You can never get wrong with the delight that Sour Patch Kids brings in every day among the sourest things on Earth.
Enclosed in a box full of surprises, this type of food allows you to share fun moments with your loved ones through gummy shaped-like bears.
It comes with various flavors, and yet it delivers happiness single-handedly. However, most frequently asked questions come from dog owners, like you, who are concerned about feeding Sour Patch Kids to our dogs.
Are Sour Patch Kids safe for dogs? Can dogs eat them safely?
If you have a hypothetical guess, let’s reserve that one. This article helps you understand the nature of Sour Patch Kids to your dogs, plus ways to make it safe for feeding.
What are Sour Patch Kids?
Good snacks for kids, sour patches are candy that comes in five flavors: strawberry, orange, lemon, lime, and grape.
These sour candies can be purchased individually or as a bag filled with multiple delicious pieces.
Sour Patch Kids are primarily made from sugar and corn syrup. In addition, they contain gelatin, modified food starch derived from grains (wheat or corn), natural and artificial flavors and colors (including Red 40 Lake), citric acid, sodium hexametaphosphate to preserve freshness.
Moreover, Sour Patch Kids are not only for kids — adults, too, can enjoy a portion of the sour candies without feeling guilty after consumption.
This food is best served when you are looking for a snack or to enjoy the sour taste of candy.
Food family of Sour Patch Kids
Confections or sugary food groups are where Sour Patch Kids fall under. This group contains foods high in sugar and low in nutritional value, including candies like Sour Patch Kids or gumdrops (another type of candy).
This food family also includes baking chocolate, syrups/toppings, table syrup, and pancake syrup.
Even though Sour Patch Kids can be categorized in the confection food family, it is essential to note that they contain various nutrients such as calcium and iron.
Other benefits associated with these candies include promoting average growth or development of muscles and bones, which also helps the nervous system work by transmitting signals between cells.
Can dogs eat Sour Patch Kids?
We affirm that Sour Patch Kids are safe to feed your dogs, but there is no need for you to feed them regularly.
Sour Patch Kids are not toxic or poisonous. However, suppose your dog consumes a large amount of these candies.
In that case, it could lead to possible health conditions, since the high sugar content in sour patches, such as reduced appetite, dental problems, and obesity.
Also, food coloring in Sour Patch Kids can contribute to your dog’s allergic reaction like vomiting and diarrhea.
Our vigilance with our dog’s health begins by creating a meaningful table diet. With that being said, here are the best ways to feed Sour Patch Kids to your dog:
Best Ways to Feed your Dogs with Sour Patch Kids
Only offer Sour Patch Kids as a treat or snack.
You can also offer it as a reward or to keep your dog entertained during feeding time.
If you do so, only give your dog one candy at a time and not more than that since they are high in sugar content which can be dangerous for dogs if consumed excessively.
Give Sour Patch Kids sparingly and limit the number of candies given.
Do not significantly give your dogs Sour Patch Kids a strict diet since these candies can affect their blood sugar levels.
However, if you decide to offer your dog this kind of candy, only give them the amount equivalent to one piece for every ten pounds of body weight.
In addition, dogs should have access to water while eating Sour Patch Kids.
Storage of Sour Patch Kids for Dogs
Store your sour patch candy in an airtight container to ensure freshness and prevent any leakage or moistening.
Store them away from moisture, heat, direct sunlight, or other sources that may cause the candies to melt. At room temperature, these are good for up to eighteen months.
In this way, you can ensure that your dog will be safe and healthy when consuming Sour Patch Kids.
Reasons Why Dogs Can Eat Sour Patch Kids
Sour Patch Kids may be seen as packed with sugar candies. But do you know that this food also has benefits for your dogs? We did a research, and here’s what we found out:
Good source of carbohydrates
Sour Patch Kids are rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are one of your dogs’ primary sources of fuel to keep them energized throughout the day, especially since your dog needs them for their daily activities.
Hence, feeding Sour Patch Kids contribute to your dog’s increased energy level.
Provides calcium and iron benefits
Calcium is a mineral that promotes bone growth among dogs. Iron helps in improving the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
This, in turn, improves your dog’s endurance and metabolism.
Good for teeth health
Sour Patch Kids are suitable for your dog’s teeth health since the food contains sugar which acts as a teeth-cleaning agent.
In addition, the sugar content in the candies helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can be a source of gum diseases or tooth decay.
Easy to eat
Dogs find it easy to eat Sour Patch Kids because of its crunchy nature. These candies might look like hard candy, but they are actually chewy and soft, making them easier for dogs to chew on.
On the other hand, its soft texture contains molasses, which is the sugar-coated exterior responsible for making this food taste sweet.
This characteristic makes it easier for dogs to chew on and enjoy
Possible Concerns When Eating a Sour Patch Kids
Part of responsible dog ownership requires increased awareness of possible concerns when dogs eat Sour Patch Kids.
Yes, your dog may experience long-term ailments, and here are potential diseases that may occur:
Tooth decay
Too much sugar causes your dog’s health to decay and teeth to rot. Dogs cannot digest or process sugar, which leads to tooth decay on your dog’s teeth, which can be very painful for them.
Diabetes
Since these candies contain sugar, your dog can experience an increased level of blood glucose.
This can lead to diabetes, a life-threatening condition characterized by high glucose levels in the bloodstream that causes damage to the pancreas and other organs essential for survival.
Weight gain or obesity
Obesity is another disease that dogs may encounter when overeating Sour Patch Kids. When your dog eats these candies, it can gain weight and lead a sedentary life due to the high sugar content in this food.
Diabetes mellitus
This is a common disease among dogs (just like humans) where their pancreas does not produce enough insulin, causing blood sugars levels to rise excessively.
The disease is characterized by frequent urination, increased thirst, and hunger. If left untreated, the disease might lead to coma or death for your dog.
Signs your dog is sick from eating Sour Patch Kids
If you find your dog acting unusual than before, it could refer to your dog’s immune system fighting against a foreign disease after eating Sour Patch Kids.
So, before it’s too late, here are some signs that you have to deliver your dogs to the vet:
Sudden muscle tremors
If your dog suddenly experiences tremors, it’s best to bring them to the vet immediately. Tremor is an indication of degenerative myelopathy, which may be caused by ingestion of Sour Patch Kids or other food items that contain xylitol.
This disease causes permanent nerve damage and a lack of control over body movements in dogs, so do not wait if you find your dog shaking.
Frequent stomach upset
Since dogs lack the metabolism enzymes to process sugar, it’s possible for them to experience stomach upset and diarrhea after eating Sour Patch Kids.
Suppose you notice that your dog is frequently experiencing nausea or vomiting more than before.
In that case, it could mean they’re suffering from pancreatitis, which can be fatal for your pet if left untreated by a qualified veterinarian.
Loss of concentration
If you notice that your dog is acting unusual than before, it could mean they’re suffering from a disease.
For example, if your pet suddenly has difficulty concentrating or experiences short-term memory loss, then take them to the vet immediately.
A series of tests may be conducted to diagnose and treat diseases from overeating Sour Patch Kids properly.
What to do if your dog is sick from eating Sour Patch Kids?
As a dog owner, you have to be aware of the possible diseases if your dog is frequently eating Sour Patch Kids.
When you notice unusual symptoms in your dogs after they’ve eaten these candies, the best thing you should do is to consult an experienced veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
There are several tests a vet may conduct, such as blood glucose level test, x-ray, and urinalysis, to name a few.
They may also prescribe your dog medications like insulin injections or pancreatic enzyme supplements that will help them fight against diseases such as diabetes mellitus, which can be fatal if left untreated for too long.
Avoid these similar foods from this family.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener commonly used in gums, candies, and baked goods. It’s best to avoid feeding your pet with products containing xylitol as it can cause increased insulin levels that will eventually lead to liver failure for dogs if ingested frequently over time.
Chocolates
Chocolate is another food that dogs should avoid as it contains caffeine and theobromine. Both ingredients can cause vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and seizures if your dog ingests too much of these substances.
Gums and mints
Since xylitol is also used as a sweetener in gums and mints, it’s best to avoid feeding your pet with these candies, especially if they’re aggressive chewers.
In addition, if ingested frequently by dogs than before, the sugar substitute can cause insulin levels to rise excessively, eventually leading to liver failure.
How to Make Sour Patch Kids Safe To Eat?
Before we take our recap, we grab this opportunity to be concerned with your dogs. So, as part of our support, we list three ways to make Sour Patch Kids safe to eat:
Check their health status first.
If your dog has pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, pancreatitis, or liver failure, it’s best to avoid feeding them Sour Patch Kids.
You may also consult if it’s suitable for their health by asking your vet first.
Prevent them from eating the whole bag in one go
It’s best to buy smaller bags of Sour Patch Kids so that your pet can’t finish it off in just a few chewing sessions.
This way, you’ll prevent your dog from overindulging and experiencing stomach upset or diarrhea.
Give them their own pack for sharing.
If you want to give your pet a small portion of Sour Patch Kids, make sure they only eat the ones inside their own pack and not from other bags.
By doing this, they can enjoy eating these candies without causing any health problems.
Key Takeaways
Indeed, among the sourest things on Earth, Sour Patch Kids brings delight and happiness enclosed in a box full of surprises.
A good snack for kids, sour patches are a candy primarily made from sugar and corn syrup and contain gelatin, modified food starch, and many others.
It’s suitable for kids and adults, and also Sour Patch Kids are safe for your dogs to eat.
Sour Patch Kids are a good source of carbohydrates, calcium, and iron, plus it’s easy for your dogs to chew on.
However, your dog may experience unfavorable conditions after eating Sour Patch Kids, including sudden muscle tremors, frequent stomach upset, and loss of concentration.
It’s safe to feed Sour Patch Kids when you prevent your dog from eating the whole bag in one go, give your dog its own packing for treats, and ultimately, check your dog’s health status before feeding.
We hope your care for your dogs won’t get bitter. Just like Sour Patch Kids — every bite comes with love!