Can Frenchies eat popcorn?
As you enjoy your popcorn snack, you would love to have your dog get some share.
The question, however, is whether popcorn could be safe for your dog.
This question, however, does not have a direct answer. The answer depends on many factors.
Let’s dive in to learn more.
Can Frenchies eat popcorn?
Yes, Frenchies can eat air-popped popcorn. However, the popcorn should be served in small amounts of unsalted popcorn and unbuttered. Salt can cause dehydration, while fats may lead to obesity.
Popcorn Nutritional Facts
Popcorn contains several minerals and vitamins that are beneficial to your dog. These include:
- Vitamins B6, A, E, and K.
- Folate (B)
- Zinc
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Calcium
- Niacin (B)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Thiamine (B1)
- Pantothenic acid (B5)
Ensure the popcorn is unsalted, unbuttered, and has no flavorings or additives.
What Are the Benefits of Popcorn to Frenchies?
You could be wondering whether a popcorn snack has any benefits for your dog.
Yes, porporn has health benefits for your dog.
It has to be plain and served in moderation.
Air-popped popcorn has the following nutritional value to you Frenchies:
- It contains lots of dietary fiber. The fiber helps the digestive system move wastes through the intestinal tract. This helps avoid stomach upsets due to indigestion
- Popcorn provides small amounts of protein, iron, vitamins B, riboflavin, and thiamine.
- It has minerals like magnesium, manganese, zinc, and phosphorus.
Though providing the above nutrients, plain popcorn is not sufficient food for your dog because these nutrients are provided in small amounts.
These nutrients are available in other dog food that you offer regularly.
This means that you don’t need to serve popcorn to your dog regularly.
It is also important to talk with your vet before introducing portions as part of your dog’s diet.
You can only realize these benefits if the popcorn is unsalted, unbuttered, and served in small amounts occasionally.
Do not feed your dog uncooked kernels, which can lead to oral problems when they get stuck in your dog’s teeth.
What are the Risks of Feeding Popcorn to dogs?
If you feed popcorn with salt, butter, and other additives, your dog may suffer from the following side effects:
- Digestive problems may lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
- Dehydration as a result of too much salt.
- Too much salt can also damage the kidney resulting from prolonged use.
- Too many fats in popcorn fed on your dog over a long period may lead to obesity
Even plain popcorn can still cause physical harm to your dog as :
- Popcorn gets stuck in the teeth causes oral problems.
- Popcorn posing as a choking hazard for your dog.
Which Popcorn Recipes and Parts can be eaten safely by Frenchies
Below find the popcorn recipes and parts your Frenchie can eat comfortably.
1. Popcorn Kernels
Your dog should not eat popcorn kernels. Kernels pose a choking hazard if they are dislodged. If kernels get stuck in your dog’s teeth, this may cause oral problems.
2. Caramel Popcorn
The high sugar content in caramel popcorn poses a health hazard for your dog. It can cause stomach problems for your dog. Sugar-Free caramel may contain xylitol toxic for dogs.
3. Microwave Popcorn
Most microwave popcorn contains high amounts of butter and salts, hence not safe for your dogs. In case it is plain, ensure you feed your dog with moderation occasionally.
4. Cheese Popcorn
A small amount of cheese popcorn may not be toxic for your dog except for those who are lactose intolerant or have sensitive stomachs. Cheese powder in popcorn may contain additives.
5. Buttered Popcorn
Buttered popcorn is not suitable for your dog. It is hard to digest and may cause stomach upset. With long-term use, buttered popcorn can also cause obesity and diabetes.
6. Salted Popcorn
Salted popcorn is not suitable for dogs; excessive salt intake causes thirst and urination in dogs. If a dog does not drink enough freshwater, this may result in dehydration.
7. Cheddar Popcorn
Dogs should not feed on cheddar popcorn, though it is tasty. It contains salt, oils, and milk products that are not good for your dog. Cheesy popcorn is not good.
How to Feed Popcorn to Frenchies
For the safety of your pup, feed popcorn in the following ways:
- Ensure that your dog has swallowed each piece before offering another to avoid choking when feeding by hand.
- Do not feed kernels of corn. It can hurt teeth and pause as a choking hazard.
- Avoid much popcorn at a time. Call a vet if your dog has had a lot of popcorn.
Easy and Fun Recipe that You Need to Try
Here is a fun and easy recipe to have a great snack for you and your furry friend. Why don’t you try it out?
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup natural stovetop popcorn
- 1tsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp all-natural honey
Procedure
- Pop popcorn in oil on the stovetop and combine ingredients until popcorn is fully coated.
- Gently ball using a tablespoon into small clusters on wax paper. Do not worry if kernels get crushed.
- Add a touch of honey if peanut butter is not sticky enough to hold everything together.
- Allow setting and serve.
What Else Can Frenchies Enjoy with Popcorn?
Your lovely furry friend can enjoy popcorn with other foods snacks like:
- Carrots: Your dog will love gnawing on carrots to help clean its teeth. This snack can be cooked, pureed, and mashed. It contains nutrients that help boost your dog’s immune system.
- Blueberries: You can occasionally play a game with your fur by throwing a few berries to catch in the air. Ensure you offer in moderation.
- Scrambled eggs: these should contain no salt, butter, or pepper. The best eggs are those from free-range chicken.
- Green beans: They keep your dog feeling full for longer. Therefore, it’s suitable for weight maintenance. Go for all-natural fresh beans.
- Sweet potatoes: Dehydrated sweet potatoes are a healthy snack for your dog. It contains fiber that can help improve your dog’s digestion.
- Rice: A bowl of rice is great for your dog’s energy boost and supports easy digestion.
- Apples: An apple a day keeps the vet away. Sweet and crispy, your dog will enjoy juicy apples. Ensure you remove all the seeds and core slices into small pieces before giving them to your dog.
Before choosing any of these snacks, consult your vet. Each dog has their own unique nutritional needs.
Read our article on Dog-Friendly Snacks That Your Frenchie will Love Anytime.
Popcorn Alternatives for dogs
You may want an alternative snack for your dog in place of plain popcorn. Here are some alternatives that you can try.
- Cooked chicken: if you can make plain chicken or add rice and vegetables, it can serve as an excellent snack for your dog. Many dog food brands use chicken as a primary ingredient in their products, being the healthiest meat and source of protein for your dog.
- Apples: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, should be sliced into small pieces to avoid choking.
- Sunflower Seeds – you can add sunflower seeds to your dog’s food or give a small handful. The seeds should be plain, shelled without salt.
- Cheerios: Although cheerios do not have any nutritional value for your dog, it is still a suitable snack that you can use for training.
- Peanut butter: It’s a great snack when served in moderation; high fat can lead to obesity.
- Eggs: Serve cooked eggs for vitamins and minerals and healthy digestion for your dog.
- Bread: Serve in moderation, should be free from raisins. Both white and brown bread is safe for your dog.
- Oatmeal: Rich in vitamins and fiber with no additives, it can be an excellent snack for your dog.
How many popcorns can Frenchies eat in a day?
You could add some popped kernels to your dog’s food ball, so they enjoy it with other foods.
As you enjoy your movie night, you can also let some fall, so your furry friend snatches between the couch cushion.
Popcorn is an occasional nice treat but cannot replace their daily meal.
Can popcorn affect a dog’s mood?
Yes. Popcorn, a crunchy snack you enjoy as a parent, means that your dog will also enjoy it. Sharing a few pieces with your furry friend excites them, boosting their mood.
Can baby (puppies) eat popcorn?
Yes, puppies can eat popcorn served in small amounts. The popcorn is air-popped and contains no sugar, butter, or salt. Do not give puppies kernels because they can choke them.
Can sick dogs eat popcorn?
Yes, sick dogs can eat popcorn depending on what is ailing them. Avoid putting them on popcorn diets if your dog has a cold or flu, loose stool, and diarrhea.
Can an anemic dog eat popcorns?
Yes, an anemic dog can eat popcorn as an occasional treat because it contains folate to boost iron provision. However, the folate quantity may not be sufficient, needing other foods.
Can dogs with kidney disease eat popcorn?
No, dogs with kidney disease should not eat popcorn, worsening the situation. Popcorn with toppings contains additives like salt, which is toxic for your dog’s kidneys.
Can Frenchies eat popcorn to help with diarrhea?
No, do not feed your Frenchies with popcorn if they already have diarrhea. This is because popcorn may worsen the situation; corn is a cause of food allergy for dogs.
Are popcorn good for Frenchies with inflammations?
No, popcorn is unsuitable for Frenchies with inflammation; some inflammations result from weight issues that porporn can be a recipe for. Popcorn with toppings can make inflammation worse.
Are popcorn good for Frenchies with constipation?
Yes, popcorn is suitable for dogs with constipation. Constipation can be caused by insufficient fiber that results in a dog’s poor digestion. Popcorn contains fiber, which may help ease the situation.
Can Frenchies eat popcorn? Final Thoughts
We now know that the answer to the question “ can Frenchies eat popcorn “ is yes but with moderation and that the type of popcorn matters.
You can enjoy your movie night by sharing a few pieces with your Frenchies.
You need to ensure that the popcorn is air-popped and does not contain salt, butter, and other additives.
Consult your vet before introducing popcorn to your dog.
Corn is a common cause of allergies in dogs; hence it’s safe to check with the vet first.
With a few considerations, popcorn is safe and healthy for your Frenchies.