Can dogs eat candy?

A dropped piece of candy hits the floor, and your dog snaps it up before you can react. It’s a scene that plays out in many homes, often followed by a moment of panic. Pet parents should be on even higher alert around Halloween and holiday season, when there’s a lot more opportunity for candy to be left lying around.

So, is it okay for dogs to eat candy? The short and simple answer is no. While the level of danger varies, no candy is actually good for dogs and some kinds can be extremely dangerous. Understanding why is the first step to keeping your best friend safe.

Why is candy bad for dogs?

A dog’s digestive system just isn’t built to handle the high sugar and fat content found in candy. Even if a sweet treat doesn’t contain a specific toxin, it can cause problems. The sudden influx of sugar can disrupt the healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut, often leading to vomiting and diarrhea. For some pups, a high-fat treat can even trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that may require a hospital stay.

Over the long term, these empty calories contribute to weight gain, which can lead to other health issues like joint disease and diabetes. Plus, just like with humans, sugar is bad for their teeth and can cause significant dental problems down the road.

What candy is toxic to dogs?

While sugar is generally unhealthy for dogs, some ingredients found in candy are outright toxic. It’s important to know which ones can be the most harmful so you can protect your pet accordingly.

Chocolate

Most pet parents know that chocolate is a major no-no for dogs. It contains two related stimulants (theobromine and caffeine) that dogs can't metabolize well. This can lead to a dangerously elevated heart rate, restlessness, muscle tremors and seizures. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate are the most dangerous, followed by milk chocolate. White chocolate has very little of the toxic compounds, but its high fat content can still cause pancreatitis.

Xylitol

Perhaps the most dangerous ingredient of all is xylitol, a sugar substitute found in hundreds of products. If you see “sugar-free” or “no sugar added” on a label, you should be on high alert. When a dog eats sugar-free candy containing xylitol, it can trigger a massive, rapid release of insulin, causing their blood sugar to plummet to life-threatening levels. This is called hypoglycemia, and it can happen within 10 to 60 minutes of ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, staggering, collapse and seizures. In higher doses, xylitol can also cause severe liver failure, which is often fatal.

Other risky ingredients

Some candies contain other ingredients that are surprisingly harmful for dogs. Raisins (found in some chocolate bars or baked goods) are highly toxic and can cause sudden kidney failure. Macadamia nuts are also toxic and can lead to weakness, tremors and lethargy.

What about hard and chewy candies?

Even if the ingredients aren't toxic, the physical form of candy can present its own dangers. Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or candy canes seem innocent, but a dog’s powerful jaws can easily shatter them into sharp pieces that can injure their mouth or throat. If swallowed whole, they become a serious choking hazard or can cause an intestinal blockage. The same goes for chewy candies. While a single, sugar-based gummy bear is unlikely to poison a big dog, a large amount can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, and the sticky texture can lead to tooth decay.

Don't forget the wrappers. Foil and plastic can bunch up in the digestive tract, leading to a foreign body obstruction — a life-threatening emergency that often requires surgery.

What to do if your dog eats candy

If you’re here because your dog already ate a piece of candy, stay calm and follow these steps. 

• Prevent more eating. First, get your dog away from the candy and put any remaining sweets and wrappers somewhere secure.
• Gather information. Collect the packaging. You need to know the ingredients (look for xylitol!), the amount your dog ate and roughly when they ate it. Take a picture of the ingredient list if you can.
• Call for help. Immediately call your veterinarian, a 24/7 emergency vet clinic or a pet poison control hotline. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
• Follow professional advice. Don’t try to induce vomiting at home unless a veterinary professional specifically tells you to. In some situations, this can make things worse.

“If your dog eats candy, it's critical to contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately, even if they seem fine,” Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, says. “Many ingredients that are harmful to dogs have delayed symptoms, and prompt professional guidance can be the difference between a simple treatment and a life-threatening emergency.”

Safe “sweet” treats for your dog

Your pup might have a sweet tooth, but candy isn’t the way to satisfy it. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy alternatives they’ll love just as much. Many fruits and vegetables offer a touch of natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Try offering your dog small, bite-sized pieces of:

• Apples (seeds and core removed)
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Boiled sweet potato (plain)

At the end of the day, the safest choice is to keep human sweets on a high shelf and stick to treats made just for dogs.