Can dogs eat popcorn? Yes they can, however more than anything you should question why you are feeding your dog popcorn?
For many the answer is that you while you’re sat there watching a movie on the sofa, your dog will snuggle over and you just can’t resist handing over a little popcorn to those puppy dog eyes.
So as a treat, there are worse offerings that a dog can eat than popcorn.
However, the act of giving your dog a small amount of what ever you happen to be eating is not recommended. As a dog owner, it is a bad habit to get into. However, the fact you are on this website in the first place, shows you want to ensure that what your dog is eating, is safe.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn – Preparation
It is very important that you do not feed your dog salted or buttered popcorn. Butter is extremely fattening and salt can be toxic. Therefore dogs can eat popcorn as long as it does not contain these ingredients.
You should also ensure that there are no kernels that have been left unpopped. There have been reports of small dogs choking on popcorn kernels, so remove these before feeding.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn – Benefits
Popcorn actually has a surprising amount of nutritional value. For a food you could be forgiven for thinking is mainly air, popcorn has a lot of essential minerals.
Per 100 grams of popcorn, you will find 2.7 milligrams of iron. You will also find approximately 300 milligrams of phosphorous.
Of course, you should not feed your dog 100 grams of popcorn in one sitting; however it does show the nutritional value the treat can contain. Iron is important for a dogs blood, and phosphorous and calcium help maintain the strength of teeth and bones.
Your dog can eat popcorn, as it is rich in complex carbohydrates. It is also very low in calories. As a treat small amounts popcorn can be given to dogs with obesity. (As long as it does not contain butter or salt).
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn – Precautions
So, going back to the popcorn that we like to shove in the microwave for ourselves; your dog can have some, but only if it is plain. Popcorn with butter, sugar or salt or any other flavoring is a no no. If you’re sitting on the sofa watching a movie with a big basket of flavored popcorn, you will have to learn to say no. Pull out the doggie treats instead.
Resources
- To read more about the danger of salt to dogs head here.
- For an About article on top treats for dogs head here.
- For the nutritional facts about popcorn head here.
Comments
Can dogs eat popcorn? If you have any comments on your own experiences with feeding your dog popcorn please leave them below.