Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

Verdict: CAUTION — plain air-popped popcorn is OK in tiny amounts; buttered, salted or caramel popcorn is not.

Popcorn itself is not toxic to dogs. Completely plain, air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie, high-fiber treat — a piece or two is fine. The problems come from everything we add to it: butter, salt, sugar, oil — and the unpopped kernels.

Why it's a caution

• Butter and oil: high fat causes stomach upset, obesity and pancreatitis.
• Salt: too much can cause salt poisoning.
• Unpopped kernels: hard and sharp — a choking hazard and can crack teeth or block the intestine.
• Kettle corn and caramel popcorn: loaded with sugar; may also contain chocolate or xylitol.

How to serve safely

1. Air-pop the corn — no oil.
2. No butter, salt, sugar or seasonings.
3. Remove every unpopped kernel.
4. Small pieces only.

How much is OK?

• Extra-small dogs (2-20 lb): 1-2 pieces
• Small dogs (21-30 lb): 2-3 pieces
• Medium dogs (31-50 lb): 5-6 pieces
• Large dogs (51-90 lb): a small handful
• Extra-large dogs (91+ lb): a handful

Treats stay under 10% of daily calories.

FAQ

Can dogs eat buttered popcorn?

Not recommended — the butter and salt can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.

Can dogs eat caramel popcorn?

No. Too much sugar, and it may contain chocolate or xylitol.

Can dogs eat unpopped kernels?

No. They're a choking hazard and can crack teeth.

Can puppies eat popcorn?

Better to skip — the kernel hulls are a choking risk for small mouths.

Sources

• PetMD: Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? (petmd.com)
• ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (aspca.org)