Can dogs eat licorice? No—dogs should not eat licorice candy of any kind. Licorice candy is loaded with sugar, and black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can raise a dog's blood pressure and disrupt electrolytes. Sugar-free versions may hide xylitol, which is life-threatening. A single stray piece rarely causes an emergency, but licorice should never be a treat.
Can Dogs Eat Licorice? A Closer Look
Licorice shows up everywhere—Twizzlers, Red Vines, black licorice twists, allsorts, and even some herbal teas and supplements. Because "licorice" can mean very different things, the honest answer to "can dogs eat licorice" depends on which licorice you mean. Candy licorice is a clear no. Licorice root, the herb, is a different story that belongs in a veterinarian's hands, not the treat jar.
For everyday pet parents, the practical takeaway is simple: keep licorice candy away from your dog. It offers zero nutritional benefit, it's packed with sugar, and depending on the product it can contain ingredients ranging from mildly upsetting to genuinely dangerous. Below, we break down exactly what's in licorice, how much is a problem, and what to do if your dog sneaks a piece.
Why Licorice Candy Is Bad for Dogs
Three main ingredients make licorice candy a poor—and sometimes risky—choice for dogs:
- Glycyrrhizin. This is the compound that gives black licorice its distinctive flavor. In excess it can lead to elevated blood pressure, potassium loss, and electrolyte imbalances. Herbalists who use licorice root medicinally specifically warn against prolonged use for exactly these reasons—fluid retention, higher blood pressure, and potassium depletion are known effects of the active compound.
- Sugar (and lots of it). Most licorice is essentially sugar and corn syrup wrapped around flavoring. Large amounts of sugary, high-fat candy can trigger stomach upset and, in bigger quantities, pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Regular sugar also contributes to obesity and dental problems.
- Anise oil. Black licorice is usually flavored with anise, which can irritate a dog's digestive tract and lead to gas, cramping, or loose stools—especially in sensitive dogs.
None of these guarantee an emergency from one nibble, but together they make licorice a treat with real downside and no upside. The ASPCA lists many candy and sweetener ingredients among human foods to keep away from pets.
The Hidden Danger: Xylitol in Sugar-Free Licorice
The single most serious concern isn't traditional licorice at all—it's the sugar-free versions. Many low-sugar or "no sugar added" candies, gums, and even some flavored licorice products are sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is extremely toxic to dogs.
According to Pet Poison Helpline, xylitol can cause a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and, at higher doses, liver failure. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that even small amounts can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure, or death, and the Merck Veterinary Manual documents how quickly signs can appear—sometimes within 30 to 60 minutes. Always read the ingredient label. If a licorice product lists xylitol (sometimes labeled "birch sugar"), treat any ingestion as an emergency and call your veterinarian right away.
Red Licorice vs. Black Licorice: Is One Safer?
People often assume red licorice is "safer" because it usually contains little or no true licorice extract—red licorice is typically flavored with fruit flavors rather than glycyrrhizin. That means red licorice skips the blood-pressure concern tied to glycyrrhizin. However, red licorice is still a sugar bomb, so it isn't a healthy option either.
Black licorice is the bigger concern because it actually contains glycyrrhizin. In short:
- Black licorice: sugar + glycyrrhizin + anise = the riskiest mainstream option.
- Red licorice: mostly sugar and fruit flavoring = fewer unique toxins, but still not a treat you should offer.
- Any sugar-free licorice: potential xylitol = the most dangerous of all, regardless of color.
Also watch out for chocolate-coated or chocolate-filled licorice candies (like some allsorts). Chocolate adds theobromine to the mix, which is toxic to dogs and can cause an elevated heart rate, tremors, and seizures.
How Much Licorice Is Dangerous for Dogs?
There's no single "safe" amount, and the risk depends heavily on your dog's size, the type of licorice, and the ingredients. As a general guide:
- One small piece of regular (non-xylitol) licorice eaten by a medium or large dog is unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset—but it still shouldn't become a habit.
- Larger amounts, or any amount in a small dog, raise the odds of vomiting, diarrhea, and—with very large sugary ingestions—pancreatitis.
- Any amount of xylitol-containing licorice is a potential emergency, because toxic doses of xylitol are very small relative to a dog's body weight.
Because so much depends on the specific product, the safest rule is to treat every licorice ingestion as worth a phone call to your vet if you're unsure—especially for puppies, small breeds, and dogs with existing health conditions.
Licorice Root vs. Licorice Candy: A Key Distinction
Confusingly, licorice root has a long history as a medicinal herb, and some holistic practitioners use it for dogs. A form called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has the glycyrrhizin removed, which reduces the blood-pressure and potassium concerns. Proponents describe potential uses for digestive and inflammatory issues, but reputable sources still urge caution: Dogs Naturally recommends limiting use, avoiding it in pregnant dogs and those with certain conditions, and never combining it with steroids or blood thinners without veterinary guidance.
The bottom line for pet parents: licorice root is not the same as licorice candy, and it is not something to experiment with on your own. If you're interested in herbal support for your dog, talk to a veterinarian—ideally one trained in integrative medicine—before giving any licorice-based supplement. This article is general information, not a treatment recommendation.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Licorice
Don't panic, but do act methodically:
- 1. Check the label. Find the wrapper or bag and look for xylitol (or "birch sugar") and chocolate. These change the urgency dramatically.
- 2. Estimate how much. Note roughly how many pieces your dog ate and your dog's weight—your vet will ask.
- 3. Call a professional. Contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or a poison line such as Pet Poison Helpline. Do this immediately if xylitol or chocolate is involved, or if your dog is small.
- 4. Watch for symptoms. Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, stumbling, tremors, unusual lethargy, or collapse warrant urgent veterinary care.
- 5. Don't induce vomiting on your own unless a veterinary professional tells you to and walks you through it.
For most healthy dogs that grab a single piece of ordinary licorice, the outcome is a mild tummy ache at worst. The danger scenarios—xylitol, chocolate, or large quantities—are exactly why keeping candy out of reach matters.
Safer Treat Alternatives to Licorice
Craving something to share with your dog? Skip the candy aisle and reach for dog-safe options instead:
- Small pieces of apple (no seeds or core)
- Blueberries or a few slices of banana
- Baby carrots or green beans
- Plain, unsalted, unsweetened pumpkin purée
- A high-quality commercial dog treat made for their size
These give your dog the "I got a treat" moment without the sugar and toxins. When in doubt, portion small and keep human candy—licorice included—well out of paw's reach, especially during candy-heavy holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat a small piece of licorice?
A single small piece of regular (non-xylitol, non-chocolate) licorice is unlikely to seriously harm a healthy medium or large dog, but it may cause mild stomach upset. It's not safe for it to become a regular treat, and small dogs are more sensitive.
Is black licorice or red licorice worse for dogs?
Black licorice is generally the bigger concern because it contains glycyrrhizin, which can raise blood pressure and affect electrolytes. Red licorice usually lacks glycyrrhizin but is still full of sugar. Any sugar-free version is the most dangerous because it may contain xylitol.
What happens if a dog eats black licorice?
Small amounts may cause an upset stomach. Larger amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and—because of glycyrrhizin—potential increases in blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances. Contact your vet if your dog eats a significant quantity or shows any symptoms.
Why is xylitol in licorice so dangerous for dogs?
Xylitol triggers a rapid insulin release in dogs, causing blood sugar to crash. This can lead to weakness, seizures, and, at higher doses, liver failure. Even small amounts can be toxic, so any xylitol-containing candy is a veterinary emergency.
Can dogs have licorice root or licorice tea?
Licorice root is used medicinally in some cases, but it should only be given under veterinary supervision because of its effects on blood pressure and potassium. Never give licorice tea, extract, or supplements to your dog on your own—ask your vet first.
My dog ate licorice and seems fine—should I still call the vet?
If the licorice contained xylitol or chocolate, call your vet or a poison line immediately even if your dog seems normal, since symptoms can be delayed. For a small amount of ordinary licorice in a healthy dog, monitor closely and call if any symptoms appear or if you're unsure.
The Bottom Line
Licorice isn't a treat that belongs in your dog's diet. Candy licorice is high in sugar, black licorice adds glycyrrhizin, and sugar-free versions may hide toxic xylitol. If your dog swipes a piece, check the label, note the amount, and call your veterinarian when in doubt. For more on which sweets to keep away from your pup, see our guides on whether dogs can safely eat gummy bears and how chocolate really affects dogs. And with candy-heavy holidays around the corner, our Halloween safety tips for dogs and dog-friendly Halloween tips will help you keep every treat out of the wrong paws.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about something your dog ate, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away.
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