Can Dogs Eat Nerds Candy? No — Extreme Sugar and Artificial Ingredients

This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.

Nerds candy is not safe for dogs. Extremely high in sugar with artificial colors and flavors. Standard Nerds do not contain xylitol but the extreme sugar load causes digestive upset. Nerds Gummy Clusters should be checked for xylitol. Never give to dogs.

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Warning Signs & Symptoms

Extreme sugar: digestive upset. Artificial colors and flavors: digestive irritation. Nerds Gummy Clusters: check for xylitol. Tartaric acid: additional digestive irritant.

If Your Dog Ate This

Check the packet. If the product is sugar-free, lists xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar), or you cannot confirm what it was, call your vet, an emergency vet clinic, or an animal poison-control service such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a consultation fee may apply) right away, whatever the amount and even if your dog seems completely fine. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If you are sure it was regular sugar-sweetened Nerds, xylitol is not expected; call your vet for advice if your dog is small, ate a large amount, swallowed the box or wrapper, or shows vomiting, diarrhea, a painful belly or lethargy. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian or poison-control expert tells you to.

What to Avoid

all varieties — check gummy varieties for xylitol

Preparation & Serving

Check label of gummy and sugar-free varieties for xylitol (birch sugar). If xylitol is listed or you can't confirm the product, call vet or poison control right away. Standard variety: monitor for digestive upset. Call vet if large amount consumed.

Did you know?

Nerds were introduced by Willy Wonka Candy Company (now Ferrara Candy Company) in 1983 and won the candy of the year award in their first year. The Nerds mascot characters were introduced in 1985. The double-chamber box with two flavors was a deliberate design choice to allow consumers to mix flavors — a concept that was novel in candy marketing at the time.

Portions & nutrition

Serving (small dog): never
Serving (medium dog): never
Serving (large dog): never
Calories (per 100g): 392
Safe frequency: Never

Source

Source: SAFEFOODFORDOGS

What You Need to Know

Standard Nerds candy is essentially pure sugar with artificial colors and flavors. The extreme sugar concentration causes immediate digestive upset. The tartaric acid adds gastrointestinal irritation. Nerds Gummy Clusters have a different formulation that may include xylitol — always check the label on any gummy candy variety. A dog that has eaten a small amount of standard Nerds will likely experience digestive upset. A dog that ate a large amount warrants veterinary monitoring.

Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

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If Your Dog Ate This — Act Now

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Frequently asked questions

Is Nerds Candy safe for dogs?: No, Nerds Candy is not safe for dogs. Nerds candy is not safe for dogs. Extremely high in sugar with artificial colors and flavors. Standard Nerds do not contain xylitol but the extreme sugar load causes digestive upset. Nerds Gummy Clusters should be checked for xylitol. Never give to dogs.
What happens if a dog eats Nerds Candy?: If a dog eats Nerds Candy, they may experience: Extreme sugar: digestive upset. Artificial colors and flavors: digestive irritation. Nerds Gummy Clusters: check for xylitol. Tartaric acid: additional digestive irritant.
How much Nerds Candy can a dog eat?: Standard Nerds candy is essentially pure sugar with artificial colors and flavors. The extreme sugar concentration causes immediate digestive upset. The tartaric acid adds gastrointestinal irritation. Nerds Gummy Clusters have a different formulation that may include xylitol — always check the label on any gummy candy variety. A dog that has eaten a small amount of standard Nerds will likely experience digestive upset. A dog that ate a large amount warrants veterinary monitoring.

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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet.