Although regular Starburst isn’t harmful to canines, you still shouldn’t feed it to Fido. Excessive amounts of the two main ingredients, sugar and fat, can be harmful to one’s health.
This article discusses the dangers of giving your dog a Starburst and what to do if your dog accidentally eats one. We’ll investigate the possible toxicity of sugar-free Starburst to your dog.
Can Dogs Have Starburst Candy?
The short answer is no, Starburst is not safe for dogs. While Starburst candies don’t typically contain any toxic ingredients (with the exception of the sugar-free varieties), the high levels of sugar and fat in them can have unpleasant effects.
This is because humans, who can withstand much higher concentrations of these ingredients, are the target audience for the Starburst recipe.
Additionally, a premium canine diet will already have the ideal proportions of sugar and fat. In other words, it doesn’t take very many Starburst for your pet to consume too much.
What is a Starburst?
Starbursts come in a variety of fruity flavors and are small enough to enjoy in just one mouthful. Typically, there are 12 Starburst candies in a pack. Produced by Mars, Starburst can be found in stores across the United States.
What is Starburst made of?
Starburst contains a number of different ingredients, including sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, palm oil, fruit extracts, artificial colors and flavors, modified cornstarch, and other preservatives and enhancers. Sugar-free Starbursts are also commercially available and are made with xylitol and other artificial sweeteners in place of sugar and corn syrup.
How is Starburst made?
In order to create Starburst, sugar, corn syrup, and oil are boiled together. After the mixture is cooked, the flavors and gelatin are added. After that, it’s spread out on a cooling tray to set and get thick.
As the molten compound cools, it gains strength and malleability. A taffy puller is used to aerate this mixture and give the candy a airy texture.
While the taffy is being stretched and twisted, the taffy puller adds artificial colors and flavoring. Once it has cooled completely, it is cut into squares and packaged for transport.
Fun Fact: Another human treat that includes corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, palm oil, and artificial flavors is vanilla wafers and cookies.
Is Starburst bad for dogs?
Ingredients in Starburst include sugar, corn syrup, and oil. There is nothing in this candy that is good for your dog, so please don’t give it to them.
Your dog’s digestive system may become irritated if it consumes too many of these sugary treats. You shouldn’t intentionally feed Starburst to your dog, even though it’ll be fine if it eats a few.
Here we’ll take a look at some of the most notable Starburst ingredients and the harm they can do to your dog’s health.
1. Sugar
Sugar is unnecessary for a dog’s diet. Regular dog food contains enough carbohydrates for the dog’s body to produce sugar. Moreover, Starburst’s processed sugar has no beneficial effects on health. Sugars in their granulated, refined, and processed forms are widely suspected of contributing to a variety of canine health problems.
Sugary Starbursts are not a healthy snack. As a general rule, the following symptoms are common after giving sugary treats to your canine or feline friends:
- Experiencing some discomfort in one’s stomach.
- Symptoms of stomach inflammation.
- Lack of hunger.
- Dental problems and tooth decay.
- Gaining mass.
- Diabetes.
2. Corn syrup
Unfortunately, corn syrup is more calorically dense and more addictive than table sugar. Consuming foods high in corn syrup can lead to similar side effects as eating too much sugar:
- Stomachaches.
- An issue with blood sugar.
- Dehydration.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
3. Palm oil
Many common grocery store items contain hydrogenated palm oil. It’s inexpensive, widely available, and keeps for a long time. Palm oil, when used in cooking, also helps keep food fresh for a longer period of time.
One of the worst things you can put in your body. A lot of calories can be found in hydrogenated palm oil. Overeating fatty foods can lead to the following symptoms in canine companions:
- Obesity.
- I have heart problems.
- Digestive problems.
- Bad cholesterol levels.
- Diabetes.
- A severe case of pancreatitis.
4. Artificial flavoring and colors
Artificial flavors and colors abound in Starburst as well. Although these components have passed safety tests for human consumption, dogs should not consume them. Don’t give your dog food whose ingredients you can’t pronounce as a general rule.
Convenient Tip: Sugary treats and sweets aren’t good for your dog’s health. Choose treats like Brussel sprouts or fruit instead.
When shouldn’t you feed Starburst to your dog?
Dogs shouldn’t consume more than 10 grams of sugary treats daily. Taking into account that each Starburst weighs 5g, it’s easy to see how a dog can easily exceed their daily candy quota after eating just two.
Dogs with diabetes, senior dogs, or excessively chubby dogs should avoid sugary treats at all costs. Your furry friend’s insulin levels can become unbalanced after eating just one Starburst due to the high amount of sugar it contains.
Cavities and gum disease can also be brought on by sugar. If your dog’s teeth are already in bad shape, it’s best to keep them away from sugary treats altogether, especially ones with a high sugar content like Starbursts.
Risks of feeding your dog Starburst
1. Dental problems
Starbursts are extremely sticky, which means they can get stuck in your pet’s teeth. Sugar buildup in a dog’s mouth is difficult to remove because dogs lack the enzyme needed to do so. When you put these two factors together, you can see how dangerous Starburst can be for your dog’s teeth, gums, and mouth.
2. Health complications
Starburst is not only bad for your dog’s teeth but also his or her nutritional health. Starburst is full of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives in addition to its massive amount of sugar. In various ways, each of these ingredients is harmful to a dog’s health.
3. Sugar overload
Sugar’s addictive properties are comparable to those of other substances. Starburst’s main ingredients—sugar and corn syrup—explain why the candy can be too sweet for dogs.
Too much sugar is bad for the dog’s health and can also lead to tummy aches and other digestive problems. Only two Starburst candies are all it takes for a dog to go into sugar shock.
4. Choking hazard
There is a paper wrapper on each Starburst candy that we throw away before eating them. In contrast, your dog won’t bother removing the packaging before diving into the enticing snack.
Starburst packaging isn’t designed to break down quickly and could become lodged in your dog’s esophagus or stomach. If your dog is particularly small, he or she could choke on a piece of food.
5. Toxic xylitol
Starburst “Fruity Mixies” and other sugar-free Starburst varieties are loaded with various artificial sweeteners. Of these, xylitol is by far the most harmful.
Humans can consume xylitol without worrying about an adverse reaction, but dogs can have their insulin levels skyrocket if they consume even a small amount. This increase may be life-threatening for your dog and necessitates an emergency visit to the vet.
Useful Hint: Our four-legged friends are in grave danger if they consume xylitol. Don’t let Fido get into your diet Sprite. The artificial sweetener xylitol, which is used in Diet Sprite, could be toxic to our dogs.
Does Starburst provide nutritional benefits for your dog?
Starburst does not have any beneficial nutrients for your dog. Starburst has a high concentration of sugar and empty calories. Dogs have excellent capabilities for converting sugar from proteins and other carbohydrates.
Of course, they don’t require sugar in their diet. Aside from that, Starburst contains absolutely zero nutrients that your dog would benefit from eating.
Does Starburst Contain Xylitol?
Products labeled as “sugar-free” often contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener. You should never give your dog any treats that contain xylitol because it is extremely poisonous to canines.
This is because xylitol can cause serious health problems for your dog’s liver, including a dangerous drop in blood sugar. Toxic effects of xylitol, such as nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and incoordination, typically start manifesting within 15 to 30 minutes after ingestion.
The good news is that xylitol is not found in regular Starburst. However, xylitol can be found in Starburst sugar-free gum.
If you suspect your dog has consumed xylitol, please have them seen by a vet right away. If your pet has ingested this substance, prompt medical attention is required.
It’s important to check the ingredients if your dog has consumed something it shouldn’t, as xylitol can be found in foods that aren’t specifically labeled as sugar-free.
What if my dog accidentally eats Starburst?
Sugar-free Starbursts have an ingredient called xylitol, which can be harmful to a dog’s liver and lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar. Induce vomiting as soon as possible if your dog has eaten this candy. You should consult your vet for advice on how to proceed with caution.
Time is of the essence; if the candy is thrown up within half an hour, your dog should be okay. After this period of time, the xylitol is metabolized, and the pancreas of the dog begins producing large quantities of insulin. Your dog requires emergency veterinary care right now.
You should give your dog a good dental cleaning if you give it the regular Starburst treats. Amylase, an enzyme found in human saliva, helps break down sugar.
Due to the lack of this enzyme, any sticky sweets that make it into a dog’s mouth are likely to remain there. All it takes to get it clean again is a good brushing.
Symptoms to watch for
Dogs can become ill from eating too many Starburst candies. Changes in appetite, nausea, and vomiting are possible symptoms. But unlike a dog that has accidentally consumed xylitol, this isn’t life-threatening.
Signs of xylitol poisoning include:
- Vomiting.
- Weakness.
- Trembling.
- Seizure.
- Collapse.
If your pet gets a Starburst wrapper stuck in his or her throat or digestive tract, he or she will need emergency medical attention just like you would. Some of these symptoms include:
- Vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Experiencing a rapid rate of respiration.
- Gagging.
- Diarrhea.
- Choking.
- Stool with blood.
Useful Hint: Remember to snip the food into small bite-sized pieces before serving it to your dog. This is a good way to keep food from getting stuck in your throat or stomach. Sticky human snacks, such as Mochi, should be avoided because they can clog a dog’s throat and make swallowing difficult.
Treatments if your dog has poisoning or complications from eating Starburst
Something terrible might happen if your dog ate a Starburst that contained xylitol. As little as 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of a dog’s body weight is enough to cause death from xylitol poisoning. If your dog consumes more than that, it is likely to become xylitol poisoned.
The effects of xylitol on a dog’s blood sugar and liver require emergency veterinary care, followed by close monitoring and treatment with antidotes.
Starbursts are great for dogs, but the wrapping paper can cause serious choking if your dog eats too many. Because of their smaller size, smaller dogs are more likely to choke on the packaging. Additionally, the paper can cause severe constipation in the dog, which can be extremely painful.
If your veterinarian feels that Metamucil would be helpful in getting your dog to defecate, they may prescribe it. When a blockage is particularly severe, medical intervention may be necessary.
Can Dogs Eat Other Types of Candy?
Canines should not be given human treats.
Dogs don’t need the empty calories from candy. Refined sugar and fat, the two main components of candy, can cause symptoms ranging from a minor stomach upset to severe health problems that necessitate veterinary intervention.
Canine-friendly and safe alternatives to Starburst
To intentionally feed a dog a sugary candy like Starburst is cruel and unnecessary. It’s bad for their teeth and provides no nutritional value at all. If you still want to spoil your four-legged friends, though, you can do so without sacrificing your dog’s health by choosing one of these alternatives.
- Pumpkins are safe to give to canines due to their delicious flavor, texture, and sugar content. Pumpkins are great for a dog’s digestive system because of the high fiber content.
- Fruits. If you want to give your dog a fruity treat, buy real fruit instead of a candy. Dogs can enjoy a variety of sweet fruits, including apples, bananas, watermelon, blackberries, blueberries, kiwi, mango, oranges, and pears. Before feeding them to your pet, make sure the seeds have been removed.
- Dogs will love snacking on baby carrots. Delicious, convenient, risk-free, and loaded with nutrients, these foods are a smart choice.
- Butter made from peanuts. All dogs, without exception, adore peanut butter. Peanut butter, which is rich in healthy fats and vitamins, is creamy and delicious. Check to see that the peanut butter is unsweetened and as close to its natural state as possible.
- Those chestnuts are roasted. Roasted chestnuts, provided they are not seasoned, make a tasty treat for your dog. Vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and copper are abundant in them.
Not to worry if you don’t have the time to make these dog-friendly alternatives or don’t have these fruits on hand. Here are some of the healthy dog treats that we regularly give to our four-legged family members.
Summary
Although Starbursts look and sound like a treat your dog would love, the high sugar and fat content makes them unhealthy.
A small amount of Starburst may be harmful to your dog, so keep an eye out for any symptoms of illness and take your pet to the vet if necessary. Dogs should be taken to the vet immediately if their owners suspect they have consumed large quantities of Starburst, xylitol, or a candy wrapper.
FAQs
Will Starburst candy hurt my dog?
Absolutely, if your dog eats too much Starburst candy. Sugar and corn syrup are abundant in Starburst. Overindulging a dog on Starburst can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Are Starburst jelly beans safe for dogs?
Jelly beans from the Starburst brand are fine for dogs to eat in moderation. The jelly bean version of Starburst isn’t any better for you than the original.
Do Starburst Jelly Beans Contain Xylitol?
It’s important to note that Starburst jelly beans, despite their name, contain a lot of sugar but no xylitol. Even more sugar than in regular Starburst, jelly beans clock in at over 70%.
Artificial flavorings and certain vegetable concentrates are just two of the many ingredients found in jelly beans that are bad for your dog’s health. This is why it’s not a good idea to give your dog Starburst jelly beans.