Why only in moderation for dogs
Plain air-popped corn is not toxic to dogs. It contains fibre and few calories, as long as nothing is added.
Cinema or microwave popcorn is another matter: it is full of butter, oil, salt, sugar or caramel. Fatty, salty popcorn can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Unpopped kernels and hulls can get stuck between the teeth or in the gums, and a small dog can choke on them. So only plain popcorn is suitable, and only as an occasional treat.
How to give it
- Give only plain popcorn, popped without oil, butter or salt.
- Pick out the unpopped kernels before giving it.
- For a small dog, give only small pieces.
- Give only a little and only now and then, as a treat.
What to watch out for
- Butter, oil and salt can cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Caramel or sweet popcorn adds sugar and calories.
- Hard unpopped kernels can damage teeth or get stuck in the gums.
- A small dog can choke on popcorn or a kernel.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
-
Popped popcorn
In moderationPlain popped corn with nothing added is fine as an occasional treat.
-
Unpopped kernels
Not safeHard unpopped kernels can damage teeth or get stuck in the gums, so pick them out.
What to give instead
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
- Cucumbers Yes, fresh cucumber is fine for dogs: it is mostly water and low in calories, but do not give pickled cucumbers. Safe
- Apples Yes, apples are fine for dogs: give small pieces without the core and seeds, as an occasional treat. Safe
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