Can Dogs Eat Sour Candy? Dangers + Tips If They Eat Some

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Sour candy is a popular snack for people all over the world. Of course, we know it’s not healthy for us, but the occasional treat isn’t a big deal for our health. However, does this hold true for dogs? Can dogs eat sour candy as a treat too?

In short, no, dogs shouldn’t eat sour candy. While a small amount (under 10 grams) isn’t likely to cause serious harm, it’s high in sugar and acidity, which is terrible for a dog’s health. The main ingredients in most sour candies are citric acid and sugar, both of which cause gastrointestinal distress.

In this article, you’ll discover:

Why dogs shouldn’t eat sour candy
How much sour candy is okay for dogs to eat
The dangers associated with dogs eating sour candy
What to do if your dog overeats sour candy

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Can Dogs Eat Sour Candy?

While technically, dogs can eat sour candy, it’s not recommended.

Sour candy is high in sugar and acidity and is often coated with a powder that contains xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that’s safe for humans but poisonous to dogs.

Even a small amount of xylitol can cause low blood sugar and liver damage to dogs.

Not to mention all the other ingredients found in sour candy, like citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, sugar, and corn syrup, can all cause gastrointestinal distress.

So while a small amount of sour candy won’t kill your dog, it’s not a good idea to give them any.

How Much Sour Candy Can Dogs Eat Safely?

The answer to this question depends on the size of your dog and the type of sour candy they ate.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s safe to say that under 10 grams of sour candy will not cause issues for most dogs.

It’s important to note that even though a small amount might be okay, xylitol can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs.

And the other ingredients found in sour candy can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Dangers Of Dogs Eating Sour Candy

There are several dangers associated with dogs eating sour candy.

Sour candy is a type of confectionery characterized by its sour taste.

It usually contains high levels of citric acid, which gives it its sour flavor.

Citric acid is a natural ingredient found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. When consumed in small amounts, citric acid is safe for dogs.

However, when consumed in large amounts, it can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Sugar is another ingredient found in sour candy that can be harmful to dogs.

Sugar can cause weight gain, tooth decay, and diabetes in dogs.

In addition to citric acid and sugar, sour candy often contains other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, such as:

Food coloring
Xylitol (a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs)
Artificial sweeteners
Corn syrup

Can Dogs Die From Eating Sour Candy?

While dogs can die from eating sour candy, it’s not common.

Thye would need to eat a large amount of sour candy to be fatal.

The most common dangers associated with dogs eating sour candy are gastrointestinal upset and weight gain.

In addition, if your dog ate a large amount of sour candy or ate a type of candy that contains xylitol, they could be at risk for low blood sugar or liver damage.

In severe cases ingesting too much, xylitol can cause death.

What If My Dog Accidentally Eats Sour Candy?

If your dog accidentally eats sour candy, don’t panic! While a significant amount is a cause for concern, a small amount won’t hurt them.

The big risk is if the candy contains Xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is safe for humans but poisonous to dogs. Even a small amount of Xylitol can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. If this is an ingredient in the packaging, get in touch with an animal hospital as soon as possible.

However, keeping an eye on your dog and watching for any signs of distress is essential. They may have some short-term issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea, but this should subside within a day.

If you have a small dog that ate a concerning amount for their size, pancreatitis is a risk for them. Larger dogs would need to consume an excessive amount for this to be a concern.

Suppose you’re concerned, or your dog is not acting like itself. In that case, it’s always best to contact your veterinarian for advice.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Eat Sour Gummy Worms?

Dogs shouldn’t eat sour gummy worms.

The main reason is that they contain a lot of sugar and artificial sweeteners.

These can cause stomach upset and weight gain in dogs.

In addition, the sour coating on gummy worms can irritate a dog’s digestive system, and they contain no beneficial ingredients.

Plus, dogs usually don’t even enjoy the sour taste of sour gummy worms.

Can Dogs Eat Sour Skittles?

Dogs shouldn’t eat sour skittles for the same reasons they shouldn’t eat any sour candy.

Sour skittles contain a lot of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.

The sour coating on skittles can also irritate a dog’s digestive system.

Can Dogs Taste Sour Candy?

Dogs can taste sour candy, but they may not enjoy the taste.

Dogs have a different type of receptor for tasting sour flavors than humans do.

This means that dogs will have a different reaction to sour tastes than we humans do. This can either be positive or negative, depending on the dog.

Just like some humans like sour flavors and others might not.

Most dogs usually dislike sour flavors, but all dogs are unique, and some may enjoy it.

Can Dogs Eat Sour Patch Kids?

Dogs shouldn’t eat sour patch kids.

Sour patch kids are made up of sugar, corn syrup, modified corn starch, tartaric acid, citric acid, and artificial flavors.

These ingredients can cause stomach upset and weight gain in dogs. They contain zero beneficial ingredients for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Sour Cherries?

Dogs should not eat sour cherry candy. It’s made with high amounts of sugar, malic acid, and artificial flavors.

There are no beneficial ingredients for dogs in sour cherry candy, and it can cause gastrointestinal distress and weight gain.

Sour cherry candy can also be a choking hazard for dogs because of the hard candy shell.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Tarts? 6 Dangers & Tips If They Do

Can Dogs Eat Tapioca Pudding? Dangers & Tips If They Do

Can Dogs Eat Fruit Snacks? (Incl. Motts & Welch’s Fruit Snacks)