Can Dogs Eat Fruit Snacks?

A close up of gummy fruit snacks.

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If you’re like most dog owners, you love spoiling your furry friend with delicious treats. And if you eat fruit snacks, you may be wondering if it’s safe to share them with your pup.

Can dogs have fruit snacks? The answer is…it depends. Read on to find out what types of fruit snacks are safe for dogs and which ones to avoid. Happy snacking!

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What are fruit snacks? 

Fruit snacks are a chewy, gummy treat that are made with various fruits (either puree or juice concentrate) and other ingredients. They can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and they are a popular choice for quick snacks.

There are many brands and flavors of fruit snacks available, including gummies in the shape of fruits and other fun shapes.

What are fruit snacks made out of?

Fruit snacks are made out of a variety of two main fruit products, either fruit puree or fruit juice concentrate. Depending on the brand, and flavor, of fruit snacks, the main fruits used are apple and pear. Some brands also use carrot (I know, not a fruit), grape, peach, banana, mango, kiwi, passion fruit, strawberry, grapefruit, pineapple, orange, and raspberry.

The other main ingredients are corn syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, and gelatin. This is not an exhaustive list of all the ingredients in all fruit snacks, but the most common ingredients among several popular brands of fruit snacks.

Every brand and flavor of fruit snacks have a slightly different mix of ingredients, so it is important to check each variety when you get them.

Are fruit snacks good for dogs?

No, fruit snacks are not good for dogs. Some fruit snacks contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like grape puree or grape juice concentrate.

According to the AKC, there is no safe amount of grapes for dogs as any amount can cause sudden kidney failure.

Are fruit snacks bad for dogs?

Yes, fruit snacks are bad for dogs. As mentioned above, fruit snacks have the potential of having toxic ingredients. Besides grape products (which are only in some brands of fruit snacks) some may contain xylitol which is also toxic to dogs.

Another reason fruit snacks are bad for dogs is that they are similar to candy and contain a lot of sugar (several brands have both corn syrup and sugar listed before fruit in the ingredients list. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and other health issues in dogs.

What happens if my dog eats fruit snacks? 

If your dog eats a fruit snack that contains a toxic ingredient, it is best to call your vet immediately. If it’s after hours, call the emergency line or just go to the emergency vet. It’s better to err on the safe side, especially if it contained xylitol.

If your dog eats a fruit snack that has non-toxic ingredients, one fruit snack (or even a few if it’s a larger dog) probably won’t do much to them. They may get an upset stomach depending on how much they ate. It’s best to keep an eye on them and if in doubt, call your vet.

Can dogs have fruit snacks?

While fruit snacks, in general, are not toxic to dogs (except those that have toxic ingredients like grapes and xylitol), they shouldn’t be given any. Fruit snacks are not a healthy treat for dogs and should be avoided. There are many, healthier, options to give your dog.

Can dogs have Welch’s fruit snacks?

No, dogs cannot eat Welch’s fruit snacks. While Welch’s fruit snacks are one of the few that actually have fruit as the first ingredient, many of their flavors have grape as the first fruit listed.

As for those flavors that don’t have grape listed, they should be treated like all other fruit snacks and avoided for their sugar content. Even though sugar isn’t number one on the list of ingredients, it’s still a higher amount than any dog should have.

Can dogs eat Mott’s fruit snacks?

No, Mott’s fruit snacks should not be given to dogs. While there is no grape as an ingredient in Motts fruit snacks, they do contain a lot of sugar, like most fruit snacks, and should still be avoided.

Are there any health benefits of fruit snacks?

No, there are no health benefits of fruit snacks. While there are no health benefits, there are several health risks, especially if it is a fruit snack that includes toxic ingredients.

Fruit snack alternatives for dogs

There are several healthy alternatives that your dog can have for a snack without the risk associated with fruit snacks.

Fresh fruit and veggie slices, as long as they are dog-safe fruits and veggies, are a great option to give to your dogs.

Another option, if you want to give your dog a gummy treat, is to make your own. While I’ve never tried making these, Dalmation DIY has several gummy dog treat recipes.

These would be much better for your dogs than fruit snacks as they wouldn’t have any added sugar or other unsafe ingredients.

Conclusion

While some fruit snacks are not considered toxic for dogs, they can contain toxic ingredients. They are also high in sugar which can lead to weight gain and other health issues. It’s best to avoid giving them any type of fruit snacks.

There are many healthier options available, like fresh fruit and vegetables or making your own gummy dog treats. As always, if you’re unsure about what is safe for your pup, consult with your veterinarian.

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