From Homeless to Instagram Star: Popeye The Foodie

Have you heard of Popeye the Foodie? We’re about to introduce you to the adorable fluffy Instagram star that has a rags-to-riches story. Whether you’re a foodie or not, it’s likely your mouth will be watering by the end of this read. Plus, you’ll get a plate full of doggie cuteness.

Let’s dig in! 

Who Is Popeye the Foodie? 

Popeye the Foodie is a former stray dog who travels and dines at pet-friendly restaurants. The small, adorable pup was found on the streets of Los Angeles, California. Soon after being cleaned up and settling in at his new forever home, he became an Instagram sensation. Popeye and his owner take foodie-focused photos at dog-friendly restaurants and share them on social media. He even has his own line of merchandise. 

Why Is Popeye the Foodie an Instagram Star?

Some dogs are just born to be stars. Popeye the Foodie has over 386,000 followers on Instagram making him one of the brightest dog Instagram accounts. His owners attribute his popularity and following to his personality, likability, and cute poses. The dog’s rags to riches storyline is a big draw as well. According to an article in March 2023, Popeye is bringing in approximately $1,941 per post. 

Popeye isn’t just a foodie, either. The dog has garnered some pretty large endorsement deals and has been featured on Southern California CBS stations and The Doctors TV show. 

What Type of Dog Is Popeye the Foodie?

Since Popeye’s owners adopted him without knowing any background on the pup, they wanted to know more about him and were constantly being asked what breed he is. So, they did a DNA test to find out more about the genetics of their rescue pup. Popeye the Foodie is mixed with six different breeds according to the test: Shih Tzu, Poodle, Pomeranian, Maltese, Chihuahua, and Rat Terrier. 

Pro Tip: Find out what breeds are in your dog’s DNA with a simple at-home test like we did.

Who Owns Popeye the Foodie? 

Popeye was found roaming the streets of Los Angeles by his adoptive human parent Ivy Diep. She noticed him on the road when driving one day and when she saw him a second day she knew she had to rescue him. Popeye looked hungry, was dirty, and had matted fur. 

Ivy and her husband welcomed home the loveable pup and realized he had some separation anxiety. So, they started taking Popeye with them when they went out to restaurants. After one of their first outings, they realized how well-behaved the dog was in restaurants. He didn’t beg for food and simply sat quietly during the meal. So, they started taking Popeye everywhere and snapping cute photos. Because who doesn’t love a photo of a cute dog with amazing food? Since adopting Popeye, the lovable pup has been exploring all the best foodie spots in Los Angeles. He now has a sister, Susie, who was adopted from a shelter in LA.

Suggested Reading: 10 Best Pet Adoption Websites for Finding Your New Best Friend

What Restaurants Does Popeye the Foodie Visit? 

Popeye the Foodie mainly visits restaurants around Los Angeles. However, if his family travels, they find dog-friendly eateries wherever they go. 

Some of Popeye’s favorite places include Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and he loves to pose with pizza. If you follow him on Instagram, it’s an excellent way to put together a food tour of LA, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Popeye showcases all types of cuisines from healthy options to fried foods and he loves showing off deserts. 

What Is Popeye’s Favorite Food?

Popeye only eats human foods that are safe for dogs and even then, he doesn’t eat much of the food at the restaurants. He’s really just there to keep his owners company and be the cutest model the eateries could ever ask for! 

Popeye’s humans are conscious about giving him a nutritional dog-healthy meal and treats. Now, that’s not to say he doesn’t sneak something everyone once in a while. Because what dog can resist a good smelly piece of bread or freshly cooked steak?!

Should You Take Your Dog to Restaurants?

Bringing your dog along to restaurants can be an enjoyable experience, but it’s important to abide by some spoken and unspoken etiquette. First, ensure the restaurant you plan to visit is dog-friendly. Many establishments have specific policies regarding pets, so it’s advisable to call ahead or check online to confirm their rules. Most dog-friendly restaurants typically offer outdoor seating areas where you can dine with your fur baby. Indoor seating with a pet is normally in violation of health codes.

When taking your dog to a restaurant, practice proper etiquette to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. Remember, the people at the table next to you might not like dogs or they could be allergic, so keep your pup in your space and don’t let it wander. It’s also essential to prioritize your dog’s comfort by bringing water, a mat, or a blanket for it. Also, keep your pet leashed and take waste bags along just in case. In addition, remember that not all human food is safe for dogs. Foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins can be toxic to dogs, so it’s best to stick to dog-friendly treats when dining out. 

So, how do you find dog-friendly restaurants? Doing a simple search online of “dog-friendly restaurants near me” will typically reveal options. BringFido.com also has a great search tool that you can filter based on cities.

Suggested Reading: Sookie and Ivy are other talented dogs that you may like to follow.

Follow Popeye the Foodie for Fun and Inspiration

Follow Popeye the Foodie for fun and inspiration or if you simply need something to make you smile today. Dogs are so entertaining and we love that Popeye’s story makes him all the more amazing. 

If you’re visiting Los Angeles, follow Popeye’s Instagram and stop by some of the restaurants he recommends.

Does your dog like to go to restaurants? Which are its favorites? Share in the comments below!