Deliciously chewy and delightfully colorful, gummy bears are an irresistible snack for kids and anyone who’s a child at heart.
They say dogs are like children (science even says canine intelligence is similar to a two-year-old human’s). So does this mean dogs can eat gummy bears?
Oh hell no. Gummy bears are very, very bad for dogs. Some varieties are so dangerous they can kill your pooch. If you value your pet’s life, don’t feed them gummy bears!
Keep reading to find out what makes gummy bears terrible treats for canines!
Why Are Gummy Bears Bad for Dogs?
Gummy bears are full of ingredients that are harmful to dogs. If your pooch eats these candies, they could end up suffering from the following problems:
Xylitol poisoning
Our main issue with sweets is their high-sugar content, which makes them fattening. Well, the candy manufacturers have listened to our concerns, which is why we now have sugar-free candy.
The problem is, sugarless candy is artificially sweetened using a chemical called xylitol… and xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.
When ingested, xylitol causes hypoglycemia—a severe drop in blood sugar that prevents the canine body from functioning properly, which can lead to death. Higher doses can lead to liver failure and therefore also death.
Symptoms of xylitol toxicity include:
- Upset stomach
- Reduced activity
- Exhaustion
- Lethargy
- Loss of coordination
- Trembling
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Unconsciousness
These issues manifest approximately 10 to 60 minutes after xylitol ingestion. However, as some dogs don’t experience any problems until 24 hours later, they may initially appear to be safe from xylitol toxicity.
It’s for this reason every fur parent must contact a veterinarian immediately if their pet consumes gummy bears containing xylitol. Remember—even a little xylitol can harm your dog!
Okay, so xylitol’s a definite no-no. So why not just give dogs regular, sugary gummy bears?
True, sugar isn’t toxic to dogs. However, it can still make them ill, especially if your pet has a low tolerance for the sweet stuff.
Eating gummy bears high in sugar can cause digestive issues such as:
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
If severe vomiting or diarrhea is left untreated, it can result in potentially deadly dehydration.
Regularly feeding your dog sugar-rich gummy bears can result in more serious long-term effects, such as:
- Dental problems
- Sugar addiction
- Obesity
- Hyperglycemia (a.k.a. high blood sugar level)
- Pancreatitis
The last three conditions are particularly dangerous.
Obesity raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and heatstroke. It also leaves your dog more susceptible to osteoarthritis and thus joint pain, which can discourage your dog from engaging in the exercise they need to lose weight.
Hyperglycemia can evolve into diabetes.
Pancreatitis, if ignored, can be deadly.
Seek veterinary aid if your dog displays any of the above symptoms after gummy bear consumption.
Allergic reaction
Some gummy bears contain artificial flavoring, which can cause an allergic reaction in your dog.
Food allergy symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Asthma-like symptoms
- Sneezing
- Inflamed ears
- Itchy skin
- Excessive scratching, licking, and/or chewing of the paws and other body parts
- Rubbing the face on a surface (e.g. the carpet)
- Seizures
If your dog experiences such issues after eating gummy bears, contact a vet for help.
Intestinal obstruction
Dogs tend to get overexcited when presented with new, amazing-smelling food. Their enthusiasm to experience new tastes can compel your pooch to gobble up not just all your gummy bears, but the plastic wrapper, too.
Said wrapper is indigestible, so it may get stuck in your doggo’s gut to cause a blockage. The symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction include:
- Repetitive vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Whining or hunching
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
If allowed to go untreated, an intestinal obstruction can cause your dog severe discomfort, extensive fluid loss, and, in the worst of cases, intestinal rupture and death.
If you suspect your dog has an intestinal blockage, refrain from feeding them additional food, and rush them to the vet for emergency treatment.
FAQs About Gummy Bears for Dogs
Let’s answer more frequently asked questions about gummy bears for dogs!
My dog ate gummy bears. What should I do?
Remain calm and determine 1) what ingredients the gummy bears contain and 2) how many gummy bears your dog ate.
Read the ingredients list. If the candies contain xylitol, seek veterinary aid immediately. You’ll probably have to rush your pet to the clinic as xylitol poisoning requires emergency care. If you’re quick, there’s an excellent chance your dog will be fine.
Did your dog eat only a few pieces of sugary gummy bears? Then your dog will likely be fine. Nevertheless, monitor them for digestive problems (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea) and allergic reactions (e.g. itchiness, sneezing, excessive self-licking). The more pieces your dog ate, the more likely they’ll experience such issues. At any sign of trouble, contact a vet for assistance and follow their instructions. Don’t try to induce vomiting yourself without a vet’s approval.
If you can’t reach any pet clinics or hospitals, those in North America can call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
How do I prevent my dog from eating gummy bears?
At home, keep your gummy bears out of your dog’s sight and reach. Store them inside cupboards or cabinets that they can’t open.
If you store candies in a transparent jar on the coffee table, your dog may be tempted to steal them. Dogs can also rummage through bags, purses, boxes, and other types of containers, so make sure not to keep any gummy bear packets inside them for extended periods. Remember, all it takes is one whiff of something delicious to persuade a dog to steal an unmonitored snack.
Can gummy bears benefit dogs nutritionally?
No. The main components of gummy bears are gelatin and either sugar or xylitol. They don’t have vitamins or minerals that dogs need to stay healthy. They do contain protein, but only a negligible amount.
If your aim is to have your dog enjoy nutritious treats, feeding them gummy bears is pointless.
How much xylitol can cause toxicity in dogs?
0.1 grams of xylitol per kilogram of your dog’s body weight is enough to cause them hypoglycemia.
Hepatic necrosis, or the death of liver cells, can be caused by ingesting as little as 0.5 grams of xylitol per kilogram of body weight.
Can a dog eat a single gummy bear?
It depends on the gummy bear. If it contains xylitol, the answer is no.
A single sugar-rich gummy bear is unlikely to harm your dog. However, your dog’s safety is dependent on factors such as their age, sugar tolerance, and existing health condition(s). For example, it’s a terrible idea to feed a diabetic dog even one gummy bear.
Also, keep in mind that your dog won’t get any nutritional benefits from eating a gummy bear. Consider feeding them a healthier treat, instead.
Can dogs eat Albanese Gummy Bears?
Don’t feed your doggo Albanese Gummy Bears. These candies don’t contain xylitol, but they’re loaded with sugar, which can cause digestive problems and more serious long-term effects. They also contain potentially harmful artificial flavors, citric acid, and Aspartame.
Can dogs eat Haribo Gummy Bears?
No. They may be xylitol-free, but they’re rich in sugar, which can harm your dog. They also contain traces of milk, which many dogs can’t tolerate, and wheat, which is among the most allergy-provoking foods for dogs.
Can dogs eat Black Forest Gummy Bears?
Nope. While these gummy bears don’t contain xylitol, they’re high in sugar. They also contain citric acid and artificial flavors, both of which can make a dog sick.
Can puppies eat gummy bears?
No. Puppies don’t have fully developed digestive systems, which makes them extra sensitive toward sugar. Feeding them gummy bears can cause them a lot of suffering.
What is a healthy alternative to gummy bears?
Consider giving your dog plain, unflavored, unsweetened gelatin. Make sure it contains no artificial sweeteners such as xylitol!
Gelatin is made by boiling the bones, ligaments, tendons, and/or skin of chickens, cows, or pigs. There’s even gelatin made from fish.
Because gelatin contains protein, it helps keep a dog’s joints, skin, and hair healthy. Its anti-inflammatory properties allow it to treat osteoporosis and arthritis. It can also relieve an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Stores usually sell gelatin in powder form. This powder can be mixed with other dog-friendly ingredients (such as plain chicken breast, carrots, and water), then cooled in the fridge to create jelly treats for your pet. There are many online resources offering homemade, dog-friendly gelatin recipes.
Conclusion
Don’t feed your dog gummy bears. The sugary varieties can cause everything from a stomachache to pancreatitis, while those containing xylitol can destroy the liver and cause death. Not to mention some ingredients can provoke an allergic reaction in your pooch, while the candy wrapper can result in a potentially lethal gut obstruction.
Want your dog to enjoy something chewy and delicious? Give them plain gelatin, instead!