropriate amount? “It should not exceed 5% of your dog’s daily caloric intake,” he notes. “It is also not recommended to give your pet popcorn every day, as there are many other healthier options for dogs as an everyday treat.”

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Can Popcorn Kill Dogs?

As a pet parent, you also have to be cautious about what ingredients are in the foods you give your dogs, which applies specifically to popcorn because some types can be health hazards.

“Certain flavors, or additives, commonly found in popcorn, such as garlic, onion, chocolate, or xylitol (an artificial sweetener), can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided,” Bernstein states. “Additionally, excessive consumption of popcorn, especially if it contains added salt, butter, or seasonings, can lead to a whole array of gastrointestinal issues in dogs.”

Bernstein explains another danger, when it comes to popcorn, can be how you feed it to your pets.

“While it may seem like a fun game to toss popcorn in the air for your dog to catch, there are a few risks to keep in mind,” he warns. “Dogs may become overly excited and may not accurately gauge the trajectory of the popcorn, leading to accidental injuries such as catching it in their throat or choking on it. Additionally, encouraging this behavior may inadvertently reinforce begging or jumping behaviors, which can be problematic in certain situations."

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Can Dogs Eat Caramel Popcorn?

Bernstein says caramel popcorn is a no-go for your pet. “Caramel popcorn should be avoided by dogs as it typically contains high levels of sugar, salt and fats, which can be harmful to their health,” he tells Parade. “The sugar content in caramel popcorn can contribute to obesity, while the salt and fats can lead to digestive problems.”

Related: 3 Important Hacks for Feeding Dogs Blueberries All Pet Parents Should Know

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn With Butter?

“While dogs can technically eat popcorn with butter on it, it's not safe and therefore not recommended,” Bernstein discloses. Why? He adds it can cause health problems. “Buttered popcorn typically contains high levels of fats and salt, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis in dogs, especially if consumed in large quantities.”

Why Do Dogs Love Popcorn So Much?

It turns out, your furbaby likes popcorn for some of the same reasons you do and they may be curious what it tastes like because they see you munching on it all the time. “Dogs may be attracted to the smell and texture of popcorn, finding it enjoyable to chew and eat,” Bernstein points out. “Additionally, since dogs often observe their owners eating popcorn, they may develop an interest in it as well.”

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Source

• Ross Bernstein, LA-based emergency veterinarian