Can Dogs Eat Skittles?

Well, a small amount of Skittles won’t harm your dog, but it’s not the best idea to share your candy. Skittles are packed with sugar, and while they’re not toxic, eating too many can lead to mild dehydration and increased thirst. You might see little to no after-effects, but there’s a chance your dog could experience some vomiting or diarrhea because of all of the sugar and the sudden change in diet. So, if you’re snacking on Skittles, it’s best to keep them out of your dog’s reach.

Table Of Contents

Are Skittles toxic for dogs?
- Food coloring is not that healthy
My dog ate a bag of Skittles, what should I do?
FAQs

Dogs shouldn’t eat Skittles because they are essentially processed candy filled with empty calories and have no nutritional value. There’s really no reason to give your dog Skittles as a treat. While they might enjoy the sweet taste, Skittles don’t contribute anything beneficial to their diet. However, if your dog accidentally gets hold of a few, don’t panic. We’re here to reassure you that they’ll likely be fine, just keep an eye on them as they may vomit or have diarrhea.

Are Skittles toxic for dogs?

No, Skittles are not toxic for dogs. They are just full of processed and artificial stuff. They also have zero nutritional value, and some colors used for them are even flagged in certain countries. For example, some red colors are banned in the state of California now! And there’s more info on this. You can read this study about the toxicology of food dyes. The study says that three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) have been found to contain contaminants like benzidine and other carcinogens. Additionally, at least four dyes (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) can cause hypersensitivity reactions.

Skittles ingredients:

Sugar
Corn syrup
Hydrogenated palm kernel oil
Citric acid
Tapioca dextrin
Modified corn starch
Natural and artificial flavors
Colors (red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1)
Sodium citrate
Carnauba wax

While the ingredients in Skittles aren’t toxic for dogs, they are definitely not healthy. Sugar and artificial additives can cause digestive issues and other health problems if consumed in large quantities. It’s always best to steer clear of giving your dog processed candies like Skittles and, instead, choose healthier, dog-friendly treats. This choice can significantly contribute to your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Food coloring is not that healthy

There are certain food colors, like red and yellow, that contain some carcinogenic substances. In addition, one of the red colors is banned in California, even though it’s FDA-approved.

My dog ate a bag of Skittles, what should I do?

First of all, don’t panic—your dog is probably going to be fine. The situation depends on your dog’s size and how many Skittles they ate. They might experience some abdominal pain due to all the candy, and the high sugar content will likely make them thirsty. You can expect them to have a pretty unpleasant poo the next day and maybe even feel a bit lethargic. Keep an eye on them, make sure they have plenty of water, and if you notice any severe symptoms, contact your vet for advice.

While Skittles aren’t toxic to dogs, they are definitely not a healthy treat. If your dog accidentally eats a few, they’re likely to be okay, but it’s best to avoid giving them sugary, processed candies. Always opt for treats that provide nutritional benefits and keep your dog happy and healthy.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat sour Skittles?

No, dogs should not eat sour Skittles. The high sugar content and added acids can cause digestive upset and discomfort.