Can Dogs Eat Fruit Snacks?
Have you ever asked yourself, can dogs eat fruit snacks? Knowing the answer will allow you to plan your pet’s diet and keep it healthy. It can be difficult to find fruits and plants that are safe for pets. You need to know which fruits are best for your pet and which are not.
Can dogs eat fruit snacks? NO, dogs can’t have commercial fruit snacks. The products you purchase at the supermarket are full of chemicals and toxic substances for your pet. Natural fruit snacks are a better choice because they will keep your pet healthy. Even those snacks should be eaten in moderation.
Remember that your pet could end up with many health issues if it is not properly fed.
What are Fruit Snacks Made of?
These sugar confectioneries are like gummy bears and are usually given as after-school treats to students and kids. These are often made in three colors: red, orange, and purple.
The primary ingredient is sugar or refined sugar, but it also contains corn syrup, apple puree concentrate, flavorings, and food coloring.
Fruit Puree Is Safe In Moderation
This fruit snack contains fruit puree, which is the only dog-safe ingredient. You can make many natural fruit purees at home for your dog if they love fruits. Opt for homemade fruit purees instead of sugary treats that look like fruits.
Corn Syrup, Glucose Syrup Is Harmful
While corn syrup is made of corn, glucose syrup can also be made from wheat or potatoes. Fruit snacks are unhealthy for dogs because glucose and corn syrup is high in sugar. Although Fruit snacks look small, they contain a lot of corn syrup and sugar that your dog will not need.
While you may be tempted to give your pet a treat, it is best not to feed them Fruit snacks, as sugary candy can cause serious health problems for your dog.
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Obesity
Sugar In large Amounts Is Harmful
One pouch of fruit snacks contains 11g of sugar, making them dangerous for dogs’ health.
Sugar intake can cause problems in your dog’s digestive system. Too much sugar can lead to a disruption of the balance of bacteria needed for food digestion. Your dog may experience diarrhea or vomit if this happens.
These are the signs of sugar overdose:
- Dental problems such as tooth decay or cavities
- Hormonal imbalances
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Obesity
Dogs can become sick from eating too much sugary candy or food. Here are some of the possible consequences for their bodies.
- Inflammation throughout your body
- Dermatitis
- Arthritis
- Pancreatitis
- Dental disease
- Lethargy
Gelatin Is Safe For Dogs
Dogs can ingest gelatin because it is pure protein. However, dogs should not eat it if it has been mixed with other harmful ingredients.
Citric Acid Is Harmful
Citric acid is not good for dogs‘ taste buds and stomachs. Dogs can experience upset stomachs if they eat food high in citric acid. Citric acid could even cause damage to dogs’ central nervous system.
Artificial Flavors Are Harmful
Artificial flavors should be kept away from canine companions. Artificial flavors can be used to enhance the taste and appearance of food, but they can also cause serious health problems for dogs. They can be made by mixing different chemicals and ingredients.
Sodium Citrate
Sodium citrate is often used in canine medication as a lubricant and fecal softener. It can also be used to aid dogs’ breathing when they are anesthetized and is not something we can recommend for our furry friends.
Carnauba Wax Is Safe But Only In A Small Amount
Carnauba wax isn’t completely toxic for dogs but too much can cause problems. Keep in mind that organic carnauba wax is better for dogs.
Annatto And Turmeric – Food Coloring
Annatto is a vegetable color that can cause seizures in dogs and is used to replace artificial orange colors. Dogs are not allowed to eat color dye, no matter whether it is annatto or turmeric. For this reason, it is best to avoid giving your dog fruit snacks.
Red 40 Is A Hazardous And Dangerous Food Coloring
Red 40 is a popular artificial dye that adds the color red to food. It has been shown to cause cancer and other behavioral problems in humans. Red 40 has been shown to cause hyperactivity and hypersensitivity reactions in children.
Since this can happen to humans, it can also happen to dogs if they are given food with artificial dyes. Red 40 should not be used in dog food. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization, Red 40 is allowed daily at 3.2 mg per pound.
We recommend that you not feed your dog food high in Red 40.
Blue 1 Is Also Harmful
According to studies, blue 1 is another artificial food color shown to cause cancer in animals. Blue 1 is not a nutritional supplement and is not suitable for human consumption.
Are Fruit Snacks Bad for Dogs?
Sugar found in fruit snacks brings a risk for obesity and diabetes in dogs. Artificial sweeteners like xylitol can even cause death to dogs. Many fruit snacks have high levels of acid, which can cause tooth erosion and other dental problems.
Diarrhea, stomach pain, and gas are all symptoms of regular fruit snack consumption in dogs. Artificial coloring in fruit snacks can cause cancer in dogs and other animals. Preservatives in fruit snacks can result in vomiting.
If your dog doesn’t get immediate medical attention, it may become allergic to fruit snacks.
Related: Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat
So, Can Dogs have Fruit Snacks?
Yes, dogs can have small amounts of fruit snacks. However, we strongly advise against it.
Although one or two fruit snacks, given occasionally, are unlikely to cause any health problems for dogs, they remain an inappropriate treat.
What about other fruit snacks? Do they pose a risk to dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Gummy Fruit Snacks?
You should not give Gummy bears to dogs.
They are high in sugar and calories and do not provide any nutritional benefits for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Welch’s Fruit Snacks?
Although Welch’s fruit snacks are rich in vitamin A and C you should not give them to your dogs.
Welch’s fruit snacks are high in sugar and calories.
Your furry friend will be happier if they get their vitamins from other healthy dog food.
Can Dogs Eat Motts Fruit Snacks?
This snack will give your dog 10g sugar, 30m sodium, and 19g carbs.
Not only is this treat high in sugar, carbs, and sodium, but citric acid, found in this variety of fruit snacks, makes it an even more dangerous food for your dog.
My Dog Ate a Fruit Snack – What Can I do?
You don’t have to worry if your dog eats small pieces of fruit snacks.
Any ill effects it might have on your dog will all be resolved on their own.
If your dog has eaten too many fruit snacks, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Fruit Snacks Alternative for Dogs
Fruit snacks are good for dogs, but only in small quantities.
These are healthy options to feed your dog instead of fruit snacks.
- Apples provide a good source of vitamin A for dogs. They are high in fiber, which aids dogs’ digestion, and taste deliciously sweet. They are low in sugar. However, you should remove the core and the seeds before feeding apples to your dog.
- Blueberries are rich in phytochemicals, fiber, and other nutrients that are good for dogs’ overall health. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and could help prevent cell damage in dogs from free radicals.
- Carrots contain high levels of vitamins and fiber. They are great for dogs’ teeth health and are better than fruit snacks.
- Pineapples can also improve the dental health of dogs. They are rich in vitamins, fiber, as well as minerals. They are enriched with bromelain, which is an enzyme that aids dogs in absorbing protein.
Similar Questions
- Can Dogs Eat Fruit Candy?
Better No!
- Are Dried Fruits Safe To Be Fed To Dogs?
Dogs should not eat dried fruits. These fruits contain toxic chemical compounds that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, kidney failure, and even death in extreme cases.
- Can Dogs Eat Apple Skin?
Dogs can eat all varieties of apples, as well as their skin.
Dogs should not eat the core or seed of an apple. The cores are a choking hazard, and the seeds contain cyanide which is highly toxic to all mammals.
Final Thoughts
The ingredients in fruit candies are potentially harmful to dogs’ health and have little nutritional value.
While a small amount of it won’t likely cause harm to your dog, responsible dog parents should avoid it and look into other healthier options.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Jelly Beans?
- Can Dogs Eat Honey Nut Cheerios?
- Can Dogs Eat Sour Patch Kids? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Is Strawberry Jelly Good or Bad for Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Cotton Candy?