What’s better than this buttery, crunch, and salty treat? Like us, dogs, too, love popcorn! The smell will drag him from his couch all the way to the kitchen, and you will find him begging for a share. But if you are a dog owner, you might know that not every human food is dog-friendly. So, can dogs eat popcorn?

Your dog’s adorable face might make it difficult for you to say no. However, sometimes it is better to disappoint them, since some human food can be really dangerous for your dog.

Is popcorn bad for dogs?

Dogs are mostly drawn to human food. Their powerful smelling sense led their curiosity to find out and taste what their owner is up to.

A lot of dog owners experiment with human food on their dogs as a way of feeding them medicines in a tricky way. It is important to keep in mind that experimenting with human food on your dogs without research is not really a great idea. The reason being that not every human food will suit your dog; they can end up with really awful diarrhea or food poisoning, and in some cases, even choking.

This article talks about whether popcorn is dog-friendly food or not. And if they are, what are the preventive measures one must take when feeding popcorn to their dogs. So, is popcorn a healthy snack for dogs or a strict no-no? Keep reading to find out!

Can dogs eat popcorn?

Yes, dogs can eat popcorn.

Popcorn is a great snack whose appealing smell can make you want them even on a full stomach. Dogs love crunchy food, and hence the crunching noise of popcorn is what makes it a dog’s favorite snack.

Popcorn is a healthy treat. It contains nutrients that are essential for a dog, such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. For example:

Potassium helps in muscle development, fluid regulation in the body, and healthy vessels function that helps in blood circulation.
Magnesium helps in absorbing vitamins and, likewise, producing a protein that helps in bone growth.

What you need to watch out for is how popcorn is being served to your dog. If they are tossed in additional butter and salt, it quickly loses its nutritional value and can cause various health hazards to your dogs, such as leading to weight gain, organ damage, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

For instance, if you are enjoying a cup of popcorn and you offer a couple to your dog as a treat, then the butter and salt content is not a concern. However, if you are preparing popcorn solely for your dog, do not add butter and salt.

Popcorn for dogs:

There are two varieties of corn; yellow and white. Both have different shapes and sizes. White popcorns are smaller than the yellow ones and pop up white. They have the natural-pure popcorn flavor. Whereas the yellow popcorn pops up in a bright yellow color, something you must have seen in the movies. Their yellow tint makes them look buttery. They are a little bigger and size and have a distinct nutty flavor.

For your dog, white popcorn is the best because they have a neutral taste. Since the yellow popcorn has a nutty flavor, it could as well have certain other properties that might not suit your dog’s metabolism.

Is popcorn ok for dogs?

If you feed your dog popcorn with artificial flavoring or additives, they can affect the dog’s health. The excessive sale and butter are not suitable for your dog’s health as too much potassium is a no-no. Here are some of the possible side effects:

Too much salt can lead to dehydration;
Kernel pops can cause digestive issues that could result in diarrhea;
Too much sale can also affect the kidney if eaten regularly;
Popcorn, if tossed in butter, becomes a high-fat snack. They can likewise cause unhealthy weight gain or obesity.

Apart from these side effects, popcorn could also cause physical harm to your dog, such as gum problems or choking if the kernel pop gets stuck.

Dog-friendly popcorn recipes

For your dog, always go for plain, air-popped popcorn. However, you can add a few things to it if you want to reward him or induce good behavior.

Peanut butter dog-friendly popcorn

In a large bowl, mix a large portion of some popcorn with peanut butter that has no added sugar or salt. Form them into large balls that your dog cannot swallow, and place on a baking tray. Freeze the balls until hard.

This treat will keep your dog busy, and they will love the peanut butter flavor. Be sure to monitor your dog with this treat, since small pieces can be a choking hazard.

Conclusion: Can dogs eat popcorn?

It’s an established fact that dogs are great popcorn fans. What makes popcorn a dog’s favorite treat is its crunchiness and incredible taste.

However, too much popcorn can be hazardous for your dog’s health. A little piece from you is fine, but if you use it as a treat or reward, it is ideal for offering it to him plain or prepared in dog-friendly flavorings.

Try not to give them any un-popped portions. Look at their teeth and gums for leftover pieces to avoid disease, gum issues, or a choking hazard.