The short answer is that while dogs can eat gummy bears, they really shouldn’t. While consuming a few gummy bears isn’t generally an emergency, gummy bears aren’t safe for dogs to eat. These candies contain a high amount of sugar that isn’t good for your pup. Additionally, the sugar-free variety are dangerous for your dog to consume.
If your dog has eaten this chewy snack, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Why are gummy bears bad for dogs?
Gummy bears are essentially made from two ingredients: gelatin and sugar. Gelatin isn’t bad for dogs to eat, but the sugar content is. When dogs eat too much sugar, it causes a host of problems. For one, excessive sugar intake has the potential to cause diabetes, especially in smaller dogs. Obesity is another problem that can arise from excessive intake of sugar, which can cause a variety of health issues.
Additionally, a large amount of sugar consumption in a short period can cause your pup to get a boost of energy that you might not be prepared for. While this isn’t necessarily dangerous, it can be a lot to deal with if you aren’t used to a high-energy pup.
Although traditional gummy bears aren’t good for dogs, the sugar-free variety is toxic. Sugar-free candies often contain the compound xylitol, which is used to artificially sweeten human treats. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, even in the smallest amounts.
What should I do if my dog eats gummy ears?
If your dog ate gummy bears, you should first determine if they were sugar-free. If so, you should take your dog to a vet immediately, as this can be fatal.
If the gummy bears your dog ate were not sugar-free, simply keep an eye on your furry friend. If your dog has eaten a lot of this chewy candy, they may experience gastrointestinal upset, including constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and gas. In this case, a bland meal of plain boiled chicken and rice may help put their stomach at ease.
