Can Dogs Eat Fruit Roll-Ups? Vet-Approved Nutriotional Facts
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Fruit Roll-Ups have been stocking kitchen pantries since 1983.This flat, fruit-flavored snack is easy to grab for a snack on the go, and they come in a variety of flavors, such as strawberry, tropical, watermelon, and more. If you’re a dog owner, you may wonder if you can give your dog a bite of the fruity snack. While the snack usually doesn’t contain toxic ingredients, the ingredients are not ideal for dogs, including corn syrup and sugar.
What Ingredients Are in Fruit Roll-Ups?
So, we’ve mentioned that Fruit Roll-Ups contain corn syrup and sugar, both of which are not ideal for humans or dogs. Of course, corn syrup and sugar are not ideal ingredients for dogs and can cause significant health issues if consumed often and in large amounts, such as upset stomach, obesity, diabetes, and even pancreatitis. Other unhealthy ingredients include artificial flavors and coloring, fruit puree (which contains high sugar concentrations), sodium citrate, fruit pectin, and monoglycerides.
Currently, most fruit roll-ups have pear puree but beware of the possibility of grape being present in some variants; these are toxic to dogs. Be aware also that some food companies use xylitol as an artificial sweetener. While not currently included in the recipe, you should always check for this ingredient, especially in regard to sugar-free treats.
However, if your dog steals a bite of Fruit Roll-Up, there’s no need to panic because, while the ingredients are not healthy, they are usually not toxic. Simply check the ingredients present in that flavor. Still, you should keep Fruit Roll-Ups put away and out of reach from your canine kiddo.
Fruit Contains Sugar: Can Dogs Eat Fruit?
While Fruit Roll-Ups contain fruit, per se, the product is heavily processed. On the other hand, natural fruit is just that, natural, and natural sugar will not harm your dog if fed in small amounts.
Most dogs don’t care for acidic fruits—dogs can taste sweets and love the flavor, so offering fruit can be a healthy snack. Let’s break down safe and healthy fruits you can give your dog.
- Apples (remove core and seeds, as apple seeds are toxic to dogs)
- Bananas
- Blueberries (terrific for antioxidants)
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Cucumbers
- Oranges
- Mango
- Pears
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Raspberries
Fruits to Avoid Giving Your Dog
Not all fruit is safe for dogs, and it’s wise to know what fruits to avoid when you’re a dog owner.
- Cherries (pits, leaves and stem contain cyanide)
- Avocado
- Grapes
- Tomatoes (raw or unripe)
What Should I Do if My Dog Eats Fruit Roll-Ups?Â
For starters, don’t panic! Even though Fruit Roll-Ups have undesirable and unhealthy ingredients, they are not always toxic to dogs. However, you should assess the ingredients for anything toxic like grapes or xylitol. Depending on how much your dog ate, if he or she has medical issues, and their size there could be a problem with the sugar content. If you are concerned by how much your dog ate or any symptoms, call your veterinarian for advice.
Conclusion
Fruit Roll-Ups may be a quick and easy snack, but it’s not one you should share with your dog. If you want to give your dogs treats, stick with commercial treats made specifically for dogs or safe fresh fruit. It’s okay to give your dog human food from time to time as long as the food is non-toxic.
Be mindful that heavily processed foods may have toxic ingredients, such as xylitol, that can be fatal if consumed. Some peanut butter contains this ingredient, which is generally a dog favorite; however, ensure you read the ingredients on food labels before giving anything to your dog.
Featured Image Credit: MarharytaM, Shutterstock
