There is nothing better than sitting and watching your favorite show on TV with a bowl of popcorn. Movie night is complete with a bowl of popcorn, and it is a perfect snack. But if you are a dog owner and love to watch with them for fun, you must know whether dogs eat popcorn or not as many people ask can dogs eat popcorn?
This salty and low-calorie snack is also an excellent treat for your dogs. According to Dr. Angelica Dimock, manager of the shelter veterinarian at the Animal Humane Society. Yes! Pets like dogs and cats can eat popcorn, a low-calorie food that could be best for them. In this article, you will find your answer about whether dogs can eat popcorn or whether it is bad or good for them.
Is Popcorn Bad for Dogs?
Popcorn is not toxic for dogs, but it could become bad for dogs because of unhealthy ingredients like butter and seasoning. There are certain ways to prepare the popcorn, like completely plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs but in small portions.
However, if your dog consumes popcorn covered in butter and salt, that is a very unhealthy snack. Moreover, eating snacks for a long duration can hurt your dog’s health, cause stomach problems, and make them obese.
Many veterinarians also confirm that only buttered and salted popcorn as a regular treat can lead to obesity, digestion problems, and heart issues. Because butter has so much fat, it causes diarrhea and vomiting.
Therefore, always be careful if you toss the popcorn to your dog; make sure it is plain. Always watch for all those, which will go a long way to keep your dog from getting an upset stomach in the long term. Moreover, if you prepare popcorn at home, always ensure you filter out or partially pop kernels. The unpopped popcorn can get in teeth, causing choking for puppies.
Benefits of Popcorn for Dogs
Popcorn contains multiple minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, and manganese, with some fiber and vitamins. It can be a safe and enjoyable dog treat if you give it in moderation. There are many other benefits for dogs, such as
Low in Calories: Plain, Air-Popped popcorn is low in calories, which is the best option for dogs and never makes them fatty.
Fiber: Popcorn contains dietary fiber that helps digestion and improves bowel movements in dogs.
Mental Stimulation: Popcorn can provide mental stimulation and entertainment for dogs, especially as an occasional treat during playtime.
What Things Should You Consider When You Give Popcorn to Your Dog?
There are some precautions that you should always keep in mind, such as;
Plain and Unsalted Popcorn: give your dog plain, unsalted, and butter popcorn. Don’t add seasoning, butter, salt, and flavorings to it.
Don’t Add These Toppings: avoid adding toppings like spices, cheese, caramel, garlic, and onions in the dog’s popcorn bowl.
Portion Control: always give popcorn in moderation because overfeeding can lead to digestive issues and make them obese.
Give Them According to Size and Age: give small puppies a smaller portion and larger dogs a slightly larger portion according to their age and size.
Monitor Allergic Reactions: The last important thing that you must monitor is allergic reactions. Just like humans, dogs also have food allergies; therefore, always test the food on your pet dog in very small amounts the first time. If they show any allergic reactions, then don’t give them.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, just like humans, dogs also enjoy their treats. Many people were asking if dogs can eat popcorn. In the above article, you can read and learn how to give them. However, if you face any issues or your pet dog is already suffering from any disease, then consult a veterinarian and discuss your concerns. Moderation is a major key, as health and safety are top priorities.
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