Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

We eat it at home, we eat it at sporting events, and we eat it in the movie theaters – popcorn is about as popular of a snack food as it gets! But can dogs eat popcorn too? The answer is…well, yes and no.

Is popcorn harmful for dogs?

Absolutely not, when it’s given in moderation. There are no real negative side-effects plain, air-popped popcorn can cause when you give it to your dog. So, if your dog ate popcorn, don’t worry!

Is popcorn healthy for dogs?

But, when it comes to overall health and nutrition, popcorn itself doesn’t really give anything extra to your dog. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have certain benefits. Popcorn is a naturally low-calorie snack, and many people use it when it comes to training their dog, because it’s inexpensive, light, and dogs love the taste and crunch. If you’re looking for a low-calorie treat to offer your dog, it can be a great option!

Plain, air-popped popcorn for dogs only!

If you do decide that you want to give your dog some popcorn, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping it as natural as possible, by air-popping it. Popcorn that has been ‘loaded’ with things like salt, caramel, chocolate, sugar, etc., might sound like a good snack food to us, but that’s when things can get harmful for dogs.

Instead, choose popcorn that is unsalted, and sugar-free. Salt-free popcorn will still offer that same crunchy taste your dog loves, without all the added ingredients that can be harmful to them, post-snack!

One more thing to keep in mind is making sure all the kernels you’re offering your dog are fully popped. Unpopped kernels can be a choking hazard, especially in smaller dogs, so be aware of the pieces of popcorn your dog is eating.

If you want to share your favorite snack with your four-legged friend, popcorn can be a great, low-calorie choice. If you’re looking for more healthy dog snacks, you can check out these posts for some great ideas!

Help us make this post even better by sharing your experience with giving your dog popcorn! Have you used it as a training tool, or just a tasty reward? The more you share, the more you can help others along the way. Feel free to leave a comment with your experience, and let us know!