Consider this situation. You’re casually enjoying Sour Patch Kids at home with your kids or alone. You look away for a moment and see your dog steal a few pieces from the pack and run away. You try to get those back, but he refuses to give them.
But can your dog eat Sour Patch Kids? Is It safe for them to have these delicious candies? As a concerned pet parent, it’s natural for you to be worried about these things.
The answer you’re looking for is no. Sour Patch Kids are not meant for canine consumption. Also, being rich in sugar and other unfavorable ingredients, these candies can prove detrimental to your pup’s health.
Dive right in and learn why your childhood favorite candy might not be the safest treat for your four-legged friend.
Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Sour Patch Kids?
Sour Patch Kids are not technically unsafe as they’re not toxic for dogs. However, they’re also not good for canine consumption. The candies aren’t unsafe like other sweets that contain xylitol, but if your pup consumes too many Sour Patch Kids, it can lead to serious health issues.
What Exactly are Sour Patch Kids?
Sour Patch Kids might have been your favorite candy growing up, but did you know what they are made from? These are gummies made from sugar, with a soft and chewy core that’s totally sweet, while the outside has a coating of sour crystal.
Wondering where they get their bizarre name from? Well, it is their unique shape that resembles little dolls. You can find Sour Patch Kids in various flavors, from sweet and fruity to tangy and sour.
Why Shouldn’t You Give Sour Patch Kids to Your Dog?
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with Sour Patch Kids and their core ingredients, it’s time to figure out why they’re unhealthy for your dog.
These candies are tasty and not essentially toxic. Also, if ingested in small quantities, they are unlikely to cause severe harm to dogs. On the other hand, Sour Patch Kids don’t offer any nutritional benefits either and can be harmful if your pup consumes too much of them.
It’s all because of the ingredients present in Sour Patch Kids. Let’s take a quick look at them.
1. Sugar
Whether you are just a new dog parent or have had adorable furballs for years, you must already know that sugar is your pup’s enemy. Well, it might be an exaggeration, but giving too much sugar to a dog in the form of gummy candies can lead to severe weight gain, which in turn has far-reaching impacts on the body.
Obesity can impact the quality of life of your furry friend. It will not only reduce mobility but also induce excruciating pain. This pain is often associated with other problems like swelling, pressure on joints, and joint damage leading to arthritis.
You might also notice that the weight gain has impacted self-grooming and hindered your dog from participating in their natural actions like digging or running. As per some studies, obesity can also reduce your dog’s lifespan directly and sometimes even dramatically.
2. Corn Syrup
Sour Patch Kids also contain corn syrup, which comes from glucose and cornstarch. This ingredient is non-toxic for canines, but it is a form of sugar that could also lead to excess calorie gain and obesity. Besides that, corn syrup could also cause gastrointestinal distress and lead to stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. Citric Acid
A dog can consume small amounts of citric acid, and it’s often present in pet foods to increase their shelf life. But consuming excess quantities of it could prove to be toxic. In case your pooch consumes citric acid in large doses, it can cause adverse effects on the gastrointestinal as well as nervous systems.
Your pup can experience gut issues like bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, and neural issues like central nervous system (CNS) depression that could make your dog sleepy and lethargic and lead to impaired gait and incoordination.
4. Xylitol
Xylitol, a sugar alcohol found in some vegetables and plants, is not safe for canine consumption. Although a majority of Sour Patch Kids gummies are free of xylitol, it makes the candies safe for your dog but still not healthy.
However, there is a type of Sour Patch Kids chewing gum that contains xylitol, like many other chewing gums that are free of sugar. It is unsafe, and even if your pup consumes a small amount of it, it could cause severe health issues.
You must look out for these signs of xylitol poisoning:
- Weakness
- Low blood sugar
- Ataxia or wobbling gait
- Coma
- Seizures
- Death
Pro Tip: Ensure you keep any sweet that contains xylitol away from your pet dog.
What to do if a Dog Eats Sour Patch Kids?
Despite your best efforts, if your dog has managed to eat a few pieces of Sour Patch Kids, you can relax. Most probably, it won’t cause any issues. You should still keep a close eye and look out for signs of illness and keep the candies out of their reach.
Observe your pup for these side effects:
- Flatulence
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hyperactivity
- Stomach cramps
You must seek help from your vet as they can advise you on the next steps as well as required treatment, if necessary.
Healthy Alternatives of Sour Patch Kids
Is your pup a fan of sweet treats? Do you want to offer a sweet treat to your dog? Well, there are a few healthier and even more nutritious alternatives to Sour Patch Kids available.
1. Carrots
If you’re searching for a crunchy and delicious treat for your dog, carrots can be a good option for you. The vegetable is rich in vitamin A, which supports the immune system, eyes, coat, and even skin. You can simply chop the carrots and give them fresh as a healthy yet edible chew toy.
2. Berries
You and your pup can share the tasty berries and benefit from their goodness. Both raspberries and blueberries are sweet, tasty, and rich in antioxidants and fiber. Your pup’s immune system will also benefit immensely from the vitamins K and C present in these berries.
3. Melons
You can also opt for melons, like cantaloupe, for your dog. The tasty fruit is abundant in water, which will keep dogs hydrated, and it also contains fiber, antioxidants, and selenium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Eat Sour Sweets?
While a dog can eat sour candies, it is not good for their health as they contain a lot of sugar.
Is Candy Okay For Dogs?
No, dogs cannot eat candies as they can contain unhealthy ingredients.
What Sweets Are Safe For Dogs?
You can offer peanut butter cakes, bars, cookies, and even biscuits as sweet treats to your dog.
Final Thoughts
Dogs tend to have a great liking for human food. You’ll also find that your pets have mastered the innocent, doe-eyed look to beg you to share your food with them. No matter how convincing those puppy eyes are, there are some foods you can never share with your pet dog.
And Sour Patch Kids are one of them. With an exorbitant amount of sugar, corn syrup, and citric acid, it can cause irrevocable harm to your pup’s health. You must keep it out of your furry friend’s reach and consult a vet immediately if you think there’s a chance your dog has eaten a few pieces!
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
