Are you wondering if Starbursts are safe for your dog? You’re not alone! A lot of people have this same question. The answer, however, isn’t quite so straightforward. In this post, we’ll take a look at whether or not dogs can eat starburst candies – and if they should. Read on to learn more!
First of all, What are Starbursts?
Starbursts are a type of fruit chew candy that is made by the Wrigley Company. The candies are available in a variety of flavors, including cherry, lemon, orange, and strawberry. They are chewy and slightly sticky, which can make them fun to eat – for humans and dogs alike!
The ingredients in Starbursts are: sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, less than 2% of: citric acid, dextrin, sodium citrate, natural and artificial flavors, confectioner’s glaze (lac-resin), carnauba wax, carmine color, beeswax.
As you can see from the list of ingredients, Starbursts contain a lot of sugar. In fact, sugar is the first ingredient listed. And we all know that too much sugar can be bad for dogs – and humans! – in large quantities.
Starbursts also contain corn syrup, which is another type of sugar. Corn syrup is often used in candies because it is cheaper than other types of sugar and it helps to keep the candy moist. It’s worth noting that corn syrup is not the same as high fructose corn syrup, which is even worse for dogs (and humans).
Are Starbursts Dangerous for Dogs?
The short answer is that Starburst candy is not likely to be dangerous for your dog. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, as we mentioned above, Starbursts contain a lot of sugar. And we all know that too much sugar can be bad for dogs – and humans! – in large quantities. So, if your dog eats a lot of Starbursts, he may end up with an upset stomach or diarrhea.
In addition, the chewy, sticky texture of Starbursts can be a choking hazard for dogs. If your dog tries to eat a whole Starburst at once, he could choke on it. So, it’s important to make sure that you give your dog only a small piece of Starburst at a time.
Finally, the artificial colors and flavors in Starbursts may not be good for your dog. If your dog is sensitive to artificial colors and flavors, he may experience an upset stomach or other digestive problems after eating Starbursts.
So, can dogs eat Starbursts?
The short answer is: no.
If your dog has never had candy before, it’s probably not a good idea to let them try Starbursts – or any other candy, for that matter. Dogs can have trouble metabolizing sugar, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Starbursts also contain corn syrup, which can be difficult for dogs to digest. In addition, the candies are quite chewy and sticky. This can pose a choking hazard for small dogs, and it may also cause gastrointestinal issues like upset stomach or diarrhea.
Finally, the artificial colors in Starbursts (and other candies) can sometimes be toxic to dogs. While it’s unlikely that your dog will experience any serious problems from eating a few Starbursts, it’s still best to avoid giving them to your pup.
What Happens if My Dog Accidentally Ate Starburst?
If your dog accidentally ate a Starburst, don’t panic. The chances of him experiencing any serious problems are quite low.
However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If your dog ate more than one or two Starbursts, call your veterinarian right away. He may want to give your dog a physical exam and possibly some tests to make sure that he’s not experiencing any adverse effects from the sugar or corn syrup.
In addition, keep an eye on your dog for the next few hours. If he starts vomiting or has diarrhea, call your vet right away. These could be signs of an upset stomach or other digestive problems.
Can Dogs Die from Eating Starburst?
It is very unlikely that your dog will die from eating a Starburst candy. However, as we mentioned above, too much sugar can be bad for dogs – and humans! – in large quantities. So, if your dog eats a lot of Starbursts, he may end up with an upset stomach or diarrhea.
In addition, the chewy, sticky texture of Starbursts can be a choking hazard for dogs. If your dog tries to eat a whole Starburst at once, he could choke on it. So, it’s important to make sure that you give your dog only a small piece of Starburst at a time.
Conclusion
Starbursts are not likely to be dangerous for your dog, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The most important thing is to limit the amount of Starbursts that your dog eats. Too much sugar can be bad for dogs, and the chewy texture of the candy can pose a choking hazard. In addition, the artificial colors and flavors in Starbursts may not be good for your dog.
If your dog is sensitive to artificial colors and flavors, he may experience an upset stomach or other digestive problems after eating Starbursts. If you’re still not sure whether or not you should give your dog Starbursts, talk to your veterinarian.