Who can pass up a chance to enjoy some Twizzlers? Those wonderful red, chewy candies are exceptional! But are they safe for dogs?
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What is in Twizzlers?
Twizzlers are long, tube-shaped candies that are red licorice. They taste something like strawberry or cherry and are enjoyed by almost everyone.
When it comes to ingredients one thing’s for sure—these candies contain a high amount of sugar. In addition, Twizzlers contain:
- Corn syrup
- Wheat flour
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Artificial flavors
- Citric acid
- Preservatives
- Artificial coloring
- Mineral oil
- Soy Lecithin
- Glycerin
That doesn’t sound very yummy, but Twizzlers are popular because they taste so good! However, they do contain a lot of sugar. As you know, sugar is not good for dogs. Too much sugar can cause tummy upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. It can also cause tooth decay, weight gain, obesity and even lead to diabetes.
Dogs Love Sweets
Unfortunately, dogs love sweets as much as we do. When they see us eating something yummy, our furry friends will come over and use those big brown eyes to get us to feel sorry for them. When that happens, we cave in and allow them to have something that’s not good for them.
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Ask a Vet Live NowAre Twizzlers Bad for Dogs?
So, if you’re eating Twizzlers, chances are your dog will come and beg for some, too. However, it’s best not to let them eat these candies. Twizzlers aren’t toxic to dogs, but if a dog eats too many of these yummy treats, he could become very sick.
Xylitol is bad for your dog’s health and should be avoided, Twizzlers is not dog food and will impact blood sugar level of your pup. Dog’s teeth will also suffer and in worst cases liver failure could happen so be among the good dog owners. Black licorice has a high sugar content and like many other human foods should not be consumed by dogs specifically not in large amounts. Licorice candy can also contain glycyrrhizin, palm oil and in some cases high level of potassium which can lead to undesirable side effects for your pup.
Can Dogs Eat Red Licorice?
The short answer is no. While eating one small piece or two once in a while is OK, dogs should never eat this or any other type of candy on a regular basis.
The Packaging is Also Dangerous
Another issue is if your dog gets a hold of an entire package of Twizzlers. This is not only bad because of all the sugar, but if he eats the packing this can cause a serious medical problem.
The packaging can become tangled or balled up inside a dog’s intestines, causing a condition called an intestinal blockage. This is a very dangerous health issue, which is a medical emergency that can lead to death if not treated.
Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has an intestinal blockage:
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency that could cause death.
Should I Induce Vomiting If My Dog Eats Twizzlers?
No. Inducing vomiting should only be done if your vet instructs you to do so. The problem is that inducing vomiting can be dangerous. Your fur baby could accidentally inhale the vomit into his lungs, which can cause a life-threatening infection.
In addition, some dogs will bite if anyone tries to induce vomiting. This is another reason to leave this action to your vet, unless they tell you it’s necessary to do this at home.
Twizzlers come in lengthy pieces, which could pose a choking hazard if your dog tries to vomit them up.
Treatment of Twizzlers Ingestion in Dogs
Your vet may want to see your dog if he’s eaten too many Twizzlers. The veterinarian will first evaluate your fur baby’s condition and then work on treating any symptoms he is having. Treatment could include intravenous fluids (to prevent dehydration) and medication to stop nausea and other digestive tract issues.
Healthy Twizzlers Alternatives for Dogs
While you may be tempted to share a piece of Twizzlers with your fur baby, it’s best to avoid the temptation. It’s also recommended that this candy be kept out of your dog’s reach. That way, he won’t accidentally get the candy and wolf it down!
You may want to consider these safer and healthier treats for your canine companion:
Fruits & veggies (safe for dogs): include carrots, apples, blueberries, watermelon (without rind or seeds and in small amounts), cooked sweet potatoes, bananas, strawberries, and green beans.
Carob treats: dogs love carob, which is very similar to chocolate. However, it’s essential to ensure that the treats do not contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. The treats should be low in sugar and fat, too.
Homemade dog treats: made with dog-safe ingredients can also be a great alternative for dogs with a sweet tooth! Here, again, ensure that all ingredients are safe for dogs and that the treats don’t contain high amounts of fat and sugar.
As you can see, Twizzlers are not good for your canine companion, and the packaging can even cause a life-threatening medical emergency. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid feeding Twizzlers to your dog, and be sure to keep them where he can’t them or their packaging.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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