Can Dogs Eat Sour Patch Kids? No — Extreme Sugar and Citric Acid

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

Sour Patch Kids are not safe for dogs. They are extremely high in sugar and citric acid. The sour coating causes mouth and stomach irritation. Standard varieties do not contain xylitol but sugar-free versions should be checked. Never give to dogs.

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Warning Signs & Symptoms

Extreme sugar: digestive upset blood sugar spike. Citric acid: mouth and stomach irritation. Sugar-free varieties: check for xylitol. Artificial colors: digestive irritation.

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 Sour Patch Kids, xylitol is not expected; call your vet for advice if your dog is small, ate a large amount, swallowed the bag, 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

Preparation & Serving

Check label of any sugar-free variety 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. Large amounts: call vet.

Did you know?

Sour Patch Kids were originally called Mars Men when introduced in Canada in the 1970s and were redesigned as Sour Patch Kids in the US in 1985 to capitalise on the popularity of the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. The sour coating is tartaric acid and citric acid — the same acids found in wine and citrus fruits — applied as a powder over the sweet gummy centre.

Portions & nutrition

Serving (small dog): never
Serving (medium dog): never
Serving (large dog): never
Calories (per 100g): 348
Safe frequency: Never

Source

Source: SAFEFOODFORDOGS

What You Need to Know

Standard Sour Patch Kids do not contain xylitol but are problematic for dogs due to extreme sugar content and high citric acid. The citric acid that creates the sour sensation causes significant mouth and gastrointestinal irritation in dogs whose systems are not adapted to acidic foods. The extreme sugar load causes digestive upset loose stools and blood sugar spikes. If a dog ate a few Sour Patch Kids expect digestive upset. If a dog ate a large amount monitor carefully and call your vet.

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

Are Sour Patch Kids safe for dogs?: No, Sour Patch Kids are not safe for dogs. Sour Patch Kids are not safe for dogs. They are extremely high in sugar and citric acid. The sour coating causes mouth and stomach irritation. Standard varieties do not contain xylitol but sugar-free versions should be checked. Never give to dogs.
What happens if a dog eats Sour Patch Kids?: If a dog eats Sour Patch Kids, they may experience: Extreme sugar: digestive upset blood sugar spike. Citric acid: mouth and stomach irritation. Sugar-free varieties: check for xylitol. Artificial colors: digestive irritation.
How many Sour Patch Kids can a dog eat?: Standard Sour Patch Kids do not contain xylitol but are problematic for dogs due to extreme sugar content and high citric acid. The citric acid that creates the sour sensation causes significant mouth and gastrointestinal irritation in dogs whose systems are not adapted to acidic foods. The extreme sugar load causes digestive upset loose stools and blood sugar spikes. If a dog ate a few Sour Patch Kids expect digestive upset. If a dog ate a large amount monitor carefully and call your vet.

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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.