Can Dogs Eat Licorice Candy
Licorice candy is a nostalgic treat for many people, but it’s a different story when it comes to dogs. If your dog sneaks a piece or you’re tempted to share, you might wonder—can dogs eat licorice candy? The clear answer is no. While not all licorice is immediately toxic, it’s far from safe and can cause a range of health problems depending on the ingredients and how much is eaten.
What Makes Licorice Candy Dangerous for Dogs
The biggest concern with licorice candy is its sugar content and the potential presence of toxic ingredients like xylitol. Even if the candy doesn't contain xylitol, which is a common artificial sweetener, it’s still full of sugar and flavourings that can harm your dog’s health. Sugar contributes to obesity, dental problems, and can lead to diabetes over time. It also offers no nutritional value for dogs.
Many licorice candies—especially the black kind—contain actual licorice root extract. While natural licorice has been used in herbal remedies, it can be dangerous in high amounts. It contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can affect a dog’s blood pressure and potassium levels. Too much glycyrrhizin may lead to muscle weakness, lethargy, or even heart rhythm issues in sensitive dogs or if consumed in large quantities.
Red Licorice Isn’t Any Better
You might assume red licorice is a safer option since it often doesn’t contain actual licorice root. However, red licorice is essentially flavoured sugar with colouring and additives—nothing about it is good for dogs. It may not contain glycyrrhizin, but it still includes artificial flavours, colours and preservatives that can upset a dog’s stomach or trigger an allergic reaction.
The Xylitol Risk
Some sugar-free licorice products use xylitol to replace sugar. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels within minutes. Even small amounts can result in vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures and in severe cases, liver failure. If your dog eats any licorice candy that lists xylitol as an ingredient, treat it as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Licorice Candy
If your dog eats a piece of licorice candy, read the packaging first. Check for xylitol or any unknown sweeteners. If xylitol is present, call a vet immediately. If not, monitor your dog closely. A single small piece might not cause serious harm, but keep an eye out for signs of digestive distress or unusual behaviour.
Larger amounts or repeated access to licorice can cause more serious symptoms. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, or signs of discomfort. When in doubt, it’s always safer to call your vet for advice.
Better Treat Options for Dogs
There’s no reason to give dogs sweets meant for humans. Their taste buds don’t crave sugar the way ours do, and their bodies aren’t designed to process it. Instead of licorice, try dog-safe treats like carrot sticks, a slice of banana, or even treats made specifically for dogs that satisfy their natural cravings without the health risks.
Summary
Dogs should not eat licorice candy. Whether it’s black or red, it’s full of sugar, additives, and possibly toxic ingredients like xylitol or licorice root extract. Even small amounts can lead to digestive problems or more serious health issues. If your dog does eat some, check the ingredients and speak to a vet if you're unsure. Stick to dog-safe snacks and leave the sweets to the humans.