Twizzlers, the multicolored candy that comes in a wide variety of flavors and shapes, are a popular treat among humans. However, many cat owners wonder if their pets can share in the fun.
Is it okay to give Twizzlers to a cat? Are they good for them to eat?
Contradictory information suggests they may cause diabetes in your feline friend, while other sources say they’re fine for a snack. Which is it, then? This question has a slightly convoluted answer.
The question of whether or not felines can consume sweets has been hotly debated. Overfeeding sugar to cats is not recommended because it can cause obesity and other health issues.
However, there are those who believe that cats can handle a moderate amount of sugar, such as the occasional Twizzler.
Keep reading to find out if these twisted treats are safe for your cat.
Can Cats Eat Twizzlers
There is no simple solution to this problem. The answer, however, is a resounding NO if you value your cat’s health.
Cats can eat Twizzlers once in a blue moon because they aren’t directly toxic or harmful to them.
It’s best if they don’t eat any, at least not on purpose.
In the same vein, you shouldn’t give your cat Twizzlers out of any sense of kindness or because you think it will make them healthier.
What is a Twizzler?
While low in fat, the sugar content of Twizzlers is extremely high. Almost all Twizzlers are vegan-friendly and kosher, but they contain soy and gluten.
You can buy Twizzlers in a variety of flavors, from the traditional red twists to black licorice to fruity varieties that come in multicolored “rainbow” packs. The texture and taste of each variety is unique.
In 1845, Twizzlers were first produced by the Young and Smylie Confectionary Company. Hershey now produces Twizzlers after purchasing the company in 1977.
It may come as a surprise to learn that the red, strawberry-flavored Twizzler is not the original version of this candy staple.
Twizzlers used to come in only licorice flavor, but now there are many other options, including strawberry, blue raspberry, cherry, watermelon, grape, orange cream pop, orange, lemonade, chocolate, and a “mystery” flavor that tastes like a combination of berry flavors.
What Are the Ingredients in a Twizzler?
Sugar, corn syrup, coloring, and flavoring are the main components of a Twizzler. The chewy consistency of the candy is a result of the corn syrup used as a thickener. The candies get their vivid hue from food coloring.
The candy’s sweetness comes from sugar, and its various flavors are achieved through the addition of flavorings. Cornstarch, flour, palm oil, glycerin, potassium sorbate, citric acid, and soy lecithin are also components of Twizzlers.
What is Wrong With Feeding My Cat Twizzlers?
Twizzlers are a tasty treat for cats, but they provide absolutely no nutritional value.
Furthermore, the sugar content of Twizzlers can lead to health issues such as obesity if they are given too frequently. As a result, it’s not good for a cat’s health to regularly indulge in Twizzlers.
Sugar and other artificial ingredients found in Twizzlers can be bad for a cat’s health. Over time, cats who consume excessive amounts of sugar or artificial ingredients may experience health issues such as liver disease.
Is My Cat in Danger if They Eat a Twizzler?
Even though your cat probably wouldn’t be in any immediate danger from eating Twizzlers, it’s still not a good idea.
It is recommended that cats not eat candy of any kind due to the potential digestive harm it poses. The unique challenges posed by black Twizzlers’ Licorice must be overcome.
Is Licorice Good for Cats?
Licorice may be beneficial for cats, but this will vary depending on the cat and the amount given. Many feline illnesses have a natural remedy in licorice.
Glycyrrhizin, an active ingredient in licorice, has been shown to reduce inflammation and inhibit viral replication. Infections of the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the skin can all benefit from its use.
Alternative treatments for feline illnesses include herbal supplements like Colon Rescue Herbal GI Support Dog & Cat Supplement and Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy Herbal Formula Dog & Cat Supplement.
Licorice root, a natural cortisone, calms inflamed membranes. Because of this, it can be used to treat endocrine disorders, digestive problems, and respiratory illnesses in cats, as well as alleviate itchy skin.
Arthritic cats may benefit from licorice root because of its ability to reduce inflammation and purify the blood.
Can Licorice be Harmful to Cats?
You should use caution when feeding your cat licorice due to the potency of licorice root and licorice extract.
If the advice is in the form of medication, be sure to take it exactly as prescribed. Licorice’s active ingredient, glycyrrhizin, blocks drug-metabolizing enzymes in the human body, which can increase the blood concentration of some drugs.
This may lead to unintended consequences, such as elevated toxicity or diminished effectiveness.
Studies on cats have not been conducted yet, but it would be unwise to experiment on them to find out.
Products designed for pets still advise against giving licorice root to cats taking other medications and warn owners to only give the recommended dose.
If your cat has a medical condition, you should check with your vet to make sure that licorice is safe for consumption.
What Candies Are Most Toxic for Cats?
Many common candies are harmful to felines. Most people know that chocolate is bad for cats because it contains theobromine, which is toxic to them.
Caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, can be fatal to cats. It also causes a variety of unpleasant side effects, including nausea, dehydration, increased heart rate and blood pressure, seizures, and vomiting. Caffeine poisoning in cats most frequently results from eating chocolate.
Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol are also dangerous for cats because it can cause a drop in blood sugar levels and even liver failure.
Methylmercury is a compound found in raisins and grapes that is toxic to cats.
Despite not being listed as ingredients, theobromine and caffeine may be present in chocolate-flavored Twizzlers, and methylmercury may be present in grape-flavored Twizzlers, which could be problematic for cats.
What Treats Can Cats Eat?
Cats can safely consume many of the foods commonly eaten by humans. Prepared foods such as rice, chicken, and fish are examples.
You can also eat things like canned cat food, hard-boiled eggs, and cottage cheese. However, you should keep in mind that chocolate and other sweets are unhealthy for cats and should be avoided at all costs.
Conclusion
While cats can technically consume Twizzlers, doing so is not advised. Cats can safely eat them, but they won’t get much nutrition out of them.
Due to their high sugar content, Twizzlers may contribute to obesity and other health issues. Twizzlers are safe for cats to eat in moderation, but they are essentially junk food and should not be given to your cat at all if possible.
Cats typically prefer dry kibble or wet food, but they will appreciate the occasional treat. However, if your cat eats a tiny bit of a Twizzler, it’s probably fine.