Dogs can certainly eat Pop Rocks, but that doesn’t mean they should. Though these are exceptionally safe for humans to digest, it’s certainly a different case for your dog.
Sometimes, instances of giving your dog something without researching first the effects it may cause can happen. If you just gave your pooch a few Pop Rocks so they can have something fun going on inside their mouths and later found out about the rumor, don’t panic right away. You’ll learn more about this in today’s post.
The Urban Legend of Pop Rocks
Pop Rocks are undeniably famous worldwide, but an urban legend has made a shattering effect on the candy brand that the FDA was obliged to set up a hotline in Seattle, Washington, to assure parents that the candy is safe to be consumed.
Rumors have spread like wildfire, saying that these carbon dioxide-filled candies can explode or fizz up if taken along with a soda. Of course, this was baseless, yet the “exploding kid” rumor was so persistent.
In 1980, the candy brand was discontinued temporarily. Years later, Pop Rocks rose once more, and the rumor became an urban legend.
Are Pop Rocks Safe for Dogs?
Pop Rocks are safe for your dog to consume but only in small amounts. This shouldn’t be given regularly, more so be seen as a replacement to their dog treats. Simply put, though, Pop Rocks are not made for your pet but rather only for kids and adults to enjoy.
If you give your pooch some, they’ll absolutely be curious and excited to try these bursting candies, no doubt. Not all of them will enjoy it, though, but some would love to have another shot of these candy rocks. This is because, like you, your furry friend has taste buds for sweets.
It won’t be too long before you’d realize that these don’t offer any nutritional value at all, however. Pop rocks are nothing compared to dog food and treats that are packed with essential nutrients.
In a sense, pop rocks only pave the way for the following:
- Overweight.
- Teeth problems.
- And hyperactivity.
With these issues, you’ll only welcome substantial vet bills and an unruly dog who has too much zest to spend for the day.
What Happens if My Dog Eats Pop Rocks?
One primary thing that can happen if your dog loves to eat pop rocks is bloating. They may also end up becoming gassy, so expect them to pass wind unexpectedly from time to time. Avoid this by making sure your candy cupboard is out of their reach.
Of course, ingesting Pop Rocks doesn’t necessarily mean that these will cause stomach problems or discomfort right away. However, such a case can happen immediately after your dog takes on large amounts of this type of candy.
It’s not particularly life-threatening, but as much as you can, try not to put your dog in an undesirable situation. Carbonated candies can also lead to diarrhea or constipation.
Moreover, artificial coloring sometimes causes dogs to have allergies that appear:
According to the ASPCA, it could be that your pooch’s immune system finds this agent foreign, so the body automatically reacts and, therefore, shows allergy symptoms.
Diabetes is another concern. Too much Pop Rocks can spike the sugar build-up in your buddy’s bloodstream. The cells that need the sugar can’t access the source, resulting in sugar-deprived cells that require the glucose fuel to produce energy.
You might also want to check: Will a Dog With Bloat Poop? How Can You Tell Your Dog Is Bloated?
Are There Candies My Dog Can Eat?
Candies like Skittles, Smarties, Blow Pops, Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, and sour candy are generally safe for dogs, provided that the candy given is only at least 10g. This would also be factored in according to your dog’s size, weight, health, and energy level.
If you have a puppy, it’s not recommended to throw them a piece of candy. During this stage, all they need are foods with high nutrition to aid them in growing.
To add, candies can cause pancreatitis, and this can lead to worse conditions such as poor growth and weight loss.
This information should convince any dog parent to totally avoid giving their canines candy.
Moreover, some candies contain certain ingredients that can be harmful to your pooch, such as the following:
1. Chocolate: If enough is consumed, chocolate, which is very toxic to your dog, can cause death. PetMD has a Dog Chocolate Toxicity Meter, so you’d see how much chocolate it would take to cause irreversible effects on your dog’s health.
If you suspect that your dog has chocolate poisoning, bring them to the vet immediately. The VCA has stated that the following are the clinical signs to watch out for:
- Seizures.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Restlessness.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Excessive urination.
2. Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute that’s naturally derived. This is undeniably toxic concerning how this reacts to your dog’s body. Once absorbed, the xylitol causes the pancreas to produce large amounts of insulin which result in hypoglycemia. If this is left untreated, your dog may possibly die.
Other possible health issues, according to the FDA, include:
- Seizure.
- Collapse.
- Liver failure.
- Incoordination.
Reading tip: Dog Treats That Are Bad For Dogs and 8 Natural Healthy Treats You Can Give Them
4 Suggested Healthy Treats as Alternatives to Pop Rocks
My stance concerning candies for dogs remains clear: don’t give them something you know doesn’t offer any nutritional value. Instead of giving them a sachet of Pop Rocks, why not purchase, instead, a supply of healthy dog treats that can also help aid in their training?
I recommend you these 4 healthy treats as your dog’s alternative to Pop Rocks:
1. Three Dog Bakery Soft-Baked Cookies: This is a premium dog treat with high-quality ingredients. Definitely, there are no added artificial preservatives in every bite. This, instead, contains real ingredients like oats, natural vanilla, dried apples, peanut butter, and honey, among others. Hands down, these are the best and might end up becoming your dog’s favorite.
2. Bocce’s Bakery Birthday Cake Dog Treats: These treats won’t disappoint you or your dog. These are one of the best replacements for Pop Rocks, and they’re undeniably sweet but not harmful. This only uses 5 ingredients which are oat flour, carob, molasses, vanilla, and peanut butter. For every bite, your dog will feel rewarded; they won’t ask for Pop rocks anymore.
3. Fruitables Baked Pumpkin Dog Treats: The mouthwatering goodness of every dog treat from Fruitables is loaded with pumpkin and blueberry. Seriously, there are no compromises here, as every bite is filled with rich antioxidants that help in your dog’s digestion. For every single treat, your dog will only receive 8 calories, so there’s no guilt every time you reward their behavior.
4. Three Dog Bakery Meaty Woofers: These meaty woofers are wholesome and delicious, so your dog will enjoy every single bite! The treats are made from real chicken and dried apples for a meaty reward your pooch will love.
Read next: Do Dog Treats Expire? 7 Tips to Make them Last
