Can Dogs Eat Candy? 9 Dangerous Halloween Candies and Treats

6. Licorice Candy

Can dogs eat licorice candy? Regardless of your preference for Red Vines®, Twizzlers®, or black licorice candy, dogs can’t and shouldn’t eat licorice of any kind.

“In the United States, black licorice candy typically does not contain any licorice root extract, which is toxic to dogs,” Dr. Faeh says. “However, in candy that does contain this extract, the toxic component is glycyrrhizin, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances in dogs, potentially resulting in serious health issues.”

Symptoms a dog may experience if they consume large amounts of black licorice candy include:

• Muscle weakness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Heart problems (in severe cases)

Contact your vet if you suspect your dog has eaten black licorice candy.

7. Hard Candies

Butterscotch, caramel, Life Savers®, and Jolly Rancher® candies are practically synonymous with Halloween. But hard candies pose multiple dangers to our canine companions, Dr. Faeh says.

These health risks include:

• Digestive upset (due to high sugar content)
• Potential poisoning (if sugar-free and contains xylitol)
• Choking hazard/blockage, especially in small dogs

If your dog swallows a large piece of hard candy or multiple smaller pieces, they may need to see a vet immediately.

8. Gummy Bears

Gummy bears are bite-size, chewy candies that are packed with flavor. But can dogs eat gummy bears too? If they don’t contain xylitol, a few aren’t usually an issue, Dr. Schmid says. Although, that’s not to say pups should be fed gummy bears.

If a large amount is ingested, they can cause fluid to shift to the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances and elevated sodium levels, she says. These can ultimately cause central nervous system signs to develop. See a vet immediately.

9. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can be found in Halloween and autumn-themed treats and desserts, like nut fillings, cookies, and chocolates. Though some nuts, like cashews, are considered safe for dogs to eat, macadamia nuts are anything but. Not only can they cause pancreatitis, but they’re also toxic to dogs.

Signs of macadamia nut poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Severe neurologic signs (ataxia, tremors, seizures)

The amount needed to cause macadamia nut poisoning varies with a pet’s size, but just five to 10 nuts for a 10-pound dog can be problematic, Dr. Schmid says.

2. Chocolate-Covered Raisins

Chocolate is harmful to dogs, as are raisins. When combined to make chocolate-covered raisins, this snack can pose a lot of problems to our pet’s health.

“Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs,” Dr. Schmid says. “There are theories as to what the toxic component is, but this hasn’t been confirmed yet.”

Symptoms of raisin and grape poisoning in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Decreased to no appetite
• Trouble walking
• Changes in water intake and urination

3. Sugar-Free Candy

Sugar-free candy is dangerous, as it may contain xylitol, a popular alternative sweetener that’s extremely toxic to dogs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that xylitol may be listed under other names on ingredient lists, including wood sugar, birch sugar, and birch bark extract.

While dogs should avoid candy in general, it’s important that they especially avoid any that contains xylitol. Dr. Schmid notes that because some, but not all, sugar-free candy contains this sugar substitute, it’s always a good idea to read the ingredients list.

The risk of xylitol poisoning depends on a dog’s weight, Dr. Schmid says. Thus, smaller dogs would need to eat less than a larger dog.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include:

• Low blood glucose levels
• Vomiting
• Loss of balance
• Lack of coordination
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Collapse
• Liver failure (in severe cases)

4. Caramel Apples

Apples are safe for dogs to eat when prepared accordingly: The stems, seeds, and cores must be removed first, as these parts contain trace amounts of a poisonous substance called cyanide.

Caramel apples, on the other hand, can pose multiple risks to dogs, says Sandra Faeh, DVM, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Dr. Faeh explains how each part of a caramel apple can be dangerous if ingested:

• Caramel: Caramel is high in sugar and typically contains fat. It may cause gastrointestinal upset (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea) and can contribute to pancreatitis in severe cases.
• Apple seeds: Apple seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when ingested. A few seeds may not cause significant harm if ingested, but in large quantities, they can lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and shock.
• Apple core: An apple core has a hard texture and can be difficult for dogs to chew. The core and caramel apple stick can cause choking if swallowed, especially in small dogs.

Dr. Faeh recommends contacting your vet promptly if you suspect your dog has consumed caramel apples, caramel, or apple seeds/cores.

5. Candy Corn

Candy corn is a classic—and ever-so-polarizing—Halloween treat. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can dogs have candy corn?” the short answer is no, they cannot.

Candy corn is high in sugar and can cause a range of gastrointestinal issues in dogs, including vomiting and diarrhea, Dr. Faeh says.

It may also come in sugar-free varieties; this candy corn is likely made with xylitol. “Ingesting even a small amount of xylitol can lead to rapid insulin release, causing a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia),” Dr. Faeh says.

If your dog has eaten candy corn, especially if it contains xylitol, seek immediate veterinary care.