Overview
No, licorice candies are high in sugar content, which can cause dental issues, digestive upset, and obesity in dogs. Black licorice also has glycyrrhizin, which can lower potassium levels in the body, causing muscle weakness in dogs.
Can dogs eat Black licorice?
Risks
- Licorice or liquorice candies are high in sugar content. Excessive consumption can cause tooth decay and obesity. It is especially not suitable for diabetic dogs.
- Black licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can decrease potassium levels and increase sodium in the bloodstream. Dogs with low potassium levels can suffer from muscle weakness, causing difficulty in movement. On the other hand, high sodium levels in the blood can cause sodium poisoning and kidney problems in dogs.
- Liquorice candies are usually flavored with anise or synthetic substitutes. Because these ingredients lack the sweetness of real licorice, more sugar is added. In addition, some licorice sweets contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that's toxic to dogs.
