Can dogs eat gummy bears? You may be asking this because your dog got into your snack drawer. Humans can eat gummy bears, so are gummy bears also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is no, gummy bears aren’t safe for dogs to eat. These candies contain a high amount of sugar that isn’t good for your pup. Additionally, the sugar free variety are actually dangerous for your dog to consume.
If your dog has eaten this chewy snack, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Why Are Gummy Bears Bad for Dogs?
Gummy bears are essentially made from two ingredients: gelatin and sugar. Gelatin isn’t bad for dogs to eat, but the sugar content is. When dogs eat too much sugar, it causes a host of problems. For one, excessive sugar intake has the potential to cause diabetes, especially in smaller dogs. Obesity is another problem that can arise from excessive intake of sugar. Obesity causes a variety of health issues, from joint pain to an overall decrease in quality of life.
In addition to these issues, a large amount of sugar consumption in a short period of time can cause your pup to get a boost of energy that you might not be prepared for. While this isn’t necessarily dangerous, it can be a lot to deal with if you aren’t used to a high-energy pup.
Although traditional gummy bears aren’t good for dogs, the sugar free variety is even worse. Sugar free candies often contain the compound xylitol, which is used to artificially sweeten human treats. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, even in the smallest amounts. There are accounts of perfectly healthy dogs passing away from a small amount of xylitol. It’s best to keep this candy far away from your pup.
What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Gummy Bears?
If your dog ate gummy bears, you should first determine if they were sugar free. If so, you should take your dog to a vet immediately, as they could potentially suffer from xylitol poisoning. Xylitol poisoning is a serious condition. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, seizures, trembling, lethargy, and jaundice. Seek medical attention for your pup if they are exhibiting these signs.
If the gummy bears your dog ate were not sugar free, simply keep an eye on your furry friend. If your dog has eaten a lot of this chewy candy, they may experience tummy upset. Constipation, diarrhea, and gas are all possible side effects. Giving your doggo a bland meal of plain boiled chicken and rice may help put their stomach at ease. You also want to assure that your pup drinks plenty of water.
Because of all of the possible negative outcomes, you shouldn’t feed your dog this candy.
