Popcorn is one of the staple snacks we like to have, especially when it’s a movie night. And who might be there lingering beside us hoping to get a few dropped pieces of popcorn that we scarf down in bunches? It’s our beloved pooches, of course!
But as you consider giving your dog a few nibbles of your popcorn, you might wonder if it’s really safe for them to eat.
So is popcorn okay for dogs to eat? The short answer is yes, but it depends on how much is served and how it is prepared. As always, you must ask your vet before you feed your dog any human foods.
Here’s what you should know about feeding popcorn to dogs.
How Is Popcorn Good For Dogs?
Popped corn kernels can provide many health boosters that are beneficial to your dog’s nutrition. Some of the minerals that can be found in popcorn include magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, and popcorn can also boost dogs’ fiber intake along with many other vitamins.
So if popcorn has so many benefits for our pups, when can it be dangerous?
The issue isn’t with the corn kernels, themselves, but with how we humans like to eat and prepare our popcorn. Basically, all the toppings and things we like to add to our popcorn make this snack bad for our dogs.
The majority of us like our popcorn dripping with butter and salt, among other things, that are not good for our dogs.
When Is Popcorn Bad For Dogs?
There are many factors to consider when it comes to feeding your dog the popcorn you enjoy at home.
If you like to add lots of salt and butter to your popcorn, it may be best to keep it out of reach of your pooch. Though it may not be fatal to them if they do find a piece or two on the ground, it can cause some unhealthy side effects if they eat enough of it.
Some of these side effects include:
- Dehydration from excessive salt intake
- Digestive issues like diarrhea
- Possible kidney issues
- Obesity
Popcorn, along with the additives we put on it, has a lot of calories. The uncooked kernels can also pose a threat to your dog’s oral health causing gum disease or tooth decay by getting stuck in their teeth. The kernels can even possibly chip a tooth or become a choking hazard.
It’s also important to note that corn is a possible allergen for your dog, so make sure to consult with your veterinarian to make sure your pup doesn’t have an allergic reaction to it.
How Can You Safely Share Popcorn With Your Dog?
Once you get your vet’s approval to share some popcorn with your pup, you have to make sure you prepare and serve it safely.
Air-popping your popcorn is simple and quick. You can do this using a popcorn machine, the microwave, or even the stovetop.
Make sure to keep the popcorn you feed your dog plain, without any additives like salt or butter, to keep it healthy enough for them to eat. Take a few pieces from the popcorn you prepare for yourself and make sure there are no uncooked kernels before giving them to your dog.
You may also feed them something else besides popcorn that might be a healthier or even better option for them to have.
Just like everything in life, all it takes is some close attention with moderation, and you and your pup will be just fine enjoying your popcorn!
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Has your dog ever eaten popcorn? Did they like it? Let us know in the comments below!
