Introduced in September 1982, Reese’s Pieces has become a household name in different cities and states across the US. This classic American candy is known for its bright color and for the crunchy noise it makes when chewed.
The Reese’s Pieces was derived from the brand’s peanut butter cup line but share some differences. Both candies contain peanut butter, but Reese’s Pieces don’t have any chocolate. Instead, the peanut butter of Reese’s Pieces is covered in colored candy shells. This candy has the same size as pumpkin seed and comes in three colors: brown, yellow, and orange.
The ingredients used in Reese’s Pieces are generally safe for dogs, which means that you can feed them with the candy once in a while. Moderation is the key here because giving your dogs too many Reese’s Pieces can trigger the following:
Obesity
One pack of Reese’s Pieces contains around 150 calories. The sugar content of this candy is high, even for human consumption. The amount of sugar in Reese’s Pieces is bad for all dogs, especially for breeds that are prone to obesity.
Cavities
The bacteria living and thriving in the mouth of your dogs use the sugar from candies to make acids. These acids can destroy the enamel of your dogs’ teeth and cause cavities. When left untreated, this can worsen into periodontal diseases and even fractured teeth.
Upset Stomach
Dogs aren’t built to tolerate too much sugar, so feeding them too many candies in one sitting can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Over time, this can lead to dehydration, which can trigger several symptoms like loss of appetite, loss of skin elasticity, lethargy, and dry-looking eyes.
Diabetes
Similar to humans, giving your dogs a sugar-rich diet can also increase their risk of developing diabetes. This happens because consuming too much sugar can force the body to produce excessive levels of insulin, resulting in type 2 diabetes.
Pancreatitis
Reese’s Pieces contain soybean oil or palm kernel oil. And while these ingredients are a good source of antioxidants, it also contains saturated fats. Giving your dogs high-fat diets can make them susceptible to pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis occurs when there is excess fat in the body, causing inflammation in the pancreas. Some of the most common symptoms of pancreatitis among dogs are lethargy, fever, and abdominal pain.
Heart Diseases
A diet rich in fats can lead to serious health conditions among dogs, namely atherosclerosis and hypertension. These conditions can worsen and trigger heart problems, such as heart failure.
How Many Reese’s Pieces Should Dogs Eat?
Your dogs should not have more than three pieces of Reese’s Pieces in a week. Feeding them more will put them at risk of experiencing different symptoms and health conditions.
What Should You Do if Your Dogs Ate Too Many Reese’s Pieces?
In situations like these, call or visit your vet right away. Don’t attempt to induce vomiting, as this can only do more harm than good, especially if you don’t have any experience.
If your vet does recommend that throwing up is the best approach for the situation, they will ask you to use 3% hydrogen peroxide at a dose of one teaspoon per five pounds of your dog’s body weight. This will help your pets to throw up.
Make sure to store your Reese’s Pieces in an area where your dogs can’t reach them. It’s also important to let your pets drink a lot of water, so their bodies can naturally get rid of the ingredients of Reese’s Pieces.
Can Dogs Eat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?
No, you should never feed your dogs with Reese’s peanut butter cups because it contains chocolate. Chocolate is one of the most toxic foods for dogs because of its theobromine content. Dogs can’t metabolize this ingredient properly, and it can cause symptoms like diarrhea, increased thirst, excessive urination, panting, and racing heart rate. In extreme cases, symptoms can include seizures and heart failure.
How About Reese’s Puffs?
No, Reese’s puffs should never be a part of your dogs’ diets. One serving of this candy contains 260 calories, 7 grams of saturated fat, and 22 grams of sugar, which are excessive for dogs. This candy also contains chocolate.
Work With Your Vet
It’s okay to share some of your Reese’s Pieces with your fur babies, but remember, they should only be given as occasional treats. Not seeing any adverse reactions from your dogs after feeding them the candy is never a good signal to feed them more.
Stay on the safe side and ask for pieces of advice from your vet before feeding any Reese’s Pieces to your fur babies. In this way, you’ll know the do’s and dont’s and ensure that your dogs stay safe as you’re sharing your Reese’s Pieces with them.