When thinking about popcorn, the nostalgia brings us back to buttered up theater popcorn, a giant soda, some Milk Duds, and a good flick. Well, what about popcorn for dogs? Can dogs eat popcorn? The answer is yes, but there are some limitations on feeding Fido this scrumptious delight.

So, what kind of popcorn is safe for dogs? Unbuttered, unsalted, air-popped popcorn is the safest way to feed your pooch. You want to keep extra fats out of their diet since they get that with their balanced meals. This low-calorie snack is great for dogs and you both can enjoy your favorite Netflix and chill evenings on the weekends.

If you’re looking for microwave popcorn, try to go for low-salt or no salt added, organic popcorn. If that’s a bit out of the way, you can always break out the air popper from years past, or find one at your favorite store. If you’re going for the stove-top version of popcorn, try to keep the oil to a minimum and don’t add your favorite seasonings like truffle salt and garlic (we know, that’s yummy, but garlic is a definite no-no for your dog).

So, if popcorn is actually OK to feed to your dog, are there any health benefits to it? 

Sure there are. Popcorn is a simple grain from corn that’s been, well, popped. Grains are actually good for dogs since they are omnivores. However, not all dogs can digest grains properly and some dogs may have allergies to corn. So, make sure that it’s something he or she can eat before you get popping.

The other thing that you need to consider when feeding your dog popcorn, and any simple carbohydrates, is how much they should eat in a serving. Larger dogs can eat about a cup of popcorn for a treat, but for smaller dogs, you’ll want to take that amount down considerably, by about a quarter of that. Just like humans, we have to watch our waists and weight and we have to help our furry friends much in the same way.

Lastly, you know how you get down to the end of the bowl and there are those unpopped unpleasantries? Make sure that your dog doesn’t get any of those, either. They aren’t good on the digestive tract and, like toddlers and small objects, could be a choking hazard.

So, get popping and have some fun with this light and airy snack!