For humans, popcorn is one of the most famous treats on the snack. It is a great snack to enjoy now and again. You can almost guarantee that your dog will be there anytime you are eating a snack.

You might be unsure if popcorn is good for dogs, and either it could affect the dogs or have any other negative impacts.

It is really hard to control sharing of food with your pet. However, while some human foods are safe in small quantities

Now the question is can a dog eat popcorn? The answer to this question is, yes, he can eat unbuttered, unsalted popcorns in small quantities.

You and your pet may enjoy sharing a meal or a snack altogether, but there are a lot of food items that should be monitored while feeding your dog, including popcorn.

According to studies, you should avoid giving popcorn in access to dogs as it results in many problems like allergic reactions and an upset stomach.

In this article, we will discuss can dog eat popcorn and how it affects them?

What is popcorn?

A cooked corn kernel is known as popcorn. It provides 3.5 kcal per gram to a dog. So, popcorn is good for the addition of calories as per the dog’s daily allowance, so a large quantity of popcorn at one time can be harmful.

Moreover, some kernels can cause damage to the tooth as they don’t pop remain in the mouth and cause dental diseases, infections, or upset stomach.

So, in such a situation, always be careful and examine your pet for any issue and see your vet for normal examinations.

Popcorn and your dog’s health

 Maintaining the health of your dog is important if you want to see them happy, and the diet plays a vital role from a health point of view. You might keep an eye on dog food, but all your hard work could be for nothing if you ruin the diet with snacks.

The answer related to popcorn is unclear; either it is a healthy snack or not? Actually, the answer is: it depends. There are some distinct points that make popcorn a healthy snack for a pet, including how it is made and served?

Deep down, popcorn can be a healthy snack for both humans and dogs.

• Popcorn is enriched with fiber which is good for the digestive system when air-popped and eaten plain, without the addition of butter, salt, or sugar.

It also has iron and protein along with B vitamins, and these thing doesn’t help much nor harm a dog.

Keeping it healthy

Stick with air-popped if you are going to share popcorn. If you want to introduce a light snack to your dog air-popped snack is okay.

However, it is very easy to change the popcorn into something that is not healthy for your pet.

The addition of butter, sugar, seasonings, or toppings that are not healthy are not good for dogs, so they must be avoided.

Easy on the Portion Size

Similarly, like people who drench into food items deficient in some nutrients like snacks, it is not recommended for dogs either. Keep snack treats and people food to less than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake, according to research.

Studies revealed that a handful is enough for a medium-large dog and only if used as a treat or snack, not a part of their daily food.

What are the possible side effects and hazards?

It could have some side effects for your poor pooch if you do feed your dog popcorn with additives and unhealthy toppings. Some of the problems caused by excessive butter and salt or unhealthy preservatives like:

• Digestive problems that cause diarrhea
• Too much salt causes dehydration
• If too much salt is eaten on a regular basis, it can result in possible kidney problems.
• High-fat popcorn consumption for the long term leads to obesity.

The pieces of popcorn can result from physical harm to your dog. The kernels of corn can damage the gums and teeth and also cause a choking issue for your dog.

What are the alternatives to popcorn?

Air-pooped, plain popcorn is good for your dog. However, you can add some flavors to make them enjoy. The main thing you must know is how to cook healthy popcorn.

Air-popping is easy and simple, and you can use either a stove or a pan, microwave, or a popcorn machine.

Remove the un-popped kernels once you have popped your popcorn. Otherwise, it can cause a choking problem. Try any topping mentioned below:

Cheesy bacon popcorn

Spread your popcorn on a lined baking sheet simply, and cover lightly with bacon bits and reduced-fat grated cheddar. Bake at 350 degrees till cheese melts and allow it to cool. It is yummy for you and your pet.

Peanut butter poppers

Combine half a cup of popcorn with 1 cup of low-sugar and low-salt peanut butter (homemade is preferred and make sure it doesn’t have Xylitol, along with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil.

Make small balls and place them on a baking paper, and allow them to settle down.

What are the tips to add popcorn to your diet

Popcorn can cause digestive problems. If the dog is not allergic to corn, the fibrous and hard kernels don’t make your dog sick. However, they are still hard to digest. Follow the tips to avoid giving pup food that could be hazardous.

• Make sure to remove hard to chew, thick skins or pieces from foods like vegetables and fruits before introducing them to your dogs.
• Examine your dog while he’s eating to ensure he properly chews the food and avoids leaving hard-to-chew food items around in your absence.
• Avoid serving items that are very small to chew, like almonds, popcorn, and peanuts.

Can dogs be allergic to popcorn?

Yes, corn is a famous allergen in the world for dogs, just as soy or wheat. A corn intolerance would show signs like vomiting, diarrhea or upset stomach, skin rash, irritation, and excessive licking.

What are the safe alternatives to offer as dog treats instead of popcorn?

If you want something nutritious to give to your dog, there are many safe veggies and fruits that can enhance the overall health of a dog. There are some better options available instead of popcorn.

• Bananas
• Apples
• Broccoli
• Pumpkin
• Oranges
• Nuts
• Blueberries

The Bottom line

Some human foods are safe for pups like carrots, lean meats, and many veggies and fruits. If your dog is not allergic, then cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt can be served in a small amount. It is good to give human food in small amounts but make sure to know about the hazardous effects.