If you have a box of Swedish Fish candy in your pantry, you likely enjoy them as much as most people do! As a dog owner and Swedish Fish lover, you’ve undoubtedly pondered what would happen if your dog got their hands on a bag of Swedish Fish sweets.
So, can dogs eat Swedish Fish? Well, let’s find out! Read on!
Can Dogs Eat Swedish Fish?
It may be surprising for you, but the answer is NO. This type of candy is toxic for dogs and can even be seriously ill. Ingesting a small amount of this candy can cause digestive problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea while eating a lot of it can result in more serious poisoning symptoms.
This doesn’t mean that you have to stop spoiling your furry friend with treats altogether – there are plenty of other safe snacks out there for dogs. Some good options include carrots, apples, liverwurst, and boiled eggs.
What is a Swedish Fish, by the way?
Swedish Fish is a type of chewy, fish-shaped candy. They were first created in Sweden in the late 1950s and have since become popular worldwide. The candy is made from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin and is available in various flavors, including strawberry, grape, raspberry, blueberry, black cherry, and cola.
What Makes it Dangerous for Dogs?
The sugar and corn syrup in Swedish Fish are the main dangers for dogs. These ingredients can cause intestinal blockages, pancreatitis, and even liver failure. The artificial colors and flavors can also be harmful, like seizures and hyperactivity.
Side Effects of Swedish Fish on Dogs
If your puppy gets into these sweets, it can result in various negative consequences. Some potential effects of Swedish Fish on dogs are:
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Stomach upset
– Loss of appetite
– Increased thirst
– Tremors or seizures
– Hyperactivity or aggressiveness
– Liver failure
Things to Remember!
The good news is that Swedish Fish candy does not include xylitol, a naturally extracted sweetener that is highly harmful to dogs. If your dog manages to steal a few sweets while you’re not looking, you don’t have to go into panic mode!
Too much sugar, on the other hand, is linked to several health issues.
Like all other sugar-free sweets, Swedish Fish candy includes sugar, inverted sugar, and corn syrup. There are several varieties of sweeteners on the market, and they’re often mixed with a combination of glucose and fructose.
There are no other substances that can prevent your dog’s body from absorbing glucose and fructose at a rapid rate. As a result, consuming this fish-shaped candy will produce a substantial increase in your dog’s blood sugar levels, followed by a crash (hypoglycemia).
Digestive Problems: What You May Be Ignoring
Ingesting too much Swedish Fish candy at one time can induce gastric issues in dogs. When consumed in large amounts, the sugar from this candy can cause vomiting and diarrhea in canines.
It’s also worth noting that over-consuming sugar might lead to constipation in some dogs. If your dog has an adverse reaction to Swedish Fish due to the sugar, understand that it is to blame.
Can Produce Teeth Cavities
It’s possible for your dog to develop cavities and rotten teeth from eating too much sugar, just like humans. The acids created by bacteria in your dog’s mouth destroy the enamel, causing tooth decay.
Furthermore, the germs in your dog’s teeth may spread to his gums, causing gingivitis and painful dental issues. Depending on the severity of your dog’s dental problems, you may end up spending a lot of money on treatments and dental operations.
How Much is a Swedish Dog Considered “Safe” for Your Dogs to Consume?
Some dogs will get diarrhea and vomit after eating a few Swedish Fish sweets, while others may eat the entire bag without experiencing any negative side effects.
The amount of fish-shaped sweets that your dog can consume is determined by various factors, including their size, age, breed, and overall health. Nonetheless, you should avoid giving Swedish Fish to your dog and hiding bags of sweets out of their reach at all times.
Swedish Fish candy can cause a toxic sugar spike in a tiny dog like a Chihuahua, but it won’t harm a Great Dane. Eating sweets isn’t good for your dog just because they are big.
Conclusion – Can Dogs Eat Swedish Fish?
Overall, it is best to avoid giving Swedish Fish candy to dogs as it can cause various negative side effects. These include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, loss of appetite, increased thirst, seizures, hyperactivity, and liver failure. If your dog does consume this candy, be sure to monitor them for any adverse reactions. Additionally, excessive sugar consumption can lead to tooth decay and other health problems in dogs.