No, dogs cannot eat Twizzlers. Although Twizzlers are not toxic for dogs, they contain high-sugar content, which is unhealthy for your canine companion. Dogs have a strong sense of taste; consuming candies generally triggers their sugar addiction. Moreover, a high-sugar diet can cause dental issues and lead to diabetes.
Table of Contents
What Are Twizzlers?
Twizzlers, also known as red licorice, are long, twisted pieces of candies available in different flavors, colors, and spin-offs. The most common flavors of Twizzlers are the following:
Cherry
Strawberry
Hershey’s Chocolate Twizzlers
Licorice
Sugar-Free Strawberry Twizzlers
Some Twizzlers spin-offs include:
Twizzlers Candy Straws
Twizzlers Filled Twists
Twizzlers Pull n’ Peel
Twizzlers Soft Bites
Twizzlers Bites
Aroma beads Hershey’s Twizzlers Scented Candle
Twizzlers Italian Ice
Twizzlers Filled Bites
Twizzlers Twerpz
Nibs
History
The Twizzlers candy maker is one of the USA’s oldest confectionery companies. They began in 1845 by setting up a shop in Brooklyn and began making licorice candies. Later in 1977, Hershey’s bought Y&S Candies and molded Twizzlers into the soft, twisty brand it is today. The licorice was the original Twizzlers twists flavor that was introduced in 1845. In the mid-1970s, the company expanded its flavors to serve popular options such as strawberry, grape, and cherry. Today strawberries are the most preferred Twizzlers Twist flavor. Even though Twizzlers are called licorice candies, except for the original flavor, others are generally devoid of licorice content and have been replaced with corn syrup.
Is Twizzler Safe for Dogs?
There is nothing poisonous or toxic in Twizzlers. But that doesn’t mean these candies are healthy, either. They are not recommended for your canine buddies and are filled with ingredients that provide much pleasure rather than benefit the health.
Why Are Twizzlers Bad For Dogs?
Twizzlers are made of some unhealthy ingredients that make them an unhealthy choice of treat for your dogs. Although the ingredients in Twizzlers depend on their flavors and spin-offs, the below-mentioned ingredients are available across all types of Twizzlers. Listed here is the impact of each ingredient on your dog’s health:
Corn syrup: It contains high sugar levels. Hence, consuming it in larger quantities over a period of time can lead to obesity and diabetes. In addition, some dogs are allergic to corn, which can present symptoms such as diarrhea and itching.
Wheat flour: Dogs that experience grain and gluten intolerance when consuming wheat flour may exhibit allergic reactions.
Cornstarch: It can cause digestive issues and respiratory irritation in dogs.
Palm oil: When dogs consume palm oil, it can lead to sickness, diarrhea, dehydration, and in extreme cases, pancreatitis.
Preservatives, artificial flavors, and dyeing agents: Apart from these, Twizzlers also contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and dyeing agents, making it an unhealthy choice for dogs:
Obesity: Since sugar consumption leads to carbohydrate buildup, it results in weight gain. Obesity negatively impacts your canine’s joints resulting in arthritis. Further, it can also trigger heart disease and lead to breathing difficulties.
Symptoms of obesity in dogs
Lethargic and inactive
Incapable of movement
Sugar: In addition to the above ingredients, Twizzlers contain a lot of sugar. Excessive sugar consumption, especially refined sugar, can result in sugar poisoning in dogs:
It disturbs the balance of gut flora in your dog’s gut leading to diarrhea.
The presence of sugar in your dog’s mouth encourages bacteria to utilize it and produce acid, which adversely affects your dog’s teeth and enamel, resulting in dental diseases, gum diseases, and, eventually, loss of teeth.
Symptoms of dental issues in dogs
Bad breath
Bacteria accumulation
Dental cavity in dogs
Further, excessive sugar consumption means your pet’s body must secrete more insulin to convert the glucose from carbohydrates to energy. Consequently, excessive insulin harms the body’s immune system, fat storage, and muscles, leading to diabetes.
Seek a vet’s help immediately if you suspect these symptoms in your dog, as diabetes may lead to the following disorders:
Diabetic cataract
Cancer
Severe Obesity
Hyperadrenocorticism
Hypothyroidism
Chronic inflammation
Cardiac insufficiency
Hyperlipidemia
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Renal and liver insufficiency
How Many Twizzlers To Feed Your Dog?
Always check for the label of ingredients before feeding anything to your pet. Keep your candy away from your canine If there are any harmful substances like xylitol. If not, feed him very occasionally a piece or two of Twizzlers. Since prevention is better than cure, always keep these foodstuffs away from your dog’s vision.
What If My Dog Ate Twizzlers?
Twizzlers are not harmful when fed in quantities less than 10 grams once in a while. But this will make your dog experience symptoms such as:
Vomiting
Loose Stools
The above symptoms may last for a day or two and settle after a while.
However, if your dog consumes a larger quantity, he can develop diabetes, obesity, and dental issues.
Alternatives To Twizzlers
Twizzlers are an unhealthy option for dogs. They do not contain any nutritional value for your pet mates. Thus, it is best not to serve them this sugary treat. Some healthy alternatives to Twizzlers are suggested below.
Cooked lean meat
Apple slices
Fresh vegetables
Peanut Butter
Pumpkin
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Eat Black Licorice Candy?
No, dogs can not have black licorice candy, it can lead to blood pressure. Consuming more significant quantities may lead to adverse health effects due to its high sugar content.
Can Dogs Eat Red Licorice Candy?
No, dogs can not have red licorice candies, it’s better to avoid feeding them to your dog. They are devoid of licorice root extract and are made with many different flavorings, including strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and cinnamon.
Can Dogs Have Licorice Root Extract?
Yes, dogs can have licorice roots as they benefit health when consumed in smaller quantities. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent when used topically and orally. Licorice helps combat stress and fatigue. Increases the effect of cortisol or steroids used for conditions like Addison’s Disease in dogs when the pet cannot produce enough cortisol on its own.
Do Twizzlers contain xylitol?
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in sugar-free products. Twizzlers don’t contain xylitol. Xylitol is toxic to dogs since consuming it, even in significantly smaller amounts, can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure in them.
What if my Dog ate Twizzlers with chocolate?
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs as they cannot metabolize it effectively. Safer amounts of chocolates you can feed your pet depend on his weight. If your dog ate Twizzlers with chocolate in more significant amounts, he might be at risk of developing chocolate toxicity. To avoid this, monitor your pet closely.
Symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs
Vomiting
Panting
Increase in heart rate
Swollen abdomen
Diarrhea
Seizures
It is always safe to immediately reach your vet when your dog has consumed large amounts of Twizzlers.
Are licorice Twizzlers safe for dogs?
Yes, licorice Twizzlers are safe for dogs in smaller quantities. However, they aren’t recommended for dogs in larger quantities. This is because black licorice bears a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can cause a rise in blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. Hence, it is good to seek your vet’s help if your canine accidentally consumed a large bag of licorice-flavored Twizzlers.
Final Thoughts
Twizzlers are tempting candies for your furry buddies, but it is always better to avoid feeding them to your dog. These candies contain artificial colors, preservatives, dyeing agents, and sugars that are unhealthy for your canine companion.
