Can Dogs Eat Liquorice? The Risks, By Type, and What to Do

The answer is straightforward: No, dogs ought not to consume liquorice. The ingestion of liquorice root can result in elevated blood pressure and potassium abnormalities, whilst liquorice candy includes xylitol, a synthetic sweetener that poses a danger to dogs. We will discuss some of the dangers associated with liquorice consumption by dogs, the means of preventing them from consuming liquorice, and the alternatives to it.

Key takeaways

• Liquorice is not a doggy treat of any kind.

• Glycyrrhizin in the root impacts blood pressure and potassium.

• Xylitol in sugar-free liquorice is a toxic emergency — act fast.

• A single small piece is unlikely to be dangerous, but watch for symptoms.

Liquorice by Type: How Risky Is Each?

Type

1. Black liquorice

2. Red "liquorice"

3. Liquorice root

4. Liquorice allsorts

The concern

• Glycyrrhizin — blood pressure and potassium effects in quantity

• Usually no real liquorice, but very high sugar

• Still contains glycyrrhizin — not a safe "natural" treat.

• Sugar, artificial colours and flavours; tummy upset

• May contain XYLITOL — toxic to dogs, treat as an emergency

Why Liquorice Is Bad for Dogs

1. Glycyrrhizin: At high doses, may have a negative effect on blood pressure and potassium levels, causing muscle weakness and heart strain.

2. Sugar: contributes to obesity, tooth problems, and diabetes at a later stage.

3. Xylitol: Creates a sharp rise in insulin and precipitates a dramatic drop in blood sugar, which can be fatal in sugar-free products.

What to Do If Your Dog Ate Liquorice

Check the type and amount. Read the label for xylitol, and estimate how much they ate relative to their size.

If it's sugar-free / contains xylitol — call your vet immediately. This is an emergency; don't wait for symptoms.

For a small amount of regular liquorice, monitor. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, lethargy, or excessive thirst in the next 24 hours.

Remove wrappers and packaging. These can cause a separate blockage risk.

Contact your vet if symptoms appear or you're unsure. Don't wait; it's better to check.

Reach a vet through PawPots Vet Connect.

Safer Treats to Give Instead

If you want to reward your dog, skip the human sweets and reach for these:

• Carrot sticks, cucumber, or apple slices (seeds/core removed).

• PawPots oven-baked Chicken and Beef Kaak treats for dogs

• Dog treats or small pieces of plain cooked chicken.

• Moderate use of blueberries or watermelon (seedless).
  

Even better, a nutritious daily diet decreases the need to be tempted to share table sweets. At PawPots, fresh, human-grade meals for dogs with human-grade ingredients in our Lebanon kitchen — so treats stay occasional and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liquorice poisonous to dogs?

Glycyrrhizin is present in liquorice root, and it can be dangerous when taken too much; sugary liquorices may have xylitol as one of their ingredients, which, too, is dangerous for dogs. In addition, even the “safe” liquorices are unhealthy owing to their high sugar content.

My dog ate one piece of liquorice — should I worry?

A small piece of sugar liquorice should pose no serious risk, but watch for vomiting, diarrhoea or weakness. If it was sugar-free or with xylitol, contact your vet immediately, even if it's a small amount.

Is liquorice root safe as a natural remedy for dogs?

No. Even though liquorice root is used in herbal medicine, it continues to contain glycyrrhizin. Never administer without veterinary instructions — consult your veterinarian for alternatives for dogs.

What sweets can dogs eat instead?

Skip human sweets entirely. Provide food alternatives like carrots, cucumber, apple slices (seeds removed and core removed), blueberries, or a specially made dog treat, but only in small amounts.