Popcorn and your dogs health
Keeping your dog healthy is extremely important, and it also contributes to their happiness. Diet is a big part when it comes to the health of your dog. You must monitor carefully what your dog ingests, and ensure that you do not give him too many snacks.
Is it safe to feed my dog popcorn?
The answer is not as straight forward as you may think.
First of all, that popcorn you so love is filled with salt and butter, and also densely packed with calories. Although it tastes divine; in excess it is neither good for you nor your puppy.
It can lead to obesity and an upset stomach for your puppy if you over do it.
In addition, the popcorn kernels can wreak such havoc on your dog’s teeth as well.
So, is popcorn safe or not?
Popcorn can be safe if you feed it to your dog the right way.
Primarily if you just give it as a rare snack.
You should feed your dog plain, popped popcorn, and not that which has been filed with salt, butter or other ingredients to make it tastier. This may not be good for your dog and will lead to a whole lot of problems later on.
Avoid salt and buttery popcorn, give them plain and unsalted popcorn.
Now, popcorn is a good healthy snack, but as mentioned earlier, it really does depend on how you feed it to your dog. Since most of the time when eating popcorn, it tends to spill all over your living room, the chances of your dog cleaning it up with their mouth when you are not around is quite high.
If you give your dog plain popcorn that does not contain any salt, butter or sugar, it is a good source of fiber, which helps with their digestive system. It also contains Vitamin B, proteins and iron. These are all good for your dog’s health, and they are a good healthy boost that will not harm them at all.
Health benefits of popcorn
Popcorn contains polyphenol antioxidants, which can help your body cells against damage by free radicals. Research shows that polyphenols have plenty of health benefits in your dogs’ body and they even improve the digestive system and the blood circulation as well.
The compound in polyphenol is also a good antioxidant that may help to reduce the chances of cancer which includes prostate and breast. They also protect the body from a whole list of diseases.
The fiber mentioned above also helps in the following ways:
- It makes bowel movements quick and smooth.
- It prevents constipation in dogs.
- It reduces the strain on the dog’s cardiac system and regulates the blood flow.
- It balances the blood sugar.
- Helps to reduce cholesterol.
- Reduces the body weight as well.
Possible side effects of popcorn
Feeding your dog popcorn filled with toppings and additives can lead to some side effects.
Some of these include things such as:
- Digestive problems – this will lead to diarrhea.
- Dehydration due to too much salt.
- Kidney damage as a result of too much salt.
- Obesity due to long term feeding of foods rich in cholesterol.
Now that you’re aware of the potential adverse affects, lets take a look at some healthy and fun recipes.
Healthy & safe popcorn recipes for your dog
Popcorn can be prepared in a pot, or in an air popper machine.
The following recipes are safe and extremely healthy for your dog.
Popcorn in a pot
Ingredients
- ½ a cup of popcorn kernels.
- 3 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil.
Instructions
- In a large pot, put the kernels and oil in it.
- Place it over medium heat and cook for at least 3 minutes, or until the popping stops.
- Remove it and immediately pour over a serving bowl.
- You can season with salt if you want, or just give it to your dog plain.
Poppy chow recipe – peanut butter and popcorn
Ingredients
- ½ a cup of corn kernels – organic
- ½ a teaspoon of pink sea salt.
- 1 ¼ cup of chocolate chips – semi-sweet and sugar-free.
- ½ cup peanut butter – natural.
- 3 Tablespoons of coconut oil.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Instructions
- Using an air popper or any other popcorn maker, pop the corn kernels. Just half the recipe will make plenty of popcorn, so consider that first before making too much.
- Take a medium bowl and melt the chocolate, then add the oil and peanut butter
- Combine everything together and then add the vanilla essence. Pour in the popped popcorn and make sure to remove any kernels that may not have popped. This is super yummy.
- Feed it to your dog.
Final say on dogs eating popcorn
Always ensure to exercise a lot of caution when feeding your dog popcorn.
It may be delicious and healthy, but too much as we said can be dangerous and may lead to the problems mentioned above.
When it comes to your dog, any new addition to their diets must be done in moderation, and ensure to look out for signs of allergic reactions. If you notice any adverse reaction, discontinue immediately, and consider other dietary additions.