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We take our canines with us wherever we go, spoil them on holidays, and think about them a part of our household. So, it is sensible if you happen to’d prefer to share your favourite actions and snacks with them, too. But what if the primary deal with you attain for while you’re feeling snacky is gummy worms? Can you share these together with your canine?
Unfortunately, gummy worms will not be a dog-friendly deal with. Not solely are they excessive in sugar, however they provide no dietary advantages for canines in any respect. Additionally, some kinds of gummy worms can truly be harmful if Fido will get into them. Read on to study extra about why you shouldn’t feed canines gummy worms and what you possibly can provide as a substitute.
The 3 Reasons Why Dogs Can’t Eat Gummy Worms
1. Unhealthy Ingredients
Regular gummy worms are sometimes manufactured from a combination of sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and flavorings. However, they’ll additionally comprise coloring brokers to make them the specified coloration, citric acid for a bitter style, and vegetable oils to stop sticking.
While none of those elements are inherently poisonous for canines, they’re not notably good for them, both. For instance, overeating sugar can contribute to well being points for pups, like weight problems, diabetes, and dental issues.
Additionally, the mix of elements your pup isn’t used to consuming also can trigger gastrointestinal points, like vomiting or diarrhea.
2. Potential for Xylitol
While most common gummy worms aren’t poisonous for Fido, the sugar-free model worms might be lethal if consumed by canines. Although many sugar free gummy worms are made with Stevia which is secure for canines in small quantities there’s the chance they might comprise xylitol. Xylitol is a man-made sweetener typically present in sugar-free meals and might be listed by many different names equivalent to birch sugar, birch bark extract and E967. While this ingredient might be a wonderful sugar different for people, it’s extremely poisonous to our canine companions2. Xylitol is absorbed rapidly right into a canine’s bloodstream, which leads to a potent launch of insulin that may trigger hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. In some circumstances there may also be liver harm.
Untreated, this will rapidly develop into life-threatening. If you realize your canine has eaten a sugar-free gummy worm or any merchandise containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian instantly.
- Vomiting
- Decreased exercise
- Weakness
- Incoordination
- Collapse
- Seizures
3. Choking Hazard
Gummy worms are referred to as as a lot for a purpose: they’re gummy. Because they comprise gelatin, they’ve a novel chewy and elastic texture, one thing canines aren’t actually constructed for consuming. For this purpose, they might attempt to swallow the worms complete, which might current a choking hazard, particularly in small canines.
What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Gummy Worms?
First of all, don’t panic. Find the packaging and browse the elements to find out if the gummies comprise xylitol. If they do, name your veterinarian instantly. If they’re xylitol-free they usually solely ate one or two gummy worms, they’ll possible be within the clear. You could must analysis the elements as xylitol could also be listed by different names. However, if they start exhibiting any uncommon indicators or behaviors, you must name your veterinarian for recommendation.
Dog-Friendly Alternatives
While it’s comprehensible that you just may need to share your tasty gummy worm snack together with your canine, there are many different dog-friendly alternate options to contemplate.
In place of chewy gummy worms, you possibly can provide your pup pure or DIY chew toys. Those made out of issues like beef cheeks will not be solely boredom-busting and scrumptious, however they’ll additionally assist your pup’s dental hygiene.
Frozen fruits or veggies, such as green beans, bananas, or strawberries, are wholesome, fast treats that may be hydrating on a sizzling summer time day.
Homemade treats are one other nice possibility, as you make them from scratch and know precisely what’s moving into them. Check out our homemade “pupsicle” recipes for inspiration.
Final Thoughts
While common gummy worms are unlikely to trigger any long-lasting hurt to your pup outdoors of an upset tummy, they’re not good to your canine. These snacks are very excessive in sugar, which might trigger issues to your pup if eaten in extra.
That mentioned, sugar-free gummy worms might be poisonous. Call your vet in case your canine has gotten into your stash of xylitol-containing gummies.
Featured Image Credit: zannaz, Shutterstock