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No, Jolly Ranchers are sugary candies that are not suitable for dogs. Sure, dogs love sweets, and denying your fur baby’s cute puppy eyes can be hard, but it’s important to remember that the high sugar content and artificial additives in Jolly Ranchers can be harmful to your pup in the long run.

Jolly Ranchers
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caution

Caution: This food is generally considered risky by the veterinary community. Dogs should not eat this food and should be monitored for adverse effects.

Food Safety Caution
Nutritional Issue High sugar content, Artificial sweeteners, and dyes
Potential Risks Diabetes, upset stomach, obesity, dental problems
Symptoms Diarrhea, vomiting, and tooth decay
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How Many Jolly Ranchers Are Bad for Dogs?

Dogs love sweet treats, and small amounts of sugary foods are not toxic for dogs. But feeding your canine companion high-sugar foods for a long time or in large quantities can be potentially risky for their health.

In the case of Jolly Ranchers, the candy is only safe for dogs in quantities less than 10 grams. Each Jolly Rancher is about 6 grams, so you can ration how much you can give your pup – which we suggest should occasionally be as a treat.

What Makes Jolly Ranchers Unsafe For Dogs?

Dogs love their fair share of human foods, especially desserts, and candies, but due to their size and system, their stomachs do not work like ours, which means they do not digest sugars as we humans do. Jolly Ranchers are essentially sugar foods, and the high sugar content in content can lead to indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea.

However, dogs can pick up weight fast, and sugars can really spike up weight gain in them – which, in the long run, can cause obesity and diabetes, both extremely serious and dangerous for your furry friend.

Lastly, sugar snacks may cause bacteria development on your pup’s gum leading to tooth decay and other dental problems over time.

Tip: If your canine companion loves sweet treats, yogurt and peanut butter can be a great sweet and healthy alternative for them.

What Happens If A Dog Eats Too Much Jolly Rancher?

If you find your dog surrounded by Jolly Rancher wrappers, you can instantly know that you have consumed too much sugar candy. In that case, look out for signs of indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting due to excessive sugar intake.

This may also lead to a spike in their blood sugar level which can, in the long run, cause diabetes. In rare and extreme cases, excessive intake of sugary content for a long period of time can also be fatal for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Candies are not safe for dogs; besides high sugar content, most candies also contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be toxic for your canine friend.

  • One Jolly Rancher is not toxic for dogs; less than 10 grams of Jolly Rancher candy at one time is safe for digs. However, giving this amount regularly may harm them in the long run.

  • No, Jolly Rancehr is not safe for pregnant dogs as the ingredients in the candy may lead to developmental issues.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.