Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? – American Kennel Club (2024)

Nothing brings more joy to most dogs than helping you clean up after movie night. Popcorn always finds its way into couch cushions and onto the floor, where our dogs are happy to “hoover” them up. The question most of us forget to ask ourselves, however, is can dogs eat popcorn?

Can Dogs Have Popcorn?

Popcorn itself is not bad for dogs. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to canine nutrition, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.

The stuff that makes popcorn taste delicious to humans, however, is a different story. The majority of us prefer our popcorn dripping with butter and loaded with salt, even though we know it is not good for us. The same goes for dogs. Butter, oils, salt, and the other toppings on popcorn can lead to intestinal upset in dogs, and the fats in oil and butter also contribute to obesity and obesity-related health problems.

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? – American Kennel Club (1)

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There is an alternative. Plain, air-popped popcorn makes 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.

Is Eating Popcorn Safe for Dogs?

Yes and no. Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won’t hurt them. As with any treat, too much popcorn is not good for your dog, and it is important to keep treats down to approximately 10% or less of a dog’s daily caloric intake.

Learn more about human foods dogs can and can’t eat.

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? – American Kennel Club (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? – American Kennel Club? ›

Can Dogs Have Popcorn? Popcorn itself is not bad for dogs. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to canine nutrition, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.

Is it safe for dogs to eat popcorn? ›

Dogs can eat popcorn as long as it's plain and air-popped popcorn, and only eaten in moderation. However, any added seasonings we love to slather on top which can be bad for dogs, and you shouldn't feed them this type of popcorn.

What animals can eat popped popcorn? ›

Ultimately, all sorts of animals will enjoy popcorn kernels as well as popped popcorn. Just be sure that it is completely unflavored so that you don't give them any ingredients that are harmful or too high in calories.

Why do dogs love popcorn so much? ›

Freshly popped popcorn smells wonderful and can interest even the most discerning pooch. It also makes a wonderful crunching noise when he eats it and dogs love that stimulation. Popcorn can be very healthy. It contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium; all of which are beneficial to his diet.

Can dogs eat skinny pop popcorn? ›

Any commercially packaged popcorn like Smart Food, Skinny Pop, movie buttered popcorn, kettle corn, or caramel corn is NOT a snack choice you can share with your dog. Hulless popcorn has smaller, more tender kernels, making it a smart choice for a dog snack.

Can a dog eat scrambled eggs? ›

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.

What popcorn contains xylitol? ›

Xylitol. Often used as an alternative sweetener in kettle corn or caramel popcorn, xylitol is deadly to dogs. Even a small amount of xylitol can lead to poisoning in as little as 10 minutes.

What to do if your dog eats popcorn kernels? ›

If your dog ate just one or two kernels—depending on your dog's size—they may be OK. But if your dog is small, or if they ate multiple kernels, or if you see your dog choking—but they can still breathe—take them to your veterinarian immediately.

Is popcorn ok for squirrels to eat? ›

Plain popcorn itself is not harmful to squirrels and can provide some basic carbohydrates. However, it lacks the essential nutrients that squirrels need for optimal health. Popcorn is low in the fats and proteins that make up a significant part of a squirrel's natural diet.

Is white cheddar popcorn bad for dogs? ›

Can Dogs Eat White Cheddar Popcorn? No, white cheddar popcorn isn't good for your dog. This type of popcorn contains added flavors and seasonings, which can cause digestive issues or sodium poisoning.

Why is my dog throwing up after eating popcorn? ›

If your dog eats a big portion of salty popcorn, they become at increased risk of suffering from dehydration or excessive thirst, while salt toxicity is also a possibility — this happens when there's too much salt in your dog's system and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, elevated blood pressure, seizures or even death.

Can dogs eat peanut butter? ›

Whether speaking to new or seasoned pet parents, veterinarians are often asked 'can dogs eat peanut butter? ' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products.

Can dogs have cheese? ›

Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or other large amount of cheese, they may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell.

Can dogs eat potato chips? ›

It's not a good idea to share salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog. Eating too much salt can make your dog seriously thirsty. That means a lot of trips to the fire hydrant and it could lead to sodium ion poisoning.

Can dogs eat bananas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. It's tempting to share tasty fruit with your dog, especially when they're staring at you longingly. The good news is dogs can eat bananas in reasonable quantities as an occasional treat.

Is cheese ok for dogs? ›

Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or other large amount of cheese, they may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell.

Is peanut butter good for a dog? ›

' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products. Xylitol is the only ingredient in peanut butter that's bad for dogs.

Can dogs eat ice cream? ›

While it's not toxic or seriously harmful, dogs actually have a hard time digesting dairy as, after they're weaned as puppies, they lose the enzyme needed to digest the lactose in milk. The odd lick is unlikely to prompt a visit to the vet, but it's better to be safe than sorry and avoid ice cream entirely.

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