We Love Our Dogs
There are many reasons why people love dogs, they are constant companions, they smile at us when we are feeling happy and cheer us up when we are feeling sad. They improve our mood and lessen stress, anxiety, and depression. Dogs are selfless creatures who are fiercely loyal to those they care about.
For many, dogs are treated just like any other member of the family. They share the same bed as their masters, go with them on vacations, and spend quality time together every day. Sometimes they also eat the same food as humans. In some cases, this is just fine, but certain foods can be rather unhealthy or even fatal for dogs.
Can My Dog Eat Popcorn?
A good question is whether or not popcorn is safe for dogs It’s not uncommon to find our furry friends nibbling on a few kernels of popcorn that may have dropped on the floor or fallen in between the sofa cushions on movie night. Popcorn by itself is okay for dogs to eat. Popcorn contains a small amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc that are beneficial for their nutrition. The additives we use to make popcorn taste good are another story.
Most people eat their popcorn with butter, salt, and other toppings. These additives can lead to digestive issues and other health concerns for dogs. Too much salt can cause dehydration and possible liver damage over time. Butter and other toppings can cause obesity, stomach problems, indigestion, and other health concerns.
Can popcorn upset a dog’s stomach?
While eating a kernel or two probably won’t harm them, enough can cause a nasty stomach ache or other headaches that you’re probably better off avoiding. Another concern is the fact that popcorn kernels can get stuck in your dog’s teeth. They also pose a choking hazard, and small kernels can be more difficult for them to digest.
Watch Out For Allergies
Some dogs are allergic to corn. If this is true for your dog, keep them away from popcorn altogether. They can suffer serious reactions the more they are exposed to it. Diarrhea, inflammation, an upset stomach, and chronic gas are common symptoms of corn allergies. Talk to your veterinarian so that you understand the symptoms and solutions for any allergies that your pet may have.
If you want your dog to enjoy popcorn as much as you do, buy an air popper. Air-popped popcorn without butter, salt or other seasonings is fine for your dog to consume in small quantities. Just make sure that you are feeding them kernels that are fully popped. Keep an eye on your dog’s diet. Treats should be less than ten percent of their total calories. They’re okay once in a while, but too much of a good thing is unhealthy for anyone.
There are some ways that you can make popcorn a healthy and tasty treat for your dog. You can enjoy them along with your canine, too! Here are a couple of ideas:
- Cheesy bacon popcorn. Spread a layer of popped popcorn onto a baking sheet. Cover the popcorn with bacon bits and grated cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese melts. Let the tray cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!
- Peanut butter popcorn. Take a half-cup of pre-popped popcorn and add a cup of peanut butter. Read the peanut butter ingredient label carefully to ensure that it doesn’t contain Xylitol. This is a popular sugar substitute that is safe for humans but can cause seizures, low blood sugar levels, seizures or even death in some instances in dogs. Add a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to the mix. Take your concoction and form small balls. Set them on a sheet of wax paper and allow them to sit for a few minutes before consuming.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to share some of your favorite snacks with your canine, like avocados, shrimps or mango. Just remember that their digestive systems are quite different from ours.
Some things that are healthy for us are harmful to dogs. Pay attention to what they eat. You can’t be there all the time, but watching what they eat and paying attention to their behavior can save your pet from serious health issues down the road. They can enjoy a little popcorn with you while you watch your favorite movie, as long as you keep things in moderation. It will help you create more lasting memories together for many years to come.