Ask a Vet

Can Dogs Eat Twizzlers?

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Kerry
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If you have a dog at home, you are probably used to trying to resist the urge to feed them some of the food that you are eating when they are sat, giving you those irresistible puppy dog eyes.

We are all guilty of giving our dogs some extra food every now and then, but it is always important to find out what foods are okay to give them first.

Dog and twizzlers

To ensure that your dog remains in good health, it is essential to be aware of what foods are safe for them to eat before you give them to them.

Otherwise, it could potentially be dangerous to their health or make them very unwell. If you enjoy a bag of Twizzlers, sharing them with your dog might not be the best idea.

For those who don’t already know, Twizzlers are chewy sticks of licorice candy that are very popular among children and adults. However, while they may be addictive to us, should you be giving them as a snack to your dog?

Can Dogs Eat Twizzlers?

No, dogs cannot eat Twizzlers, no matter how desperately they might want to. While they might not be outright toxic to dogs, that doesn’t mean that they are good for them, either.

One of the worst things about Twizzler candy is that it is full of sugar, which your dog should avoid in excess, if at all.

Thankfully, there are no documented cases that show an instant reaction or harmful reaction to dogs eating Twizzlers, but if you consider the amount of sugar in each stick, then you will gather that they are not very healthy for your dog.

It can negatively impact both their physical and dental health, so you should avoid giving your dog Twizzlers at all costs.

As well as all of this, the sugar in Twizzlers comes from high fructose corn syrup, which is cheaper and sweeter than regular sugar. It also gets absorbed into our bodies much more quickly.

As a result of this, it can lead to various conditions, like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure in humans. Dogs are much smaller and more fragile than us humans, so it is definitely not a good idea to feed them something so bad for them.

Are Twizzlers Safe For Dogs?

No Twizzlers are not considered to be safe for dogs to consume. If you are eating Twizzlers regularly and feeding them to your dog simultaneously, then you should stop doing this now.

Twizzlers have very high sugar content, and this can lead to various physical and dental problems for your dog.

The consequences of high sugar intake for dogs can be just as bad as it is for humans. If they were to have a tiny amount of sugar every once in a while, it probably wouldn’t harm them. However, consuming high amounts of sugar, even occasionally, will be bad for them.

Something that you should be particularly wary about is the black licorice flavor of Twizzlers, as these are actually flavored with the use of the licorice plant, unlike the other various flavors that are available.

Licorice is something that can be very toxic to dogs in high doses. This is because it contains a compound that is called glycyrrhizin, which can cause a rise in blood pressure.

If your dog has made their way through a bag of black licorice Twizzlers, then it is a good idea to contact your vet immediately. They will be able to provide you with the advice that you need to help your dog. You should also keep an eye out for any symptoms that could indicate a serious problem.

Dog eating from bowl

How Much Twizzlers Can Dogs Eat?

There is no specific amount of Twizzlers that your dog will be able to eat before they become unwell, which is why you should always avoid giving them to your dog in the first place. However, if they have stolen one from the side, they are likely to become severely ill.

Just like with people, dogs that consume too much sugar can go on to develop dental problems and diabetes, and they can also become overweight.

It is important to avoid giving your dog too much sugar to avoid any of these issues. So, if you are not very good at resisting your dog when they beg for food, then you should ban all sugary snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ingredients Are Used to Make Twizzlers?

The ingredients list for Twizzlers consists of corn syrup, wheat flour, sugar, cornstarch, and in smaller amounts, palm oil, salt, artificial flavor, glycerin, citric acid, potassium sorbate, Red 40, and soy lecithin.

Unfortunately, there are quite a few ingredients in here that are not the best for dogs. Of course, the high sugar content is a problem, but there is also wheat, which some dogs can be sensitive to, just like people.

Can Twizzlers Kill My Dog?

A small amount of Twizzlers is not going to kill your dog. So, if you dropped one on the floor and were not quick enough, you shouldn’t worry. However, too many Twizzlers can cause health problems.

It can also lead your dog to become overweight, which is something that can cause many negative health issues in itself. You should never intentionally feed your dog Twizzlers if you want to keep them in good health for as long as possible.

Summary

While Twizzlers are not toxic to dogs, unless it is the black licorice flavor, they still aren’t good for them. So, to answer the original question, dogs cannot eat Twizzlers.

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About the author

Kerry

Kerry White is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Kerry has been writing for PetDT for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Kerry has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Kerry knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.