Twizzlers are a popular candy that many people enjoy, but what about dogs? Can dogs eat Twizzlers safely, or are they harmful to their health? In this article, we will discuss the nutritional content, the potential risks and health implications of dogs consuming them, and the guidance for dog owners who want to offer to their furry friends a sweet treat.
What are Twizzlers?
Twizzlers are a type of chewy candy that come in various flavors, shapes, and sizes. The most common flavor is strawberry, but there are also other flavors such as cherry, black licorice, and rainbow. These gummy treats are made by The Hershey Company, and they contain the following ingredients1:
- Corn syrup
- Enriched wheat flour
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Palm oil
- Salt
- Artificial flavor
- Citric acid
- Artificial color
- Mineral oil
- Lecithin
As you can see, Twizzlers are mostly composed of carbohydrates, sugar, and artificial additives, which offer little nutritional value for dogs. According to the nutrition facts label, a serving size of four sticks (45 grams) of strawberry-flavored Twizzlers contains:
- Calories: 160
- Total fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 95 milligrams
- Total carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Sugars: 19 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
Are Twizzlers Safe for Dogs?
The short answer is no, Twizzlers are not safe for dogs. While there is no evidence that eating them will harm a dog immediately, the high sugar and artificial ingredient content can lead to various health problems in the long term. Some of the reasons why they are bad for dogs are:
- Sugar: High levels of sugar can cause dental problems, such as tooth decay including gum disease, in dogs. Sugar can also increase the risk of canine obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders in dogs, especially if they consume Twizzlers regularly or in large amounts.
- Allergens: They may contain allergens such as wheat and corn, which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Symptoms of food allergies in dogs and canines in general include itching, skin infections, hair loss, and digestive issues.
- Oxalic acid: Contains citric acid, which is a source of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid can bind to calcium and other minerals in the dog’s body and prevent them from being absorbed, leading to calcium deficiency, kidney stones, or other health issues.
- Xylitol: They may contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in most pets blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, or even death in dogs, even when consumed in small amounts.
- Choking hazard: Twizzlers’ chewy texture can undoubtedly pose a choking hazard for dogs, especially small or greedy ones. If swallowed whole or in large pieces, they can also cause intestinal blockage or obstruction.
How Much Twizzlers Can Dogs Eat?
The best advice is to avoid giving Twizzlers to dogs at all, as they have no nutritional benefits and can cause various health problems for dogs. However, if your dog accidentally eats a small amounts, such as one or two sticks, it is unlikely to cause serious harm, as long as your dog does not have any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies. You should still monitor your dog for any signs of distress and adverse reaction, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abnormal behavior, and contact your vet if you notice anything unusual.
If your dog eats a large amount of Twizzlers, such as a whole bag, you should immediately seek veterinary attention, as this can cause severe symptoms, such as hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure, or even death, especially if they contain xylitol. You should also induce vomiting if possible, unless your dog is unconscious, having seizures, or has difficulty breathing.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Twizzlers?
If your dog eats Twizzlers, you should follow these steps:
- Assess the situation: Check how much your dog ate, what flavor it was, and whether it contained xylitol. Also, check your dog’s symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abnormal behavior.
- Contact your vet: Call your vet and explain the situation. Your vet will advise you on what to do next, depending on the amount and type it ate and your dog’s symptoms. Your vet may ask you to bring your dog in for examination and treatment or to monitor your dog at home and report any changes.
- Induce vomiting: If your vet approves it, you can induce vomiting in your dog relatively easily and safely by giving them a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3%) orally, using a syringe or a turkey baster. The dose is 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) per 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of body weight, up to a maximum of 3 teaspoons (15 milliliters). You can repeat the dose once if your dog does not vomit within 15 minutes. Do not induce vomiting if your furry friend is unconscious, having seizures, or having difficulty breathing.
- Provide supportive care: Depending on your dog’s condition, your vet may prescribe medication, fluids, or other treatments to help your dog recover. You should also provide your dog with fresh water, bland food, and a comfortable place to rest. You should avoid giving your dog any treats, human food, or other substances that may worsen their symptoms or interfere with their treatment.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Twizzlers?
The best way to prevent your dog from eating them is to keep them out of your dog’s reach and sight. You should store them in a sealed container, in a high shelf, or in a locked cabinet, and never leave them unattended on the table, couch, or floor. You should also teach your dog the “leave it” command, which can help you stop your dog from eating something they should not. You should also supervise your dog when they are around children or guests who may have Twizzlers or other candies, and ask them not to share them with your dog.
What are Some Healthy Alternatives to Twizzlers for Dogs?
If you want to give your dog a sweet treat, you should avoid Twizzlers and other candies, and opt for some more healthy alternatives that are safe and beneficial for dogs. Some of the options are:
- Fruits: Fruits are a natural source of sugar, antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can support your dog’s health and well-being. However, not all fruits are safe for dogs, and some can be toxic, such as grapes, raisins, and cherries. You should also avoid fruits that are high in sugar, such as bananas, mangoes, and pineapples, as they can cause weight gain and diabetes in dogs. Some of the fruits that are safe and low in sugar for dogs are apples, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, and cantaloupe. You should always wash, peel, and cut the fruits into small pieces and remove any seeds, pits, or stems before giving them to your dog. You should also limit the amount of fruits to 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake and introduce them gradually to avoid digestive issues.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are another natural source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, as well as fiber, which can benefit your dog’s health and digestion. However, not all vegetables are safe for dogs, and some can be harmful, such as onions, garlic, and mushrooms. You should also avoid vegetables that are high in starch, for example potatoes, corn, and peas, as they can cause weight gain and diabetes in dogs. Some of the vegetables that are safe and low in starch for dogs are carrots, celery, cucumber, zucchini, and green beans. You should always wash, peel, and cut the vegetables into small pieces, and cook them lightly or steam them, before giving them to your dog. You should also limit the amount of vegetables to 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, and introduce them gradually to avoid digestive issues.
- Peanut butter: This buttery spread is a delicious and nutritious treat that most dogs love. Peanut butter is high in protein, including healthy fats, and vitamin E, which can support your dog’s muscles, skin, and coat. However, not all brands of peanut butter is safe for dogs, and some can be dangerous, such as peanut butter that contains xylitol, salt, or sugar. You should always check the label and ingredients of the peanut butter before giving it to your dog, and choose natural or organic peanut butter that is unsalted, unsweetened, and xylitol-free. You should also limit the amount of peanut butter to 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, and introduce it gradually to avoid digestive issues .
- Homemade treats: these are a great way to give your pet a healthy and delicious treat, as you can control the ingredients and the portion size. You can make your own treats using natural and dog-friendly ingredients, such as oatmeal, pumpkin, applesauce, peanut butter, and eggs. You can also add some as cinnamon or ginger, for extra flavor and health benefits. However, you should avoid adding any ingredients that are toxic and harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, raisins, nuts, or xylitol. You should also limit the amount of homemade treats to 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, and introduce them gradually to avoid digestive issues .
Conclusion
Twizzlers are a popular candy that many people enjoy, but they are not safe or healthy for dogs. They contain high amounts of sugar and artificial ingredients, which can cause various health problems for dogs, such as dental issues, obesity, diabetes, allergies, oxalic acid poisoning, or xylitol toxicity.
Twizzlers can also pose a choking or intestinal blockage hazard for dogs, especially if they are swallowed whole or in large pieces. Therefore, you should avoid giving them to your dog and even cats, and opt for some healthy alternatives, such as fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, or homemade treats, that are safe and beneficial for your dog. You should also keep them out of your dog’s reach and sight, and teach your dog the “leave it” command, preventing your dog from eating Twizzlers accidentally. If your dog does eat any, you should contact your vet and follow their instructions, depending on the amount and type of Twizzlers your dog ate, and your dog’s symptoms. By following these tips, you can protect your dog from Twizzlers and keep them happy and healthy.
