What candy (if any) can we give our dogs? Can dogs enjoy Halloween candy? Here’s what’s safe and what’s not!
Trick-or-treat day is here! It’s one of our favorite times of the year, but while we’ll be enjoying everything from Kit Kat to lollipops and gumdrops, our dog friends can’t say the same. Which candy for dogs is safe, and which are too dangerous?
Chocolate is already an obvious no. It’s no secret that chocolate is too dangerous for dogs to eat. In fact, it can be deadly. But just because a candy doesn’t have chocolate doesn’t make it safe.
The Dog People reports that vet and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide, Dr. Gary Richter, offered some pointers for dog owners to best know what we can and can’t give dogs this Halloween season.
Is Halloween candy okay to give dogs?
Before we list the candy treats that are safe for pups to consume, please note that all of the below are only safe in small quantities. Just like everything else in life, moderation is best! But when it comes to these treats, please keep it small!
To help further, the source shares that “small quantity” means less than 10 grams, and to give you a great example, a Jolly Rancher is 6 grams. That said, here’s what you can give your dog in a small quantity:
- Candy corn
- Skittles
- Sour candy
- Lemonheads
- Starburst
- Smarties
- Blow Pops
- Jolly ranchers
And while it’s best to stay away from chocolate, the below is fin if under 10 grams. Personally, though, I would stay away from everything and all chocolate.
- Almond Joy
- Reese’s
- M&Ms
- Snickers
- Kit Kat
- Twix
- Tootsie rolls
- Dark chocolate (medium to large dogs)
- Butterfinger
- Milky Way
Finally, the source also shared candy and treats that are unsafe no matter what amount, because most of these contain a sweetener called xylitol, which is poisonous for dogs:
- Bubble gum
- Dark chocolate for smaller dogs
- Raisinets
- Raisins with candy
- Sugar-free treats sweetened with xylitol
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to giving your pup treats this Halloween season is the size of your dog. Medium to large dogs may be able to enjoy some of these treats, but not small breeds.
Don’t forget, you can’t go wrong with regular dog treats or homemade cookies that are safe for dogs. After all, better safe than sorry!