Can Dogs Eat Gummy Bears?

No, dogs should not eat gummy bears and other types of gummies.

Gummy bears are bear-shaped chewable sweets made from gelatin. It is the same ingredient used to make other treats such as marshmallow, yogurt, and ice cream. Aside from bears, gummies can have other shapes such as fish and worms. It is usually made using the following ingredients: corn syrup, sucrose, gelatin, starch, water, as well as colouring and flavouring. Some also contain the sugar substitute xylitol.

Do not feed gummy bears to your dog. These sweet, chewy treats do not contain any nutrients that would benefit your canine pet. In fact, those with xylitol may even poison your dog 30 minutes to an hour after he eats them. The gummies may cause his sugar levels to drop and his liver to fail.

What to do if your dog accidentally eats gummy bears: Check the nutrition facts label for the ingredients used to make them. If the list contains xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately. Observe him for these symptoms: vomiting, lethargy, incoordination, tremors, collapse, and seizures.

If your dog only licked or bit into a small piece of gummy bear without xylitol, he should be fine. However, small-sized dogs may experience upset stomach or gastroenteritis after consuming gummy bears.

Also remember that the high sugar content found in gummy bears may cause a variety of health issues. Indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and inflammation may manifest. If fed regularly, your dog may gain weight, become obese, or have dental cavities.

In summary: Gummy bears are not a beneficial snack to add to your canine pet’s diet. Instead of giving him this artificial and sugar-laden treat, find out which vegetables and fruits you can feed him as healthy treats. Explore our “can dogs eat” category today.