Can Dogs Eat Skittles?

Skittles are an all-time favorite candy treat not just on Halloween, but all year round! If you’re fond of Skittles, you may be thinking of sharing the treat with your dog. But then, you stop and remember that candies aren’t considered healthy for people in general. Would it then be wise to feed them to your dog? Can dogs eat Skittles? As a caring pet owner, of course you want to make sure. Before we answer this question, let’s first take a look at what Skittles are made of.

Skittles are small candies that come in different colors and flavors. Everyone knows what Skittles are! They come available in different variations for every type of craving. There are extra sour Skittles, fruity Skittles, and wild berry Skittles in small vibrant-looking packets.

But what do Skittles really contain? For all the yummy goodness, Skittles are far from healthy snacks—for people, and more especially for dogs. These candies are manufactured with large amounts of sugar and food color, starting from the hard shell down to the chewy, tasty insides.

Is Skittles Bad for Dogs?

Skittles don’t contain ingredients that are especially toxic to our canine companions. However, there definitely isn’t any nutritional benefit to feeding Skittles to your dog. Dogs may also react differently to Skittles. Sometimes, you won’t even notice if your dog has eaten a piece. But if your pet accidentally consumed several pieces of candy, then there might be cause for worry.

Overconsumption of Skittles may cause an upset stomach in dogs. Other possible gastrointestinal problems may also occur, including bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sugar can also cause cavities and result in poor dental health.

Another concern when a dog eats Skittles without the owner knowing is the danger of accidentally ingesting the plastic packaging. Candy wrappers can cause blockage in your dog’s throat or intestines. Before you know it, you’re facing a medical emergency. If not given immediate attention, the situation can even be life-threatening and require surgery.

Can my dog eat a Skittle? The short answer is YES, but only as a rare treat. It’s not a good idea to feed it to him regularly because for one, candies don’t have any real nutritional value. Also, Skittles can make your dog sick so observe your dog carefully if he has eaten a Skittle. Dogs react differently to sugar intake.  While some dogs would seem fine after accidentally consuming a whole packet, other dogs can get sick after eating only a few pieces. 

If your dog seems to be able to tolerate Skittles, and maybe even ask you for more of these candy treats, don’t make it a habit to feed it to him. As a rule, refrain from feeding candies and any processed sugar to your pet dog. Aside from the fact that Skittles don’t contain nutrients, sugar addiction can be a problem to dogs as it can be to humans.

Eating candies can cause dental problems and obesity in dogs. Skittles are definitely a no if you want your dog to maintain a healthy weight and diet. Processed sugar can also cause hormonal and metabolic problems in canines, which could even lead to more serious conditions like diabetes. The scary part is you won’t even see symptoms until it’s too late and your dog’s health may have already been compromised.

Can Dogs Eat Sour Skittles?

Sour candies like Skittles are generally not recommended for dogs. These candies may contain xylitol, a sugar substitute used in manufacturing candies and other sugar-reduced products. Xylitol is absorbed quickly upon ingestion and according to experts, may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) to develop. If your dog has eaten one too many Skittles, this may result in xylitol poisoning, the symptoms of which could include loss of balance and convulsion. In more serious cases, eating sour Skittles can lead to liver failure and even death.

So, are sour skittles bad for dogs? Less than 10 milligrams wouldn’t be enough to cause serious damage. But ingesting more than this amount could pose a potential health risk for dogs. If you suspect your dog has ingested too much candy, don’t hesitate to take him to the vet for a checkup.

Can Dogs Eat Skittles Candy?

Skittles are mostly safe for dogs in small amounts. The same goes with many of our favorite candy treats that are made of sugar. But there are some candies that you should definitely keep away from your dog. Every dog owner knows that chocolates should be avoided completely.

Chocolate can relieve stress and improve your mood, but to dogs, the tiniest amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even a fatality. Aside from chocolate, candies containing xylitol can cause death in dogs. Bubble gum, for instance, often contain up to one gram of xylitol per piece. Ingesting more than two pieces can easily cause severe hypoglycemia in a 45-pound dog.

Healthy Alternatives to Candy Treats 

If you would like to feed candy to your dog, there’s a lot of different kinds of treats you can find in the pet store. Treats are not only enjoyable for your fluffy buddy, but they’re also extremely useful if you’re trying to give your dog some basic training.

As for natural treats, you’ll never run out of ideas! Dogs love apples, watermelon, bananas, broccoli, blueberries, and other fruits that are healthy and canine-friendly. They also enjoy cooked squash and sweet potatoes. Remember to always start with a little amount when introducing new treats to your dog.

Conclusion

Are skittles okay for dogs? One or two bites are not likely to cause any harm and should be enough to satisfy your dog’s curiosity. However, it’s best not to make it a habit to feed Skittles or any kind of candy to your dog. Skittles have high sugar content which can cause some gastrointestinal issues. If your dog ingests a whole pack of Skittles without your knowledge, observe your dog carefully for any symptoms that he might be ill. If you’re worried, have him checked by the vet immediately.