Can you give your dog popcorn?

Should we give dogs popcorn or is it bad for them?

Before you turn on Netflix and sit with your favorite snacks, which of course has to include some popcorn, learn if it’s safe for you to share these treats with your pup. Earlier this year, Dog o’ Day wrote about the candy and treats we can safely share with our dogs and those that we need to keep them away from entirely. The feature focuses on Halloween candy, but if you are someone who frequents sweets, check it out HERE. Popcorn, however, is not a Snickers bar. We are more likely to have a bowl of popcorn than a Snickers (especially on movie nights). Or is this just my unpopular opinion? If you are anything like me, popcorn and other snacks are a must when it’s time for a movie or a long TV binge-watch. Lately, a lot of our screen time is being done indoors, due to COVID-19, and popcorn is a quick snack to prepare. But if you have a dog at home, you may be wondering if your dog can have some, too.

Can dogs eat popcorn?

Canine Journal answers this for us, and the answer varies depending on your dog. Popcorn is not recommended for small pets due to the corn seeds or kernels, it could hurt and irritate their throats. However, even if you have a large dog, I wouldn’t recommend feeding them popcorn. The corn seeds or kernels may get stuck in their teeth and cause pain. Dogs already don’t enjoy brushing their teeth as it is (and those dental treats can only do so much). On top of this, both large and small dogs won’t benefit from the salt and butter that popcorn contains. The source shares that some dogs may even experience digestive issues, kidney damage, diarrhea, and more.

So why risk it? Instead, buy your dog some tasty made-for-dogs treats whenever it’s time to snuggle up on the couch to watch TV.