Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

Yes, dogs can eat popcorn, but only plain, air-popped popcorn in small amounts.^1,2 Popcorn itself isn't toxic. The problems are butter, salt, oil and flavorings, which can upset the stomach and add fat, and unpopped kernels, which can get stuck in teeth or cause choking.^1,2 Caramel, kettle and chocolate-covered popcorn are not for dogs.^2,3

Popcorn Nutrition for Dogs

Plain air-popped popcorn is low in fat and sodium and has some fiber. Microwave and caramel popcorn are very different foods.^4,5,6

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values.^4,5,6 The weight of a single piece is our estimate.

How Much Popcorn Can a Dog Eat?

A healthy adult dog's treats, including fruit, should be no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.^7,8 Using the Merck Veterinary Manual's energy formula for a neutered adult, that works out to roughly 35 calories of treats a day for a 10-pound dog, 59 for a 20-pound dog, 98 for a 40-pound dog, 150 for a 70-pound dog and 196 for a 100-pound dog.⁹ Your dog's real needs depend on age, activity and body condition. Plain popcorn is so light that calories aren't really the limit; kernels and toppings are. PetMD's suggested amounts are below.²

We count a small handful as about 1/4 cup and a handful as about 1/2 cup.

Buttered, Salted and Microwave Popcorn

Butter can cause an upset stomach and, over time, weight gain or pancreatitis, and a lot of salt can cause salt poisoning.^2,10 A few dropped pieces of buttered popcorn probably won't hurt, but don't share your bowl.¹ One cup of microwave popcorn has about 13 times the fat of air-popped and about 160 times the sodium.^5,4 Cheese, ranch or garlic-seasoned popcorn adds fat and salt, and onion or garlic powder is toxic to dogs.¹¹ The easiest option is to air-pop a batch and set some aside for your dog before adding butter and salt.

Popcorn Kernels

Unpopped and half-popped kernels can wedge between teeth, cause choking, especially in small dogs, and in larger amounts cause an intestinal blockage.^1,2 If a medium or large dog swallowed one or two kernels, he'll probably be fine. If a small dog ate several, or your dog is coughing or choking but still breathing, take him to a vet right away. If he's choking and can't breathe, start first aid and call a vet.² See dog choking.

Caramel, Kettle Corn and Chocolate Popcorn

No. Kettle corn and caramel popcorn are loaded with sugar, butter and salt, and may contain chocolate or xylitol.² One ounce of caramel corn has about 15 grams of sugar.⁶ Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and sugar-free sweet popcorn may contain xylitol.^3,12 Caramel corn with macadamia nuts is also a problem.¹³ If your dog ate chocolate or sugar-free popcorn, call your vet or a pet poison hotline. See dog ate chocolate and xylitol poisoning.

Can Puppies Eat Popcorn?

Puppies can usually have a few pieces of plain, air-popped popcorn, but kernels are a bigger choking risk for them, so puppy treats are a better choice.¹

Is Popcorn Good for Dogs?

Plain popcorn is a light, low-fat snack with a little fiber, but it has no special health benefit for dogs, and no studies have looked at it.⁴ Think of it as an occasional share, not a health food.

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if your dog has a poor appetite, seems tired or uncomfortable, or keeps licking his lips or gulping after eating it. Get care right away for repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness or collapse.^1,2 Call right away if your dog ate a large amount of buttery or salty popcorn, any chocolate or sugar-free popcorn, or several kernels and seems uncomfortable.

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