Skittles is candy flavored with fruits. It is one of the popular candy products in the entire western hemisphere. Currently, the Mars Wrigley Company produces and markets Skittles (along with Sneakers, M&Ms, Galaxy, Maltesers, etc.).
It consists of hard sugar shells and comes in a range of tastes such as Sweet Heat and Sour, Dessert, Wild Betty, and Tropical candy. But can dogs eat Skittles? That’s the question to tackle today.
Do you have a specific question about dogs and Skittles? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
What are the Skittles ingredients?
The list of Skittles ingredients corn syrup, sugar, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil. These three ingredients make 98% of the product.
The rest of 2% ingredients are tapioca dextrin, citric acid, and modified corn starch, artificial and natural flavors along with colors. Skittles also contain a small amount of carnauba wax and sodium citrate.
Are Skittles bad for dogs?
Yes, you should not give your dog Skittles because they contain a high amount of sugar and corn syrup. Sugar is not a healthy option for your dog.
However, a small amount won’t harm your dog. And as you know, there’s a lot of sugars that are naturally present in many products your pup might be eating – like carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, etc.
So make sure your dog does not eat a large number of Skittles as it has minimal nutritional value.
Also, super sugary corn syrup used to create Skittles can contribute to unwanted calories that are associated with numerous health issues. E.g., obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and high triglyceride levels. All of them can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in your dog.
Can dogs eat sour Skittles?
Sour Skittles still contain a significant amount of sugar content in it too. However, if you give less than10 grams to your dog, it won’t harm him. Skittles are safe if your dog eats them in small quantities.
Your dog can taste sour and well sometimes might enjoy it. However, regular food can taste bitter to your dog afterward. So, your dog might even learn to avoid sour Skittles. But maybe it would be better to keep it away from your pup in the first place.
My dog ate Skittles. What should I do?
When your dog eats a handful of Skittles, it can make him sick. So at the very least, your pup might experience digestive discomfort, including bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting. So, if you notice any of these symptoms, you can take your dog to the vet clinic where a qualified pet professional will diagnose the condition and treat your dog.
Skittles contain 9 different artificial colors and chemically engineered trans-fats. For instance, hydrogenated oil, that can be even lethal to the cardiovascular health of your dog in the long run.
We are talking about diabetes and various heart diseases here. Not only can this cause plaque in your dog’s arteries, but some time later, it may cause a heart attack. So, beware of this all and do not feed your dog with Skittles.
Dogs and Skittles. Summary
Skittles is a popular candy, and everyone, including dog owners, loves eating it. They might not immediately affect the human digestive system or any other bodily function – even when consumed in large quantities.
However, your dog, on the other hand, can be significantly influenced by the smallest serving of Skittles.
Vets generally don’t recommend sugary foods for dogs. As it causes stomach problems mainly as short-term results and can lead to way more severe issues in the long run. Stick with pup’s regular food and treats.
After all, isn’t it that you fido going crazy about that particular kind of treatos you share with him from time to time? I bet it’s healthier and more delicious than Skittles.
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
