Can Dogs Eat Gummy Worms? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Alternatives

We take our dogs with us wherever we go, spoil them on holidays, and consider them part of our family. So, it makes sense if you’d like to share your favorite activities and snacks with them, too. But what if the first treat you reach for when you’re feeling snacky is gummy worms? Can you share these with your dog?

Unfortunately, gummy worms are not a dog-friendly treat. Not only are they high in sugar, but they offer no nutritional benefits for dogs whatsoever. Additionally, some types of gummy worms can actually be dangerous if Fido gets into them. Read on to learn more about why you shouldn’t feed dogs gummy worms and what you can offer instead.

The 3 Reasons Why Dogs Can't Eat Gummy Worms

1. Unhealthy Ingredients

Regular gummy worms are typically made of a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and flavorings. However, they can also contain coloring agents to make them the desired color, citric acid for a sour taste, and vegetable oils to prevent sticking.

While none of these ingredients are inherently toxic for dogs, they’re not particularly good for them, either. For example, overeating sugar can contribute to health issues for pups, like obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.

Additionally, the combination of ingredients your pup isn’t used to eating can also cause gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting or diarrhea.

2. Potential for Xylitol

While most regular gummy worms aren’t toxic for Fido, the sugar-free style worms can be deadly if consumed by dogs. Although many sugar free gummy worms are made with Stevia which is safe for dogs in small amounts there is the possibility they may contain xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener often found in sugar-free foods and can be listed by many other names such as birch sugar, birch bark extract and E967. While this ingredient can be an excellent sugar alternative for humans, it is highly toxic to our canine companions2. Xylitol is absorbed quickly into a dog’s bloodstream, which results in a potent release of insulin that can cause hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. In some cases there can also be liver damage.

Untreated, this can quickly become life-threatening. If you know your dog has eaten a sugar-free gummy worm or any item containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian right away.

3. Choking Hazard

Gummy worms are called as much for a reason: they’re gummy. Because they contain gelatin, they have a unique chewy and elastic texture, something dogs aren’t really built for eating. For this reason, they may try to swallow the worms whole, which can present a choking hazard, especially in small dogs.

What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Gummy Worms?

First of all, don’t panic. Find the packaging and read the ingredients to determine if the gummies contain xylitol. If they do, call your veterinarian right away. If they are xylitol-free and they only ate one or two gummy worms, they’ll likely be in the clear. You may need to research the ingredients as xylitol may be listed by other names. However, if they begin exhibiting any unusual signs or behaviors, you should call your veterinarian for advice.

Dog-Friendly Alternatives

While it’s understandable that you might want to share your tasty gummy worm snack with your dog, there are plenty of other dog-friendly alternatives to consider.

In place of chewy gummy worms, you can offer your pup natural or DIY chew toys. Those made from things like beef cheeks are not only boredom-busting and delicious, but they can also support your pup’s dental hygiene.

Frozen fruits or veggies, such as green beans, bananas, or strawberries, are healthy, quick treats that can be hydrating on a hot summer day.

Homemade treats are another great option, as you make them from scratch and know exactly what’s going in them. Check out our homemade “pupsicle” recipes for inspiration.

Final Thoughts

While regular gummy worms are unlikely to cause any long-lasting harm to your pup outside of an upset tummy, they’re not good for your dog. These snacks are very high in sugar, which can cause problems for your pup if eaten in excess. That said, sugar-free gummy worms can be toxic. Call your vet if your dog has gotten into your stash of xylitol-containing gummies. See Also:

• Can Dogs Eat Pizza Rolls? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Concerns

• Can Dogs Eat Spaghetti Sauce? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Better Alternatives

Featured Image Credit: zannaz, Shutterstock