Can Dogs Eat Skittles?

Skittles are among the most popular candies, not just on Halloween.

If you like Skittles, you might think about giving them to your dog as a treat.

But then you stop thinking about how candy isn’t good for people.

Can dogs eat Skittles? Then, would it be wise to give sugary treats to your dog?

No, dogs should not eat Skittles.

The ingredients in Skittles are not particularly toxic to our canine friends.

But they shouldn’t eat them either.

However, feeding Skittles to your dog will not provide any nutritional benefits, and it is best to avoid feeding Skittles or any sugary candy to your dog regularly.

Skittles may also cause different reactions in dogs.

Your dog may occasionally eat a piece of human food without your knowledge.

They come in different variations to satisfy every type of craving, including extra sour Skittles, fruity Skittles, and wild berry Skittles in small vibrant-looking packets.

However, there might be a problem if your pet accidentally ate several pieces of candy.

Remember that your dog might not be able to eat all candies.

Jolly Ranchers and other hard candies may be safe for your dog to eat because of what’s in them, but they can still be hard for your dog to chew.

What Happens If Dogs Eat Skittles?

a lot of different color skittles

Sugar is a drawback of giving skittles to your dog.

In a Skittle, not much more is present.

Dogs, however, are not designed to process large amounts of sugar.

Due to this, you should only sometimes give your dog Skittles.

What occurs if your dog eats Skittles, then?

Because their bodies aren’t particularly good at processing sugar, it might lead to many dogs experiencing upset stomachs.

Most of us know that consuming a lot of sugar can lead to weight gain.

Given that obesity in dogs is on the rise, it’s critical to restrict actions that could aggravate the issue and promote weight gain.

Similar to how it may be in humans, sugar can cause cavities in dogs.

Ingredients Of Skittles

Sugar and food colorings are the main ingredients in Skittles.

They contain a lot of sugar, which might cause digestive problems in dogs.

One or two Skittles would fulfill your dog’s craving without harming it.

However, you shouldn’t give Skittles to your dog frequently or in excessive quantities because it contains sugar.

If your dog eats a packet of Skittles, you should take it to the vet immediately so they can examine it.

Even though a few Skittles might not harm your dog immediately, they are bad for their health.

Consuming a lot of Skittles can result in severe hypoglycemia.

Sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, cavities, and diabetes.

Skittles won’t be harmful to the dog’s health if they’re consumed in moderation.

Candy snacks with sugar should only be given to children.

Does Skittles Contain Xylitol?

a hand full of skittles

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is not present in Skittles.

You are correct to wonder if xylitol is included in Skittles, given that it is dangerous to dogs.

If a dog consumes an excessive amount of Skittles, he or she may become xylitol poisoned.

Xylitol can lead to hypoglycemia, a condition in which the body has low blood sugar.

The ingredients used to make Skittles include:

  • Sugar

  • Corn syrup

  • Hydrogenated palm kernel oil (like corn starch and flavors)

Are Skittles Toxic To Dogs?

When we discuss dangerous foods, we are referring to substances that have the potential to release a poison or toxin that could be fatal or contagious.

There is no toxicity in Skittles.

Is Skittles bad for dogs?

dog on left side skittles on right side

How Much Of Skittles Are Dangerous For Dogs?

What, then, a modest amount?

How many Skittles can your dog eat without becoming sick?

As a general guideline, you should only give your pet dog a maximum of 10 grams of any sugary treat.

Any dog that doesn’t already have any health issues ought to be OK with this modest amount of sugar.

Given that each Skittle weighs about one gram, 10 grams of Skittles will roughly equal 10 grams of sugary treat.

Your dog should be alright if you don’t give them more than 10 Skittles at once.

In more severe cases, eating sour Skittles can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal.

My Dog Ate Skittles – What Should I Do?

Always check the candy that your dog consumed for ingredients.

Contact your veterinarian if it contains raisins, chocolate, or xylitol.

Additionally, you want to strive to ascertain how much sweets your dog consumes.

The veterinarian will require knowledge about this.

Then, make your dog as comfy as possible.

Allow them frequent restroom breaks and plenty of drinks.

The worst-case scenario is probably just an upset stomach, but keep a close check on them anyway.

The candy wrapper will cause the dog’s throat to get blocked.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Skittles?

dog with closed eyes on left side skittles on right side

A dog can not eat Skittles as they have toxic ingredients and additives which can harm your dog.

Candy is unhealthy and contains a lot of artificial flavorings, so feeding it regularly is not a good idea.

These treats may also cause your dog to become ill.

If your dog eats too many Skittles, it’ll get too much sugar in its system, leading to poor dental health, weight gain, and, worst scenario, diabetes.

A four-legged friend may also go through hormonal and metabolic problems, or even diabetes, due to the processed sugar in colorful candies.

Other human candy can kill your dog, whereas Skittles might not, but it will harm the dog’s health.

Avoid Xylitol-containing candies, such as bubble gum.

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating Skittles.

Before You Go…

Now you know the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat Skittles?”.

If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!

Mena Emad, DVM
Mena has a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. His expertise, passion for animal welfare, extensive knowledge, and experience in the field of veterinary medicine make him an excellent resource for our readers.