Cookies, candy and gum
Sweets are where the two most serious label checks live. The first is chocolate: ASPCA says it’s toxic to dogs because of methylxanthines, and the darker the chocolate, the greater the risk. The second is xylitol, a sweetener Pet Poison Helpline says can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. It’s commonly found in gum, and one brand can use it in some flavors and not others.Everything else here is mostly sugar. Those pages say what the label lists and why a stray piece is a different situation than a whole bag.If your dog already ate something that worries you, call your vet, ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Call your vet or a poison hotline
- Can Dogs Eat M&M’s? What the Label SaysChocolate is the first ingredient. Call your vet or a poison hotline.
- Can Dogs Eat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups? What the Label SaysMilk chocolate and peanuts. Call your vet or a poison hotline.
- Can Dogs Eat Trident Gum? What the Label SaysSome Trident flavors contain xylitol. Call your vet or a poison hotline.
Skip it, or watch the amount
- Can Dogs Eat Oreos? What the Label SaysCocoa is on the label. One cookie is a smaller worry than a sleeve.
No red-flag ingredient on the label (still not dog food)
- Can Dogs Eat Skittles? What the Label SaysNo chocolate or xylitol on the label. It's sugar and dye.