Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

Yes, dogs can eat a little plain popcorn once in a while. It should be air-popped, fully popped, and have no butter, salt, or other toppings. The popcorn is not the problem. The toppings and the hard kernels are. Keep it small, like any treat.

Is plain popcorn okay for dogs?

Plain, air-popped popcorn is okay in small amounts, says the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC notes that popped corn has some minerals, like magnesium and zinc, plus a little fiber. That does not make it a health food. Think of it as a light, crunchy treat.

Why are kernels a problem?

Whole or only partly popped kernels can get stuck in your dog’s teeth. The AKC also lists them as a choking risk. Before you share, pick out any hard kernels. If your dog snatched some from the floor, watch for gagging or coughing, and call your vet if you are worried.

What is wrong with butter and salt?

The AKC says butter, salt, and other toppings can upset your dog’s stomach. Butter and oil are fatty. The ASPCA says very fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and in some pets they can cause pancreatitis. That is a painful swelling of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion.

Salt is a problem in large amounts too. The ASPCA says too much salt can make a dog very thirsty and make them pee more. Depending on how much was eaten, it can also upset the salts in the blood. The more salt your dog eats, the bigger the risk.

Other kinds of popcorn

Is movie theater or buttered popcorn safe for dogs?

No, skip it. It often has butter or oil and salt, which can upset your dog’s stomach. Call your vet if your dog eats a lot or seems sick.

Is microwave popcorn safe for dogs?

Only if you check the label. Many bags have butter, oil, salt, or flavorings added, and those can upset your dog’s stomach. Unpopped kernels are a risk too. Plain air-popped popcorn is the better choice.

Is cheese, caramel, or chocolate popcorn safe for dogs?

No. The AKC says toppings can upset a dog’s stomach. Chocolate is a bigger worry. The ASPCA says it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, an abnormal heartbeat, tremors, and seizures. Darker chocolate is riskier. If your dog ate chocolate popcorn, see our guide on chocolate and dogs.

What about flavored popcorn with garlic or onion?

Skip it. The ASPCA says onions and garlic can irritate the gut and harm red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. That is a shortage of healthy red blood cells. Always read the label on seasoned popcorn.

How to serve popcorn to your dog

1. Pop it in an air popper.
2. Add nothing: no butter, salt, sugar, or seasoning.
3. Remove unpopped and half-popped kernels.
4. Give a small handful at most, once in a while.

How much popcorn can a dog have?

The sources we read do not give a set amount of popcorn. The AKC says treats should be about 10% or less of your dog’s daily calories. A small dog needs fewer calories than a big dog, so a small dog gets less. When in doubt, give a few pieces.

Other treats to try

• Slices of apple with no core or seeds. See can dogs eat apples.
• A piece of banana. See can dogs eat bananas.

For more foods to avoid, see our list of foods that are toxic to dogs.