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

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There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about dogs eating human food.

While some foods are safe for dogs to eat, others can be dangerous.

Some human foods are perfectly safe for dogs. Others can be dangerous.

Candy, in general, is not a good idea for dogs, as it can contain a lot of sugar and other ingredients that are harmful to them.

So what about sweet tarts?

Can dogs eat sweet tarts? The answer is no, dog’s should not eat sweet tarts. Sweet tarts contain sugar, artificial colors and flavors, which are harmful to dogs. If your dog eats these, they may experience an upset stomach and diarrhea. If your dog has any health conditions, you should avoid giving them sweet tarts altogether.

In this article you’ll discover:

Why sweet tarts are bad for dogs
The 6 dangers associated with dogs eating sweet tarts
What to do if your dog eats these accidentally

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Tarts?

While a dog could have a sweet tart and be fine, they are incredibly unhealthy.

As tasty as a sweet tart is, they’re unhealthy for us humans and, in the same way, are unhealthy for dogs as well.

Although giving your dog one tiny piece of a sweet tart every so often is not going to kill them, it’s still not recommended.

You’re much better off giving your dog healthy dog treats designed to be eaten by dogs.

There is plenty of healthy and delicious dog treats on the market that your dog will love just as much as a sweet tart.

So why take the risk?

Are Sweet Tarts Bad For Dogs?

Yes, sweet tarts are very bad for dogs as they contain a lot of sugar, artificial colors & flavors, and a few other harmful ingredients.

Dogs that eat sweet tarts will likely experience upset stomachs and diarrhea.

Sweet tarts are especially bad for dogs that have diabetes, as they can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.

If your dog has any health conditions, you should avoid giving them sweet tarts.

Here is the nutritional profile of sweet tarts:

Nutritional Value of Sweet Tarts

1 single sweet tart:

Calories = 6.3
Sugar = 1.6 grams

Ingredients in Sweet Tarts

Sugar
Dextrose
Corn syrup
Modified corn starch
DL-Malic Acid
Natural and artificial flavors

The 6 Major Dangers of Dogs Eating Sweet Tarts

All of the ingredients that make up sweet tarts can have a negative effect on your dog’s health if consumed in large quantities.

Here is a list of the significant dangers associated with your dog eating sweet tarts:

Upset Stomach – Sweet tarts can cause an upset stomach in dogs. This is mainly from the sugar. These sugary ingredients can be challenging for your dog to digest properly.

Diarrhea – Diarrhea is another common symptom when a dog eats sweet tarts.

Weight Gain – Another problem with the high sugar content in sweet tarts is that it can lead to weight gain in dogs. If your dog is overweight, it can put them at risk for health problems such as diabetes and joint problems.

Obesity – Sweet tarts can also cause obesity in dogs. Obesity is a serious health condition that can lead to other problems such as heart disease, arthritis, and breathing difficulties.

Diabetes – The high sugar content in sweet tarts can also lead to diabetes in dogs. Diabetes is a serious health condition that requires lifelong treatment.

Heart Disease – The high sugar content in sweet tarts can also lead to heart disease in dogs. Heart disease is a severe health condition that can be fatal.

Can Dogs Die From Eating Sweet Tarts?

While it’s unlikely that a dog would die from eating sweet tarts, they can be very dangerous.

If your dog consumes too much sugar, it can lead to serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

If you think your dog has eaten a bunch of sweet tarts, this next section will cover what to do.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats A Lot Of Sweet Tarts

If your dog accidentally got into some sweet tarts, it’s essential to act fast.

As a dog owner, I’ve been in plenty of situations like this myself, and it’s always scary.

If your dog has eaten a lot of sweet tarts, the best thing you can do is call your veterinarian. They will be able to give you specific instructions on what to do next based on your dog’s case.

After speaking with Dr. Littlejohn about his process for handling these situations, he first looks at how big the dog is, how much they consumed, and the ingredients in the food eaten.

If the dog is small and only ate a few sweet tarts, he may recommend waiting to see how the dog responds. They may have some minor stomach upset, but it should be otherwise acceptable.

In more severe cases, he will recommend the dog come in or instruct owners how to induce vomiting. This is usually only necessary if the dog ate many sweet tarts or has a pre-existing condition that makes them more susceptible to complications.

Dr. Littlejohn also recommends always bringing the container or wrapper of the food your dog ate with you when you call or go to the vet. This will help them better assess the situation and give you more specific instructions.

Suppose your dog has eaten sweet tarts and shows any signs of illness. In that case, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian.

Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Custard? Risks + Tips If They Do

Final Thoughts

While dogs can technically eat sweet tarts, it’s not recommended.

Sweet tarts are high in sugar and can lead to serious health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

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