Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? What You Need to Know for Movie Night

2024-06-24
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? What You Need to Know for Movie Night

Can dogs eat popcorn? Yes, they can have a few bites, but there are some kernels of information you need to know before sharing your movie-time snack with your pup. Here's exactly how to safely share popcorn with your dog.

Is Popcorn Safe for Dogs?

Plain, air-popped popcorn is usually safe for dogs when fed in small amounts as a treat. This means you can give your dog a couple of pieces as a special snack during movie night—as long as you’re okay with the begging that’s sure to ensue afterward. Keep in mind that treats should not make up over 10% of your dog’s daily calories. At least 90% of their calories should come from a complete and balanced canine diet.

Although your dog is unlikely to experience significant side effects if they eat a dropped piece of buttered popcorn or popcorn with toppings, dogs shouldn’t eat these types of popcorn regularly. Buttery popcorn can lead to stomach upset or even pancreatitis, and the high fat content can contribute to obesity. Other toppings like salt and sugar can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Some popcorn toppings like garlic are quite toxic to dogs.

All forms of popcorn pose a choking risk to dogs, but you should especially be cautious with unpopped or partially popped kernels. These are easily inhaled and can cause choking. Kernels can also get stuck between your dog's teeth, causing discomfort.

Popcorn may not be a good snack for dogs with dietary restrictions, such as dogs with diabetes or food allergies. Keep in mind that some dogs with food allergies may be allergic to corn. For these dogs, eating popcorn could cause skin issues, diarrhea, and gas. 

Tip

Moderation is key. Don't go overboard and feed your dog handfuls of popcorn. A few plain, popped kernels will let them in on the fun while keeping them safe and healthy.

Potential Risks and Considerations

If you plan to treat your dog to some popcorn, keep the following potential risks in mind:

  • Harmful toppings: Butter, salt, garlic, sugar, and other toppings could cause gastrointestinal upset or other negative side effects. Use plain, air-popped popcorn only. If you want other toppings on the popcorn, remove the portion for your dog before adding your toppings.
  • Choking: Inhaled popcorn could cause choking. Remove unpopped or partially popped kernels from the bag or bowl to reduce risk. Seek emergency attention if your pet begins to have trouble breathing, is gagging, or is collapsing.
  • Weight gain: Too much popcorn could upset the balance of your dog's diet, and too many kernels could lead to weight gain. Only give your pet a few pieces of popcorn at a time. Make sure not to leave popcorn unattended and within your dog's reach.
  • Health conditions: Some chronic health conditions, like diabetes or food allergies, may be aggravated by feeding popcorn. Check with your veterinarian before feeding popcorn to a dog with a chronic health condition.

Signs of Popcorn-Related Issues in Dogs

Signs that your pup isn't tolerating popcorn include:

After feeding your pet popcorn, make sure to monitor your dog for any adverse reactions or digestive issues. Contact your veterinarian with any concerns. If you are concerned that your dog may be choking, seek emergency attention.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Popcorn

You're unlikely to see any side effects if your dog consumes a few pieces of plain, buttery, sugary, or cheesy popcorn. However, if your dog eats large quantities of plain popcorn, monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, and lethargy. If they get into large quantities of buttery, cheesy, or sugary popcorn, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance. You should also contact your veterinarian if your pet consumes popcorn while having dietary restrictions due to conditions like diabetes. 

If your pet eats any popcorn with toxic substances, such as garlic or onion powder, contact a veterinarian or pet poison helpline immediately. Consultation fees may apply. 

If you're at all concerned or your pet is showing unusual symptoms after eating popcorn, contact a veterinarian.  

Related Article

Everything You Need to Know About Raising Your First Cat

Everything You Need to Know About Raising Your First Cat

Whether you are thinking about getting a cat or just adopted your first one, these are the things to know to make your relationship a lasting one.
8 Ways To Help Your Cat Lose Weight

8 Ways To Help Your Cat Lose Weight

Cats who are at a healthy weight are happier, more agile, and tend to live longer. Here are 8 tips for managing a cat weight loss programme
Heart Disease in Cats

Heart Disease in Cats

Like humans, cats can get heart diseases that may lead to serious problems. Learn all about symptoms along with the causes, treatment, and prevention.
Is Coconut Oil Safe for Cats?

Is Coconut Oil Safe for Cats?

Coconut oil is touted as a miracle food. Can coconut oil improve your cat's health? Is coconut oil even safe for cats?
Taurine for Cats

Taurine for Cats

Taurine is an essential animal protein in your cat's diet. Learn more about the various ways it supports your feline's body.
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?

Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is not toxic to cats, but it might not be the best choice of treat for them.
Why Do Cats Stare at Walls?

Why Do Cats Stare at Walls?

Cats can have some quirky behaviors, including staring at walls. Why do cats do this and when should you be concerned?
Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Patellar Luxation in Dogs

If your dog has a knee that seems to pop out of place, it may have a patellar luxation. Find out what this means and what can be done about it.
13 Signs of Cancer in Dogs

13 Signs of Cancer in Dogs

The signs of cancer in dogs may include lumps and bumps, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, abdominal swelling, and more. Signs may be mild or obvious depending on the type of cancer and its severity. Learn common signs of cancer in dogs so you’ll know when to call the vet.
Ear Mites in Puppies and Dogs

Ear Mites in Puppies and Dogs

Ear mites can be a big discomfort for puppies and dogs. Learn about the causes, treatment, and prevention to keep mites away from your pets.
Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?

Some dogs eat some strange things. What does it mean if your dog eats dirt and when should you be concerned?
200 Tortoiseshell Cat Names for Your Bi-Colored Kitty

200 Tortoiseshell Cat Names for Your Bi-Colored Kitty

Tortoiseshell cats are a rare phenomenon and deserve a fitting name. We've pulled together 200 tortoiseshell cat names, including male names, female names, cute names, and names inspired by their coat color and pattern.
How to Manage Your Cat's Claws

How to Manage Your Cat's Claws

Here are ways you can help your cat maintain healthy claws while protecting your furniture at the same time.
Hair Loss in Cats

Hair Loss in Cats

Hair loss in cats is a common problem with many possible causes. Learn the causes, treatments, and prevention of hair loss in cats, also known as alopecia.
Neurological Disorders in Cats

Neurological Disorders in Cats

Neurological disorders in cats range from minor to serious. Any neurological condition is a major disruption to your cat's central nervous system. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention of neurological disorders in cats.
Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats

Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats

Cats experience hair loss on their hind legs for a variety of reasons. Learn about potential causes, treatments, and ways to prevent it.
Can Cats Have Milk? Why They Really Shouldn’t Drink The Stuff

Can Cats Have Milk? Why They Really Shouldn’t Drink The Stuff

Despite what we’ve learned from pop culture, cats shouldn’t drink milk as most cats are lactose intolerant. Learn more about feeding milk to cats and alternatives you can feed your cat instead.
Can Cats Eat Dog Food?

Can Cats Eat Dog Food?

Can cats eat dog food? In small amounts, it's unlikely to be a problem, but long-term feeding of dog food to cats can cause health issues and malnutrition.
Why Some Black Cats Look Different in the Sun

Why Some Black Cats Look Different in the Sun

Some black cats look different in the sunlight. Whether it's cat genetics, a mutation, or a summer "rust," learn why they appear to have another coat.
Training Your Fearful Cat to Be Confident

Training Your Fearful Cat to Be Confident

Cats can become scared for any number of reasons. Learn about techniques that can help your fearful cat and reduce its anxiety so kitty lives a happy life.