Fruit roll-ups sound like a healthy snack; after all, they are made of fruits, right? Well, not so fast. Fruit roll-ups are, in fact, sugar-rich, flavored candies. But what about dogs? Are fruit roll-ups good for dogs?
Can dogs eat fruit roll-ups? No, dogs cannot eat fruit roll-ups. Fruit roll-ups are not directly toxic to dogs but are otherwise harmful. The main dangers of these otherwise harmful fruit roll-up recipes stem from the particularly high sugar content as well as the inclusion of GMO ingredients and potentially carcinogenic ingredients.
In this article, we will talk about dogs and fruit roll-ups. We will cover the different reasons fruit roll-ups are dangerous for dogs. We will also discuss what to expect in case of accidents and give first aid tips. Finally, we will emphasize the importance of preventing such ingestion accidents.
Why Are Fruit Roll-Ups Bad for Dogs?
There are several reasons fruit roll-ups are bad for our canine friends. Think of the following issues and health risks before you fall under temptation and share some fruit roll-ups with your dog.
Reason number 1: Sugar makes dogs go hyper
It is no secret that sugar gives dogs (and kids) an energy boost, thus making them act hyper. Such episodes of hyperactivity can impair the dog’s sleep cycle and are followed by prolonged periods of lethargy and moodiness.
Reason number 2: Diabetes and blood sugar spikes
Overeating on fruit roll-ups or any other sugary food increases the risk of developing diabetes. In dogs that are already suffering from diabetes, fruit roll-ups will trigger sudden blood sugar spikes.
Reason number 3: Weight gain and obesity
Long-term consumption of sugar-rich foods leads to unnecessary weight gain. Obesity is an increasing problem that makes dogs more prone to various ailments and aggravates pre-existing issues like arthritis.
Reason number 4: Corn syrup dangers
Corn syrup is often genetically modified, and the risks of GMO foods are a hot topic at the moment. Plus, although not very common, some dogs can be allergic to corn.
Reason number 5: Palm oil controversy
Palm oil is a bad ingredient because of two main reasons. First, its sourcing causes massive deforestation, thus making palm oil a non-sustainable food. Second, palm oil is rich in saturated fats (the bad type of fats).
Reason number 76: No fruits at all
Forget the name; fruit roll-ups contain no fruits at all. The only fruit-related ingredient is pear concentrate and either natural or artificial fruit flavors regardless of the flavor.
Reason number 7: Artificial additives
Additives are always found in candies, and sadly, fruit roll-ups are no exception. From colors to flavors to preservatives, fruit roll-ups contain their fair share of additives which are considered to increase the risk of cancer.
What Happens if A Dog Eats Fruit Roll-Ups?
The exact and immediate consequences of a dog eating fruit roll-ups depend on the consumed amounts as well as the dog’s size and overall health.
If a healthy dog eats a small amount, it will probably overcome the situation with no side effects in the best-case scenario. Worst-case scenario, if a dog eats larger amounts of fruit roll-ups, it will develop a digestive upset.
However, these are the short-term effects of the ingestion incident. If feeding your dog fruit roll-ups on purpose (larger amounts and on more frequent occasions), the consequences are much more serious and include issues like obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, pancreatitis, etc.
Can fruit roll ups kill a dog?
No, fruit roll-ups cannot kill a dog. This is because they do not contain any directly toxic ingredients. However, if consumed (frequently or in large amounts), they can definitely harm dogs by causing health issues. So, in a nutshell, fruit roll-ups are not toxic but hazardous in the long run.
Can fruit roll-ups make my dog act crazy?
Yes, fruit roll-ups can make dogs act weird. Just like in children, high sugar intake in dogs may trigger sudden episodes of hyperactivity. Sugar is fuel, and unless your dog has a proper physical outlet, it will get rid of the excess energy by being hyper.
What Should I Do if My Dog Eats Fruit Roll-Ups?
If an accident occurred and your dog ate some fruit roll-ups while not looking, first you must assess the situation – determine how much your dog ate. If your dog is large and only ate a small amount, you do not have to do anything.
However, if your dog is small and yet managed to eat a substantial amount of fruit roll-ups, you are probably about to go through a digestive upset episode. Milder cases of such digestive upset can be managed at home – with a bland diet, ensuring proper hydration, and some Pepto Bismol to settle the dog’s stomach. More severe cases of digestive upset require veterinary attention for quicker stabilization and smoother recovery.
Also, if your dog has a pre-existing condition such as pancreatitis or diabetes, it is best to call the vet right after the accidental ingestion. In dogs with such conditions, the risk of complications is greater, thus requiring a more serious approach.
How Can I Prevent My Dog from Eating Fruit Roll-Ups?
Now that you are familiar with the dangers of fruit roll-ups for dogs feeding them on purpose is crossed off the list. However, there is still space for accidental ingestions (dogs can be resourceful when it comes to stealing forbidden foods). Here are some tips on how to prevent such accidents.
Tip number 1: Store the fruit roll-ups out of reach
Always keep the fruit roll-ups (and other candies like starbursts) out of your dog’s reach. Countertops are not safe, and some dogs even know how to open cupboards. Therefore, you need to be mindful and find a place your dog cannot access.
Tip number 2: Never leave fruit roll-ups unsupervised
If you have just poured some fruit roll-ups in a bowl and you need to leave the room, do not leave them unsupervised with your dog. Either store the fruit roll-ups in a secure location or take the dog with you.
Tips number 3: Tell guests not to give your dog foods
This may sound a bit unusual, but you need to set some basic rules if you have guests over frequently. Namely, you should inform all guests not to give your dog food. If they insist on treating your dog, provide them with dog-friendly treats and foods.
Summing Up: Can Dogs Eat Fruit Roll-Ups
All in all, the final verdict on fruit roll-ups for dogs is that they are not safe for dogs. Roll-ups are loaded with sugar which is a hazardous ingredient on several levels. Plus, fruit roll-ups contain controversial ingredients (palm oil) and GMO ingredients (corn syrup).
The good news is that you do not have to call a Pet Poison Helpline in case your dog has a few fruit roll-up bites. However, you must never purposely treat your dog with this candy.
If looking for a healthy fruity snack, stick to fresh and dog-friendly fruits like apples, bananas, berries, mangoes, pears, and watermelons.
