Can Dogs Have Gummy Bears - What You Need To Know

If you’re like most dog owners, you probably want to give your furry friend anything and everything they might like. And if that means sharing some treats with them, then so be it!

Are you curious can dogs have gummy bears? Maybe your dog is begging for a taste of your sweet treat and you’re not sure if it’s safe. Wonder no more!

Here we’ll explore the what, why, and how of giving gummy bears to dogs.

What are the health risks from eating them? What do you need to know before giving them this type of sweet treat?

Let’s take a closer look.

Can Dogs Eat Gummy Bears? Here’s What You Need To Know

Gummy bears are a type of candy that’s made with gelatin, sugar, and flavorings. Gelatin is what gives them their chewy texture.

While gummy bears may be safe for humans to eat, the same can’t necessarily be said for dogs. That’s because dogs have a different digestive system than we do.

For example, dogs can’t break down and digest sugar the way that we do. So if they eat too many gummy bears, they could end up with a serious case of diarrhea or even vomiting.

Additionally, the gelatin in gummy bears can be hard for dogs to digest. In fact, it may even cause an obstruction in their intestines.

They also contain some toxic ingredients and large amounts of sugar, which can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and other problems.

3 Reasons Why Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Gummy Bears

1. Xylitol

Gummy bears contain some toxic ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. For example, they often contain xylitol, which is a type of sugar alcohol that’s safe for humans but poisonous to dogs.

Xylitol can cause low blood sugar, liver failure, and even death in dogs.

2. Large Amounts of Sugar

Gummy bears are also high in sugar, which can be harmful to dogs in large amounts. Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems.

Excess sugar can also cause diarrhea and vomiting.

3. Choking Hazard

Another reason why dogs shouldn’t eat gummy bears is that they’re a choking hazard. This is especially true for smaller dogs and puppies.

The chewy texture of gummy bears can make them difficult to chew and swallow, which could lead to choking.

Health Risks of Dogs Eating Too Many Gummy Bears

As we mentioned, gummy bears can cause some serious health problems in dogs if they eat too many of them.

Some of the most common health risks include:

Diabetes

Eating too much sugar can lead to diabetes in dogs. This is a serious condition that can cause a variety of health problems, including blindness, kidney disease, and even death.

As mentioned, gummy bears are very high in sugar, so they should be avoided. This is even more important if your dog is diabetic.

Gastroenteritis

Gelatin is a common ingredient in gummy bears. It’s what gives them their chewy texture. However, it can be difficult for dogs to digest.

In fact, eating too much gelatin can cause gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These problems can range from mild (such as diarrhea) to severe (such as an obstruction).

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common symptom of gastroenteritis. However, it can also be caused by other problems, such as eating too much sugar.

As we mentioned, gummy bears are very high in sugar. So if your dog eats too many of them, it could end up with diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration and other problems.

Dental Health Issues

Eating too many gummy bears can also lead to dental health problems. The sugar in gummy bears can cause tooth decay and other dental issues.

Additionally, the chewy texture of gummy bears can be hard on your dog’s teeth. This can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

Liver Damage

Another potential health risk of dogs eating gummy bears is liver damage. This is because gummy bears often contain xylitol, which is a sugar alcohol that’s safe for humans but poisonous to dogs.

Eating too much xylitol can cause liver failure in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and jaundice. In severe cases, it can even be fatal.

Weight Gain

Finally, gummy bears can cause weight gain in dogs. This is because they’re high in sugar and calories. If your dog eats too many of them, it could end up putting on extra weight.

This can lead to a variety of health problems, such as diabetes and joint problems.

What Should You Do if Your Dog Ate Gummy Bears

Sometimes, no matter how well you supervise your dog, it can still manage to get its paws on some gummy bears (or other candy).

If this happens, you should:

Give a lot of water

If your dog ate gummy bears, the first thing you should do is give it a lot of water. This will help to flush the sugar out of its system. Water will also help to prevent dehydration.

Additionally, you should avoid giving your dog sugary drinks, such as soda or juice. These will only make the problem worse. Plain water is best.

Monitor them for signs of discomfort

After giving your dog water, you should monitor it for signs of discomfort. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to call the vet right away.

In most cases, your dog will be fine after eating a few gummy bears. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Take them to the vet

If your dog ate gummy bears and is showing any signs of discomfort, you should take it to the vet right away. In most cases, they’ll recommend doing a check-up.

However, if your dog is showing signs of severe distress (such as an obstruction), you should bring it to the emergency vet immediately. They’ll be able to tell you whether or not your dog is in danger and advise you on what to do next.

Dog-Friendly Gummy Bears for Dogs

Not all gummy bears are created equal. If you want to give your dog a treat that’s safe and healthy, look for dog-friendly gummy bears.

These are made with natural ingredients and don’t contain any sugar or xylitol. They’re also easy on your dog’s teeth and stomach.

This is a simple recipe for safe gummy bear treats you can make at home:

Ingredients:

1 cup of 100% fruit juice
1 tablespoon of gelatin powder

Instructions:

1. Pour the fruit juice into a pot and heat it on medium heat.

2. Add the gelatin powder and stir until it’s fully dissolved.

3. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.

4. Put the molds in the fridge and let them set for at least two hours.

5. Once they’re firm, pop the gummy bears out of the molds and give them to your dog as a treat.

Remember, even though these gummy bears are safe for dogs, they should only be given in moderation. Too many treats can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

If you’re unsure how many to give your dog, talk to your vet. They’ll be able to recommend a safe amount based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.

Our Reader’s Popular Questions

What Happens if a Dog Eats a Gummy?

If a dog eats a gummy, it will likely experience digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.

In severe cases, it could also lead to liver damage and death. They also might have a sugar crash since gummies are high in sugar.

Can Dogs Have Haribo Gummies?

No, dogs should not have Haribo gummies. These gummies contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. If a dog eats Haribo gummies, it could experience vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of coordination. In severe cases, it could lead to liver failure and death.

Can Dogs Eat Haribo Sour Gummy Bears?

No, dogs should not eat Haribo Sour gummy bears. The sugar and acid in the gummy bears can cause an upset stomach in dogs. Additionally, the gummi bears may contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Gummy Sweets?

No, dogs should not eat gummy sweets. Gummy sweets are a choking hazard for dogs. Dogs can also have an allergic reaction to the sugar in gummy sweets. If your dog does eat a gummy sweet, watch for signs of choking or an allergic reaction. If your dog has trouble breathing, call your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.

Can Dogs Eat Gummy Fruit Snacks?

No, dogs should not eat fruit snacks. Gummy fruit snacks are high in sugar and can cause an upset stomach in dogs. They also might contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs. In addition, they contain no nutritional value for your dog.

Conclusion

Dogs can have gummy bears, but they should be dog-friendly gummy bears. Real gummy bears are a choking hazard and can cause an upset stomach. They also might contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.

Dog-friendly gummy bears are made with natural ingredients and don’t contain any sugar or xylitol. They’re also easy on your dog’s teeth and stomach.