Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

Popcorn itself is not bad for dogs so long that it is plain, air-popped. It can make for a nice occasional treat for your dog. But, kernels can get stuck in dogs’ teeth and pose a choking hazard, so it is probably a good idea to keep whole or only partially popped kernels away from curious dogs. In addition most people are not having just plain popcorn. The butter and flavoured versions have high levels of fat and sodium which can lead to dehydration in the short term and obesity in the long term.

Why Dogs Should Probably Avoid Popcorn?

While plain, air popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts as a treat other flavours are not healthy for dogs. Most of the popcorn we consume is not the plain, unsalted, unbuttered popcorn that is okay for dogs. Eating a few dropped pieces of the flavoured kind here and there likely won’t hurt them but is relatively unhealthy for them. Just the same way it is unhealthy for us as the fats in oil and butter also contribute to obesity and obesity-related health problems. The other problem is that un-popped kernels can hurt teeth and gums on the way in. The kernels get stuck in dogs teeth jus they same way they get stuck in our teeth.

What Can Happen if I Feed My Dog Popcorn?

If its plain, air popped popcorn then nothing. If its flavoured probably nothing if they just picked one or two pieces of the floor. Some of the possible side effects for your dog of eating to much popcorn with unhealthy toppings or additives include:

• Digestive Issues that can lead to diarrhea.
• Dehydration from too much salt .
• Possible kidney damage if to much salt is eaten regularly.
• Obesity in long term eating of buttered popcorn.

Should I Be Concerned That My Dog Ate Popcorn?

No, air-popped and unseasoned popcorn is a relatively safe choice for dogs, but it’s unlikely you’re going to be eating that often. Unless you’re specially making your dog a bowl before you season it for your consumption. If your dog is just hoovering up the pieces that have fallen down as your eating than so long as this is not a regular occurrence than they will be fine. Just check their teeth make sure there are no stuck kernels.