Among candy lovers, Mint is a popular flavor and is enjoyed by many people across the globe.
Mint Candy is made with confectioners’ sugar, powdered gelatine, and mint extract to provide a refreshing taste. It is easily found in almost every other shop and is available in different sizes and shapes.
Now comes the question. Can dogs eat mint candy? Is it a safe product for dogs?
Mint foods are generally safe, barring a few exceptions.
Mint candy and other food products that contain Xylitol should be avoided when it comes to dog food or treats.
Xylitol is a food additive present in many candies and other food items. It is safe for human consumption but is extremely dangerous for dogs. In dogs, it can cause hypoglycemia, liver damage, or even death.
Before giving Mint Candy to your furry friends, closely review the following details.
A little bit about Mint:
Mint can be beneficial for treating bloating and gas-related problems in humans.
Mint is also a trendy ingredient in desserts, smoothies, and even water to enhance its taste.
There are several types of mint plants. Here are the ones that are safe for dogs:
- The Wild Mint
- The Spearmint
- The Peppermint
The plant Mentha pulegium, commonly known as English pennyroyal, is toxic to dogs. Pennyroyal is another name for it. Herbal flea repellents often contain it as an ingredient. Since it is also harmful to humans, you are unlikely to eat it yourself or feed it to your pets.
Is Mint good for dogs?
A mint plant contains Vitamin A and Iron, among other nutrients.
Products containing Mint as an ingredient can help to relieve skin irritation and eliminate ticks.
Mint may be beneficial for dogs, but there have not been any scientific studies to support this claim.
Ingredients of Mint Candy:
Artificial flavors, sugar, corn syrup, mint oil, and Xylitol (sometimes).
The ingredients present in mint candy can have the following effects on dogs:
Mint: Peppermint species are not considered dangerous for dogs; however, they may upset the stomach if consumed in large quantities.
Sugar: Dogs’ health can be negatively affected by sugar. Excessive consumption of sugar causes diabetes and can also make a dog obese. Sugar acts like poison when pets suffer from diabetes and can even kill them.
Added flavors: Mint candy manufacturers often use artificial flavors like Xylitol, etc. which can be dangerous to puppies and sometimes even cause death.
Avoid giving your pet mint candy unless it has been specifically made for dogs.
Consumption of mint candy can cause the following problems in dogs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Sluggish Metabolism
- Breathing Difficulty
- Lethargy
- Coughing up blood
A dog’s stomach is susceptible. Even moderate changes to a dog’s diet can cause digestion problems.
Choking hazards and toxicity risks for dogs can arise from the candy getting stuck in their throats and food pipes.
The adverse effects of mint consumption on puppies may be more severe than on adult dogs. The ingredient menthol in mint candy can seriously damage a puppy’s nasal cavity and respiratory system.
Mint candies and desserts often contain an addictive artificial food called Xylitol. As explained above, Xylitol is highly dangerous for dogs.
Pro tip: Before sharing food with your dog, carefully read the ingredients mentioned in the box.
What if my dog accidentally ate mint candy?
The ingredients of the candy should be checked first. If only granulated sugar or high fructose corn syrup is present, then there’s no need to worry. At the most, the dog might end up with an upset stomach.
However, if they ate sugar-free candies containing Xylitol, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Ensure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully and watch your pet closely for signs of distress, including lethargy.
Conclusion
Your dog can safely consume a treat that contains mint extract. You can either buy some specifically designed for dogs or make it on your own using safe ingredients for consumption by dogs.
However, when it comes to mint candies made for human consumption, it is recommended that you talk to your vet before giving them to your dog.
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