Can Dogs Eat Mike and Ikes? Vet-Reviewed Advice

When you’re munching on your candy, your pup is probably staring at you and begging for some. But just because they’re giving you puppy eyes, it doesn’t mean you should give it to them. In fact, there’s no real nutritional value in Mike and Ikes, and you really shouldn’t feed them to your dog.

But why is that the case, and what should you do if your dog happens to eat some? We’ll answer those questions and more for you here!

The 3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Feed Your Dog Mike and Ikes

There are a few different reasons you shouldn’t feed your dog Mike and Ikes, and we’ve highlighted three of the most notable for you to consider.

1. Sugar

Candy has lots of sugar, and Mike and Ikes are no exception. Sugar and corn syrup found in Mike and Ikes in large quantities is harmful to your dog. The excess sugar in Mike and Ikes can lead to detrimental health conditions for your dog like gastro-intestinal upset, gut dysbiosis, obesity and tooth decay.

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2. Digestive Problems

With all the artificial ingredients in Mike and Ikes including multiple coloring agents, artificial flavorings and preservatives, it’s not surprising that they can lead to digestive problems for your dog. These may include diarrhea and vomiting.

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3. No Nutritional Value

Candy doesn’t have any nutritional value for humans, so it’s not surprising that it doesn’t have any nutritional value for dogs either. There’s no good reason to give your dog Mike and Ikes, but there are plenty of reasons not to!

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Mike and Ikes

While you shouldn’t intentionally feed your pup Mike and Ikes, if they happen to eat some, you don’t need to rush them straight to the vet. That’s because Mike and Ikes don’t contain xylitol or other ingredients that are toxic for your pup.

However, you should still keep an eye out for any negative side effects. If your pup starts to display any negative signs like vomiting or diarrhea, you need to take them to the vet right away.

Healthy Treat Options for Dogs

While you shouldn’t feed your dog Mike and Ikes, there are plenty of other healthy options you can feed them. We’ve highlighted five great treat options you can safely feed your pup:

Bananas

Bananas are a sweet treat that many dogs love, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to keep them on hand for your dog. Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins, fiber, and magnesium. Just keep in mind that bananas are also high in sugar, so you shouldn’t feed them to your pup too often.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a sweet treat that many dogs love! You can feed them a handful or two of blueberries at a time, making it the perfect healthy treat for you to share with your dog. Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike.  Just keep in mind that blueberries do have a lot of natural sugar, so don’t give your dog too many too often.

Green Beans

However they are prepared, chopped, steamed or raw, green beans are safe for dogs to eat, and they often love their crunchy taste. Greens are full of vitamins and minerals as well as a good source of fiber.  Giving your pup frozen green beans can make the treat take a bit longer to get through and offer some enrichment.

Carrots

Carrots are another super healthy treat option for your dog, plus, crunching on this orange root vegetable is great for your dog’s teeth. You can feed your dog carrots, both cooked or raw, but avoid any additional seasonings or flavorings. If you decide to feed your dog raw carrots, ensure you cut them up into small bits so your dog doesn’t choke on them.

Watermelon

Watermelon is an excellent treat for your pup on a hot summer day. It’s full of water meaning your pup gets a little extra hydration every time they eat some. On a hot day, frozen chunks of de-seeded watermelon is a great treat to cool and hydrate your dog.  Always remember to remove the rind and the seeds before offering it.

Final Thoughts

You shouldn’t give your dog Mike and Ikes for a variety of reasons, but if they happen to eat some, you don’t necessarily need to rush them to the vet. Giving your dog a healthy treat like we’ve highlighted on our list is a much more nutritious and beneficial option.

See Also: 

• Can Dogs Eat Fudge? Vet-Reviewed Health Concerns
• Can Dogs Eat Captain Crunch? Vet-Reviewed Advice

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Featured Image Credit: Paul Krugman, Shutterstock