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Tailwise

Grains & bread

Can dogs eat popcorn?

A little In moderation

Plain, air-popped popcorn is fine as a treat. Butter, salt and unpopped kernels are the problem.

Why Salt, butter and unpopped kernels

Photo: Alex Munsell (CC0) via stocksnap

If your dog ate some

  1. A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
  2. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.

How much, how often

A few pieces.

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories

Serving it safely

  • Air-pop with no butter, salt or oil
  • Remove unpopped kernels

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs In moderation

Plain, air-popped popcorn is fine as a treat. Butter, salt and unpopped kernels are the problem.

How much: A few pieces.

Cats In moderation

A piece or two of plain popcorn is harmless, though most cats are not interested.

How much: One or two pieces.

Can cats eat popcorn?

Safer treats your dog can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can dogs eat popcorn?

Plain, air-popped popcorn is fine as a treat. Butter, salt and unpopped kernels are the problem.

How much popcorn can a dog have?

A few pieces.

What makes popcorn risky for dogs?

Salt, butter and unpopped kernels.

What should I do if my dog ate popcorn?

A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.

Is popcorn safe for cats too?

A piece or two of plain popcorn is harmless, though most cats are not interested.

Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards
  3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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