Can Dogs Eat Skittles? How Many Skittles Is Too Many?

These rainbow-colored candies come in a variety of intense flavors, so it’s no surprise that your pup might be curious about them. While a skittle here or there likely won’t hurt your dog, if the thought of making this treat a regular part of their diet has brushed your thought, we need to stop you right here. Can dogs eat skittles? Let’s find the answer!

The Risks of Feeding Your Dog Skittles

Let’s try to answer the question: can dogs eat skittles? We will start by looking at the dangers associated with feeding these brightly colored treats to your pet.

Sugar

Sugar is the main ingredient in skittles, and it is not good for dogs. Dogs can develop diabetes from eating too much sugar. Other negative consequences of sugar consumption in dogs include: weight gain, dental problems and cancer.

One handful of skittles can have up to 18 grams of sugar. That is more than the recommended daily amount of sugar for humans, which is about 12 grams. Dogs do not need any glucose in their diet at all, so it is best to avoid giving them skittles or any other candy that is high in this kind of sugar.

Xylitol

Chances are, after reading about the dangers of sugar, you are now thinking that sugar-free skittles might be a safer option. Nothing could be further from the truth! Sugar-free skittles actually contain an ingredient that is even more toxic for dogs than sugar: xylitol.

Xylitol is a sweetener that is used in many sugar-free products. It can cause a drop in blood sugar, which can lead to seizures and liver failure in dogs. Just a few pieces of skittles that contain xylitol can be deadly to a dog.

Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is another ingredient in skittles that can be harmful to dogs. Corn syrup is a sugary liquid that can cause obesity and other health problems in dogs. It is best to avoid giving your dog skittles or any other candy that contains corn syrup.

Artificial Flavors

Skittles also contain flavorings, which are not safe for dogs. These flavorings can cause digestive problems in dogs, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs may also experience skin rashes after ingesting those flavorings.

Editor’s Note

As we can see, skittles are definitely not a good choice for our canine companions. So the answer to “can dogs eat skittles?” is a resounding no! If you find your pup trying to get their paws on some of these sweet treats, it’s best to give them something else that is safe and nutritional instead.

Can One Skittle Kill a Dog?

If it’s a regular skittle without the addition of xylitol, then no, one won’t harm your dog. However, if you do choose to give your dog skittles, make sure you do so in moderation. A good rule of thumb is to only give them one or two skittles at a time. You should also monitor your dog closely after they eat skittles to make sure they don’t have any adverse reactions. If you notice any problems, stop feeding them skittles and contact your veterinarian right away.

Dog-Friendly Alternatives to Skittles

There are plenty of healthy alternatives to skittles that you can give your dog instead! These include:

• fruits and vegetables;
• yogurt;
• peanut butter;
• honey.

Giving your dog a variety of healthy foods is the best way to keep them healthy and happy. Skittles are not a good choice, so pick one of these healthier alternatives instead!

At the end of the day, you know your dog best. If you think they can handle a skittle or two, go ahead and give it a try. Just be sure to monitor their reaction and only give them a small amount. You can also try to make your own homemade skittles without preservatives and artificial flavorings.

Can Dogs Eat Skittles? The Bottom Line

Can dogs eat skittles? No, we do not recommend giving your dog this popular candy. Skittles contain not one, but several ingredients that are harmful to dogs. There are many healthy and tasty alternatives to skittles that your dog will love, so there is no need to take the risk. Thank you for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if a Dog Eats Skittles?

If a dog eats skittles, they may experience digestive issues, weight gain or sugar-related health conditions. Skittles contain sugar and artificial flavorings, which are both harmful to dogs. If you suspect that your dog has eaten skittles and is showing signs of distress, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Will Skittles Hurt My Dog?

Yes, skittles can hurt your dog if consumed in large quantities. The sugar and artificial flavorings found in skittles can cause digestive issues, weight gain and other health conditions. It is best to avoid giving your dog this sweet treat in order to keep them healthy.

What Candy Is Toxic to Dogs?

Most candy, including skittles, is toxic to dogs. Chocolate is particularly dangerous and can even be deadly if consumed in large amounts. Other toxic foods include raisins, xylitol (found in sugar-free candy), macadamia nuts and grapes. If you suspect that your dog has ingested any of these foods, contact a veterinarian immediately.

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