Can Dogs Eat Popcorn and Is Popcorn Good or Bad For Dogs?

Popcorn is paw-sitivily delicious!

Picture this: you are sitting on your couch eating a bowl of popcorn while watching your favorite movie. One delectable kernel of popcorn misses your mouth and falls onto the floor. Before you know it, a flash of fur appears and your dog has gobbled up the popcorn. Oh no! Can your dog eat that?

The answer is yes and no. Corn is a common ingredient in dog food, as the American Kennel Club explains. While some claim corn to be a “filler ingredient” (meaning it increases food quantity but adds little quality nutrition), corn provides a source vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and proteins. However, sometimes corn can be too much of a good thing.

While corn is not a BAD thing for your dog to eat, it does not promote a balanced diet. Similarly, feeding popcorn to your dog as a snack will not be as filling and nutritious as a meat based dog snack. There are some important factors that may help to determine whether or not to hand over popcorn to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Buttered or Flavored Popcorn?

It is not recommended for dogs to eat any popcorn snack that has additional salt, flavoring, butter or oil. However, the high fat content of butter can lead to obesity related health issues for dogs. Similarly, salt and extra flavoring may lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Any Popcorn?

But there is good news! A few kernels of popcorn (even with the extra seasoning!) will not impact the long term health of your dog. It is best to treat your dog with full popped kernels of popcorn, because a unpopped kernal may become a choking hazard. If you want to share your popcorn snack with your furry friend, it is safest to opt for plain air fully popped popcorn with no seasoning. You dog will enjoy cleaning up after your movie night!