Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Feb 3, 2025
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 3, 2025
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Popcorn. Many of us just can’t go to the movies without eating a big bowl of popcorn.
Or even make some popcorn at home when watching a movie or binging on a TV show!
Some of us like our popcorn air-popped, but there’s nothing better than popcorn with butter and a little salt to make it complete.
When you’re munching on some popcorn and your dog is about to grab a piece out of the bowl, you’re probably wondering can dogs eat popcorn?
The answer is…sometimes.
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Is Popcorn Safe For Dogs?
If you’re eating popcorn that is merely air popped without butter than you can share a few pieces with your dog.
While plain popcorn can add some nutritional benefits to your pup’s diet like magnesium, zinc and phosphorous, it isn’t especially important to add popcorn to your dog’s diet.
But, you can share a few pieces.
And be careful with the kernels because they can cause your dog to choke, particularly smaller dogs who might have a harder time digesting them.
However, due to the extra fiber in popcorn, if your dog eats too much popcorn, it can cause diarrhea for your pup.
Corn on its’ own can be safe for dogs as well. And add some good vitamins and minerals.
But, corn on the cob should never be fed to dogs.
If you are wondering what other food choices are safe or not safe for dogs, our ultimate safe food guide, can give you some guidance!
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
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When Is Popcorn Bad For Dogs?
Popcorn isn’t safe for dogs when it has any salt, oil, butter or any of the other things we humans tend to add to our popcorn to make it delicious.
Not only can eating popcorn with toppings cause most dogs to have digestive issues but if eaten often, your pup can easily put on weight.
Even just the salt on the popcorn can be unhealthy for dogs.
If your dog eats too much salted popcorn, any of the below can occur:
- Diarrhea
- Dehydrated from too much salt
- Kidney damage if too much popcorn is eaten
- Pieces of popcorn and particularly the kernels can get stuck in your dog’s teeth
- Your pup could easily choke on the unpopped kernels
- Small dogs, particularly, might have trouble digesting even a small piece
- Some dogs might even have an allergic reaction to popcorn
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Allergic Reactions to Popcorn Might Include:
If your dog is allergic to corn, your pup might experience the following symptoms:
- Hives
- Swelling on your dog’s body
- Vomiting
- Coughing
How To Share Popcorn & Other Foods With Your Dog
If you want to share a little popcorn with your dog, just make sure it is dry, plain air-popped without any salt or butter.
Just plain. And watch out for the kernels.
Safe Food Choices for Dogs
There are many other safe food choices that your dog can eat in moderation:
Food Choices That Are Not Safe For Dogs
There are other food choices, similar to corn on the cob that is not safe for dogs:
How Pet Insurance Help If Your Dog Eats To Much Popcorn
While a few popcorn pieces won’t hurt your dog, sometimes two pieces are just not enough for your dog.
And if your dog eats the entire bowl of popcorn (which had salt and butter on it), the consequences won’t be pretty and your dog might have diarrhea or much worse.
And you would most likely need to go to your vet immediately to make sure your dog is OK.
With pet insurance, you can take that extra caution and bring your dog in without worrying about the bill and can be focused on getting your dog better.
Not only will pet insurance help you with the popcorn incident but if your dog needs any other further treatment, it can help pay for that too.
The top insurance providers, like Healthy Paws, Embrace and Figo will cover up to 90% of the popcorn bill and that’s always an added bonus.
We recommend Healthy Paws as the #1 pet health insurance provider!
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In fact, pet insurance can help if your dog ate anything that he shouldn’t or any other medical conditions that might occur.
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Popcorn Can Be Shared With Your Dog Sparingly
While corn does have some nutritional benefits, it’s not really a great boost in merely a couple of pieces of popcorn.
So, does popcorn need to be added to your diet? Not really…
But, if your dog is giving you those sad eyes or begging you for a piece or two, make sure that the popcorn is plain and unsalted. And he should be fine.
But, if you’re eating a bowl of popcorn with salt, butter or any toppings, make sure to keep it away from your dog.
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
What to do with a Picky Eating Dog
Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Why You Should NEVER Give Xylitol to Your Dog
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Can dogs eat popcorn?
Yes, dogs can eat popcorn, but it’s important to be cautious. Plain, air-popped popcorn without butter or salt is generally safe in moderation. However, kernels should be avoided as they can cause choking, and excessive popcorn consumption may lead to diarrhea.
What makes popcorn unsafe for dogs?
Popcorn becomes unsafe for dogs when it contains additives like salt, oil, or butter. These toppings can cause digestive issues and lead to weight gain. Excessive salt intake may result in health problems, including allergic reactions in some dogs.
How can popcorn be shared safely with dogs?
If you want to share popcorn with your dog, make sure it’s plain, dry, and air-popped without any salt or butter. Ensure there are no kernels present. Moderation is key to prevent digestive problems.
Can dogs eat corn on the cob?
No, corn on the cob should never be fed to dogs. While plain corn can be safe and even nutritious, the cob poses a choking hazard and may cause digestive blockages.
How can pet insurance help if a dog eats something it shouldn’t, like popcorn with toppings?
Pet insurance can be beneficial in covering veterinary bills for unexpected incidents, including instances where a dog consumes harmful substances. It can help alleviate financial concerns and allow owners to focus on their pet’s well-being.
Which pet insurance providers are recommended by Pet Insurance U?
Pet Insurance U mentions top providers like Healthy Paws, Embrace, and Figo. These companies are noted for their coverage, with some offering up to 90% coverage for veterinary bills.
Is Pet Insurance U affiliated with specific insurance companies?
No, Pet Insurance U emphasizes that it is a free online resource and does not have affiliations with specific insurance companies. Its goal is to provide unbiased information to users.
What should be considered when sharing human food with dogs?
When sharing human food with dogs, it’s crucial to ensure that the food is safe and offered in moderation. Some foods, like chocolate, grapes, and onions, can be toxic to dogs. Owners should be aware of safe and unsafe food choices.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.