Can Dogs Eat Skittles?

Skittles are a popular type of candy that humans often eat. But while these bright, fruity candies may be fine for humans to eat, they should never be given to dogs.

The natural sugars in Skittles can cause canine diabetes. The added dyes can also irritate the dog’s stomach lining and lead to vomiting or even diarrhea. Worse still, all of the sugar and colorants will lead to dental cavities when dogs chew on the candy.

It gets worse: Some types of Skittles contain MSG or other artificial flavorings that can make a dog sick if consumed in large quantities.

“These candies are often high in carbs,” said Dr. Stanley Coren, a professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia and author of “Sleeping With Your Dog: The Joys, Perils, and Practicalities of Living with Pets.” “If you’re feeding your dog treats regularly, that will result in gaining weight.”

These candies are often high in carbs. If you’re feeding them to your dog regularly, that will result in gaining weight.

Despite the risk to dogs, Skittles have continued to be a popular treat for people and their pets alike.

“Skittles are a very popular treat because they are low in carbs, high in sugar, bright and colorful,” Dr. Roy S. Benaroch of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine told the New York Times.

When a human eats Skittles, he or she takes in about 60 calories per “pop”. That is about two-thirds the calories you would get from eating a candy bar or M&M’s. But when dogs eat them, they can take in as many as 300 calories or more from one treat.

“The high caloric load can lead to obesity,” Benaroch said. “The caustic dyes, flavorings, and other additives can be a problem for some dogs.”

It’s possible to understand what makes these candies so attractive to dogs. The sugary flavor is enticing. In addition, Skittles do have some positive nutrients in them. There are vitamins A and C, which are important for the immune system and vision health. They are also a source of fiber, iron and calcium.

But what’s in them is not worth the risk to your dog’s health. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), just because a dog likes something does not mean you should give it to him or her.