As a canine parent, we want to make sure that our beloved furry friends are living healthy and happy lives. But with the wide variety of snacks available, it can be hard to determine which treats are safe for dogs.

Skittles may seem like an innocuous snack you eat on rainy nights in front of the TV, but can your pup indulge too? Can dogs eat Skittles?

No, dogs should not be given Skittles to eat. Skittles and other sugary treats contain artificial sweeteners and extensive amounts of sugar that can cause serious health problems in dogs if ingested.

This includes digestion issues, teeth cavities, weight gain, and even diabetes. While small amounts of sugar may not be fatal to a dog, it’s best to avoid feeding Skittles or any candy as a treat as much as possible.

What Are Skittles Made From?

Skittles are classic, beloved candy made by Mars, Inc. These colorful treats have a signature chewy texture and delicious fruity flavors, but ever wonder what they are made of? The primary ingredients in Skittles include:

• Sugar
• Corn Syrup
• Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
• Juice Concentrate
• Citric Acid
• Natural & Artificial Flavors

Much more goes into making these little treats though. The process begins with the mixing of the base ingredients to make the center dough. After that, the centers receive their coating in a layer of hard outer shells enticingly dyed with various vegetable-based dyes that give Skittles their unmistakable hue.

Can Dogs Eat Skittles?

The short answer to the question of whether dogs can eat Skittles is a definitive no. Dogs should not be allowed to consume these colorful, chewy candies because they have a high fructose corn syrup content and contain artificial colors, both of which are potentially dangerous for dogs.

The main concern regarding Skittles for canine consumption is that the artificial sweeteners and bright dye used to make them can prove toxic and create gastrointestinal issues in some pets.

In addition, Skittles simply don't have the nutrition canines need, instead providing little more than empty calories. It's best to leave these sweets for human consumption only, as giving them to Fido could end up being harmful to their health.

Why Are Skittles Bad For Dogs?

Xylitol Content

The first and most important reason why skittles are bad for dogs is that they are toxic to them. Skittles contain a compound called xylitol, which is a sugar alcohol that is safe for humans but toxic for dogs. When dogs consume xylitol, it can cause a rapid drop in their blood sugar levels, which can lead to vomiting, weakness, and seizures.

Digestive Issues

Another reason why skittles are bad for dogs is that they can cause an upset stomach. Like many human foods, skittles are high in sugar and fat, which can be hard for dogs to digest. Eating too many skittles can cause diarrhea or vomiting in dogs.

Choking Hazard

Another concern with giving skittles to dogs is that they are a choking hazard. Skittles are small and hard, which means that they can easily get stuck in a dog's throat. If a dog swallows a skittle whole, it could block their airway and cause them to choke.

High Sugar Content

In addition to containing xylitol, skittles are also high in sugar. While a little bit of sugar is not harmful to dogs, too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Harmful Ingredients

In addition to xylitol and sugar, skittles may also contain other harmful ingredients such as artificial colors and flavors. These ingredients can be toxic to dogs and may cause gastrointestinal upset or other health problems.

Can Dogs Eat Sour Skittles?

While many people love sour skittles, it is not recommended that these treats be fed to dogs as their digestive systems are not able to handle the sugar and artificial ingredients very well. While the treat itself may not be toxic to your pup, certain ingredients in this snack could potentially cause harm to your canine companion.

Some of the artificial colors used such as FD&C Red 40 and Yellow 5 are known to irritate your pet's gastrointestinal tract, while the high sugar content can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other long-term health complications when consumed in large quantities.

Is It Possible For Dogs To Be Allergic To Skittles?

While it’s not like every pup will suffer from an allergic reaction to the candy, some unlucky canines could experience adverse effects if they come into contact with them. It’s important to note that getting hold of Skittles isn’t the only exposure risk.

Signs of a dog allergy could be anything from digestive issues to rashes or swelling in the mouth and throat. If you think your furry friend could have eaten something suspicious and are concerned about their wellbeing, then seeing a vet for advice is always beneficial.

Can Dogs Eat Skittles Gummies?

Dogs should not eat Skittles gummies or any other candies for that matter. While sharing a few Skittles gummies with your pup may seem harmless, sugar and artificial ingredients can have serious consequences when consumed by dogs.

Too much sugar can contribute to low energy levels, weight gain, and ultimately diabetes; artificial ingredients are simply not necessary for a healthy diet and could have unintended side effects on sensitive canines.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Skittles And Gets Sick?

If your dog has eaten Skittles and is exhibiting signs of sickness, the best thing to do is call your veterinarian immediately. The vet can assess the situation and decide whether it’s serious enough that your pet needs to come in for an exam or if you can wait and observe them at home.

Depending on how many Skittles were eaten, the ingredients within them, and the weight of the dog, a veterinarian should be able to recommend what will work best for your particular pet's needs. It’s important to keep an eye out for common symptoms such as:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive Thirst
• Drooling
• Excessive Urination
• Agitation
• Weakness

If not treated soon enough it can lead to much more serious health issues so immediate attention is recommended. Taking care of your dog’s health is important and this includes being aware of what they eat!

So, Can Dogs Eat Skittles?

Considering the range of ingredients in Skittles candy, it's definitely not recommended that dogs eat them. The main ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil can all pose potential health risks to dogs.

Furthermore, additives like artificial flavors can be dangerous to their digestive systems and also potentially cause allergic reactions due to sensitivities within their bodies. If you're considering giving your dog something sweet, always consult a veterinarian and do some research first to ensure your pet's safety.

There are many alternative snacks that can satisfy your pup's sweet tooth while being healthy and safe, so aim for those instead of allowing them to eat Skittles.