TailVilleWhy
Plain popcorn is just corn and isn't toxic. Movie-theater and microwave popcorn, however, are loaded with salt, butter, oil or caramel, risking stomach upset, extreme thirst and pancreatitis. Hard, unpopped kernels can crack teeth or choke a pet, and hulls can get stuck in the gums. Caramel and cheese popcorn are best avoided.
How to give it / if eaten
Give plain popcorn popped without oil or seasoning: two or three pieces for cats and small dogs and a small handful for large dogs, only occasionally. Pick out every unpopped kernel. Skip flavored popcorn.
Watch for these signs
After lots of salty, buttery popcorn: vomiting, diarrhea and extreme thirst, and repeated vomiting with belly pain over 1โ3 days may mean pancreatitis. A stuck hull or kernel causes pawing at the gums or drooling.
FAQ
My dog ate a whole tub of movie popcorn.
The salt and butter raise the risk of salt overload or pancreatitis. Offer plenty of water and call your vet.
What about caramel popcorn?
It's very sugary and sticks to teeth, and some versions include chocolate or nuts. Don't give it.
General information only. Weight, age and health conditions change how a pet reacts, so ask your vet if you are worried.