Red Vines is a red licorice candy that can be made using different flavorings, such as cinnamon, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and strawberry. Red Vines has become one of the most popular candies worldwide because it’s easier to eat and is better for you (it only has 35 calories per piece while Twizzlers has 40). You can also add Red Vines to different everyday recipes.
If you have pets at home, the idea of sharing Red Vines with them might have crossed your mind before. But should you? Are Red Vines dog-friendly? Will this candy give your dogs the same joy you experience every time you open a pack?
You should never feed your dogs Red Vines because it’s unhealthy and unsafe for them. Your dogs can end up very sick once you introduce Red Vines to their diets and use this candy as a treat or reward. Feeding your dogs Red Vines is dangerous because of these reasons:
Toxic Licorice Root
Red Vines contain glycyrrhizin, a compound known to raise blood pressure and cause water retention among canines. These symptoms can become fatal, especially to dogs who have existing health conditions or who suffer from similar problems.
Toxic Xylitol
Xylitol is one of the most toxic ingredients for dogs. Giving your fur babies foods containing even a few grams of xylitol can cause them to become very ill, resulting in sudden death. At the very least, xylitol can trigger seizures, liver failure, and hypoglycemia in dogs.
High Sugar Content
Due to the high sugar content of Red Vines, adding the candy to your dogs’ diets can increase their risk of several health problems, like obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. Too much sugar can also impact your dogs’ oral health and cause cavities.
When Should You Take Your Dogs to the Vet?
Eating one piece of Red Vines will not cause poisoning or sudden death in your dogs. However, if they ate a whole bag of Red Vines, they might immediately develop any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty passing stool
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
When you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, take your dogs to the vet immediately. Provide as much information to your vet about the incident, so they can determine the best course of action to take to treat your fur babies.
Can Dogs Eat Black Licorice?
No, you should never feed your dogs with black licorice. Although the color is different, black licorice contains similar ingredients to Red Vines, which means that it can also take a toll on your dogs’ overall health.
Can Dogs Eat Twizzlers?
No, Twizzlers should never be introduced to your dogs. This candy is unsafe for dogs because it contains high levels of sugar and xylitol. As mentioned, these ingredients can negatively impact your dogs’ health and even cause death.
How Can You Keep Your Dogs Safe From Candies?
Dogs are naturally curious and will likely want what you’re eating. If you’re not careful enough, they can easily get and eat Red Vines without your consent. Prevent this from happening by:
- Keep Red Vines out of your dogs’ reach: Store your Red Vines in areas that they can’t reach. Some of the best spots are the overhead cabinets or locked drawers in your kitchen. The more inaccessible these areas are to your dogs, the better.
- Secure your trash cans: Dogs have sensitive noses and can easily find Red Vines when you throw some in your trash cans. Make it impossible for your fur babies to go “dumpster diving” by emptying your trash cans regularly.
- Inform everyone in your home about the rules: Sit down with the entire household and let them know that dogs aren’t allowed to eat Red Vines. This is especially important if you have kids at home who like to give food to pets under the table.
What Types of Sweets Can Dogs Eat Safely?
Giving your dogs something “sweet” is okay as long as it’s done in moderation and is from the right food sources. Instead of giving your fur babies Red Vines to satisfy their sweet tooth, feed them:
- Fruits: A lot of fruits are actually healthy for dogs. These fruits include blueberries, apples, and watermelons. Just make sure to remove the seeds of the fruits as these can be toxic to dogs.
- Dog-friendly cakes: Type in “dog-friendly cakes” on your browser, and you’ll be able to access countless easy-to-follow recipes. Some brands even sell wheat-free cake mixes made especially for dogs.
- Pupsicles: To keep your dogs refreshed during hot days, prepare some pupsicles for them. These are basically popsicles made with dog-friendly ingredients. Pupsicles usually contain unsweetened yogurt and bite-sized fruit slices that are frozen into ice cube trays.
Ask For Help From Your Vet
Regardless of how much you want to spoil your dogs, never give them any of your Red Vines. Dogs have different bodies, and foods that are harmless to humans can be toxic to them.
If you want to add sweet treats to your dogs’ diets, ask for recommendations from your vet. They can provide you with a list of the healthiest dog-friendly snacks for your pets!