Can Dogs Eat Twizzlers?

Fun to chew for you—skip it for your pup.
can dogs eat twizzlers

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Bright, chewy, and easy to pull apart, Twizzlers are the kind of snack dogs love to beg for. But can dogs eat Twizzlers? 

It’s best to skip them. These candies are packed with sugar and offer no real nutrition, and their sticky, rope-like texture makes it easy for dogs to gulp down too much at once. Some licorice-style candies can also include ingredients that are tough on your dog’s stomach—or, in sugar-free versions, potentially dangerous if they contain xylitol. 

If your dog ate sugar-free licorice candy or a large amount of Twizzlers, call your veterinarian for guidance. 

Key Takeaways

  • Twizzlers are not a safe or healthy treat for dogs.
  • Twizzlers are high in sugar and have a sticky texture that can be hard for dogs to chew and swallow.
  • Sugar-free, licorice-style candy may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
  • Dog-specific treats are a safer and healthier option for dogs.

Can Dogs Have Twizzlers?


No, dogs should not have Twizzlers as a regular snack. 

Regular Twizzlers are mostly sugar and corn syrup, which offer no real benefit to dogs. Their chewy, sticky texture can also make it easy for eager eaters to gulp down more than they should. 

For a safer chewy option, try these dog treats instead: 

Why Are Twizzlers Bad for Dogs?


Twizzlers might seem harmless, but they come with a few downsides for dogs. 

  • Too much sugar: All that sugar can upset your dog’s stomach and add extra calories they don’t need. 
  • Sticky texture: The chewy, stretchy texture can be tough to chew and easy to gulp. 
  • Empty calories: There’s no real nutrition here—just sugar and fillers. 
  • Sugar-free versions: Some versions may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. 
  • Easy to overdo it: If your dog gets into the bag, they can quickly eat more than their stomach can handle. 

My Dog Ate Twizzlers—What Do I Do?


If your dog snagged a small piece of regular Twizzlers, you’ll usually just want to watch for mild stomach upset. Bigger concerns come into play if they ate a large amount or anything sugar-free. 

Keep an eye out for: 

Call your veterinarian if: 

  • The candy was sugar-free 
  • Your dog ate a large amount 
  • Your dog is very small, a puppy, or already has digestive issues 
  • Your dog seems weak or unusually tired 

If your dog develops vomiting or diarrhea after eating candy, dehydration can happen quickly—watch for signs of dehydration in dogs like panting more than usual, a dry nose, or decreased energy and alertness. 

How Do Vets Help After a Dog Eats Twizzlers?


Treatment depends on the ingredients and how your dog feels after eating the candy. 

  • For mild stomach upset: Your vet may recommend monitoring, fluids, and a bland diet. 
  • For large candy amounts: Your dog may need more support if vomiting or diarrhea keeps going. 
  • For xylitol exposure: Emergency treatment may include blood sugar monitoring, intravenous sugar (dextrose), and hospitalization. 
  • For wrapper ingestion: Your vet may also need to consider whether packaging was swallowed along with the candy. 

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Eating Twizzlers?


Preventing candy mishaps is mostly about staying one step ahead of your dog’s curiosity. 

  • Keep candy bags and movie snacks stored out of reach. 
  • Dispose of wrappers right away before your dog can grab them. 
  • Keep purses and backpacks with candy zipped up and off the floor. 
  • Remind kids not to share licorice or gummy candy with your dog. 
  • Give your dog a safe chew or treat so they’re not tempted. 

FAQs About Dogs and Twizzlers


Can dogs eat one Twizzler? 

One regular Twizzler is unlikely to cause a major emergency for most dogs, but it’s still not a good treat choice. 

Are Twizzlers worse than plain marshmallows for dogs? 

They can be, especially because their sticky texture makes it easy for dogs to gulp down several pieces quickly. 

Are sugar-free licorice candies dangerous for dogs? 

Yes. Sugar-free candy can contain xylitol, which causes an emergency for dogs. 

What if my dog ate the wrapper too? 

Call your veterinarian if your dog swallowed wrappers, especially if they start gagging, vomiting, or acting uncomfortable. 

Attributions


This article was created with assistance from AI tools. The content has been reviewed for accuracy and edited by a human. 


Chewy Editors

Chewy Editors

Molly Price, DVM

Molly Price, DVM

Molly Price, DVM, has practiced small animal medicine for over 20 years and is a graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. She