Is Popcorn a Good Treat for Dogs?
As a pet owner, it is important to keep in mind that dogs cannot enjoy the same foods as humans. There are many known dangers to feeding your dog table food, such as the risks of obesity and even death. But many people are not aware that popcorn is acceptable, as long as dogs are fed just a few popped kernels as a snack.
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Preparation
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Air popped popcorn that is prepared without oil, salt, sugar or butter is the safest option for dogs. Since commercial brand and packaged, microwaveable popcorn often contains these ingredients, in addition to chemical flavoring agents, they should be avoided at all costs.
Benefits
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There are only 31 calories in 1 cup of air popped popcorn. Because of this, popcorn can be beneficial as a snack to dogs who suffer from obesity. It is a healthy alternative to other processed dog treats that may contain fats and fillers.
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Considerations
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As a treat, air popped popcorn is acceptable. But keep in mind that treats should comprise no more than 10 percent of your dog's diet. Since popcorn does not contain the nutrients a dog needs, it is important to provide nutritious food at mealtimes.
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References
- Photo Credit popcorn on a lid image by Janet Wall from Fotolia.com
