Why You Should Always Keep Popcorn Away From Your Dog (2024)

FAQs

Why shouldn't dogs eat popcorn? ›

Plain, air-popped popcorn makes a nice, occasional treat for your dog. But kernels can get stuck in dogs' teeth and pose a choking hazard, so it is probably a good idea to keep whole or only partially popped kernels away from curious dogs.

Unpopped popcorn kernels can lead to many issues for dogs. They are not easily digested, so can cause blockages or have difficulty moving through the digestive system. Popcorn Kernel hulls are also an issue.

Freshly popped popcorn smells wonderful and can interest even the most discerning pooch. It also makes a wonderful crunching noise when he eats it and dogs love that stimulation. Popcorn can be very healthy. It contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium; all of which are beneficial to his diet.

Plain popcorn alone is an excellent, crunchy treat for you and your pup to enjoy. However, most popcorn comes with salt, butter, and other seasonings that aren't so good for your dog. If you want to share your popcorn safely, you have to skip the seasonings.

While a few pieces of buttered popcorn dropped on the floor aren't going to lead to kidney failure, it's best to avoid giving your dog too many high-sodium items. So, you should always avoid popcorn with added salt, butter, oil, other seasonings, and preservatives—and, let's face it, that's most kinds of popcorn.

Eating a piece or two isn't the end of the world, but eating popcorn as a regular snack over time (or devouring a large amount at once) can hurt your dog's health. The butter can cause serious problems, such as an upset stomach, obesity, or pancreatitis.

Salt Toxicity- Seasoned popcorn frequently has high salt content. The symptoms of salt poisoning, which include increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even seizures, can be brought on by consuming too much salt. It may be lethal in extreme circ*mstances.

‍Is butter bad for dogs? Butter isn't toxic for dogs, so your pup will likely be OK if they eat a small butter serving. However, the downside with this spread is that its high-fat content can cause pets to experience upset stomachs, Dr. McCullough explains.

Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or other large amount of cheese, they may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell.

If you know your dog has a sensitivity, never give them popcorn as it could result in reactions such as stomach upset, gas and diarrhoea.

Can dogs have bananas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

McCarthy. Dr. Dimock agrees and says that a handful for a medium-large dog is plenty–and only use it as a treat or snack, not a part of their regular diet. So enjoy your next movie night guilt-free with your pup and a little bit of plain air-popped popcorn for a special treat.

If your dog eats a big portion of salty popcorn, they become at increased risk of suffering from dehydration or excessive thirst, while salt toxicity is also a possibility — this happens when there's too much salt in your dog's system and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, elevated blood pressure, seizures or even death.

You should not feed your dog pizza, no matter how much they beg for a taste. Common ingredients found in pizza—namely onions, garlic, spices, dairy, and the high fat and salt content—can lead to digestive issues and illness for your dog. Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs.

Popcorn can cause a host of issues in dogs when consumed, including allergic reactions and an upset stomach. While it likely won't cause a life-threatening reaction, corn is one of the most common food allergies in dogs and should be approached with caution.

Unpopped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your dog's teeth, says Spruce Pets. Additionally, popcorn hulls can get stuck in your dog's teeth and cause irritation or damage to gums.