Written By Sam Henselijn
Can Dogs Eat Sour Candy? There is no worse feeling than coming home to find that your pup has eaten an entire bag of candy. Once the initial panic subsides, we start asking the important questions. What type of candy did the dog eat? How much? Is it safe? Do I need to call a vet? While we know that dogs can’t have chocolate, the question of, Can Dogs Eat Sour Candy? remains.
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to that question. Candy, in general, isn’t safe for any pet. Even if it’s natural, overexposure to sugar can lead to long-lasting health issues in animals. These ailments can include diabetes and pancreatic issues. Does that mean that one piece of sour candy will seriously harm your dog? Not necessarily.
Are sour candies safe for dogs?
In very small quantities, sour candies are not a serious threat to
your dog’s health. You don’t have to worry if you eat a handful of sour wild strawberries or the soft yet spicy chamoy sour patch kids and Fido swallows one. One piece of wild strawberries contains less than 3g of sugar. Granulated natural sugars aren’t all that dangerous to your dog because they are just carbohydrates. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful when sneaking your pup a treat occasionally. Too much sugar can lead to upset stomachs, dental issues, and diabetes.
The biggest risk of dogs having sour candies, or just candy in general, is the chance of consuming xylitol. Xylitol is a very common form of fake sugar that is found in “sugar-free” candies and some types of gum. Xylitol can be lethal for animals, with only ¼ of a teaspoon being enough to poison a ten-pound dog. Thankfully, our sour gummies, including our sour mix, don’t contain any xylitol. Still, always read labels before purchasing.
Are sour candies safe for cats?
Cats are much smaller than dogs, so even a little bit of sugar can be too much for their small bodies. The good news is that cats naturally do not like the smell or taste of citrus, so you won’t have to worry about them snatching a sour gummy pineapple off a plate. Our sour green apples will also likely smell unappealing to them since they aren’t fans of bitter foods.
Similar to dogs, cats can not have foods with xylitol in them. As this is the case, check ingredient lists carefully and store candy in tight containers. Cats can have a propensity for chewing on plastic. This means the bags our gummies are delivered in may be unsafe to leave sitting out. A glass jar or sealable Tupperware could be more suitable for pet safety.
In general, it is safest to keep cats and kittens away from any type of candy. Feed felines appropriate cat treats instead!
The Risks of Sour Candy for Dogs: Sour candy contains a cocktail of ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, including sugar, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, and acidic flavorings. Xylitol, in particular, is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and potentially life-threatening complications. Additionally, the acidity of sour candies can irritate your dog’s stomach and lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs: It’s essential to recognize the signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs, as early intervention can be critical for a positive outcome. Symptoms may include weakness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and in severe cases, liver failure. If you suspect that your dog has ingested sour candy or any other product containing xylitol, it’s vital to seek veterinary care immediately.
When should I take my dog or pet to the vet?
So, your pup ate an entire bag of our delicious sour flowers. What
now? An entire bag of sour flowers is a whopping fifteen servings of candy. That translates to 255g of sugar which is a lot of sugar, even for a large dog, so you may want to call your vet for a consultation. Do not try to induce vomiting. Just monitor your animal for any sugar poisoning symptoms and contact your vet. While there is an excellent chance that your pup will be perfectly okay, it is better to be safe than sorry!
How should I store my sour candies?
Our sour candies are gummies that do not keep well in heat. As that is the case, it is even easier to keep them out of reach of pets just by storing them properly. To make your gummies last as long as possible, we suggest locking them in an airtight container and placing them in a cool pantry. The lack of humidity and cool temperatures will keep your gummies safe and delicious for months to come.
So Can Dogs Eat Sour Candy, Yes, and No. While eating a few sour gummies won’t be a lethal amount of sugar for your pets, it could still make them sick.
Sweet treats that dogs can eat
If you want a sweet treat for your pup, we suggest purchasing specially baked dog cookies and cakes that are safe for animals. And while you’re waiting for those sweets to be made,…maybe grab another handful of sour mix to chew over.
Important Disclaimer – Please make sure to consult an animal professional or your vet with questions concerning your dog’s health.
FAQ for Can Dogs Eat Sour Candy?
Can dogs taste sour candy?
Yes, dogs can taste sour flavors, but their taste preferences differ from humans. Dogs have fewer taste buds than humans and are less sensitive to certain flavors, including sweetness. While dogs can taste sourness, it’s important to note that many sour candies contain ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners and other additives, that can be harmful to dogs. It’s best to avoid giving sour candies or any human sweets to dogs, as these can lead to digestive issues or other health problems. Stick to dog-friendly treats specifically designed for their dietary needs.
Are sour foods bad for dogs?
Sour foods, in moderation, are not inherently harmful to dogs. However, many commercially available sour foods, like candies or snacks, often contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. These may include artificial sweeteners, high sugar content, or other additives. Additionally, some dogs may have sensitivities or allergies to specific ingredients.
It’s crucial to be cautious and avoid giving dogs sour candies or foods meant for human consumption. Stick to treats and foods specifically designed for dogs, and always check the ingredient list to ensure they are safe. If you have any concerns or if your dog exhibits unusual behavior or symptoms after consuming sour foods, consult with a veterinarian for guidance.
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
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