Can Dogs Have Licorice? Safety, Risks & Serving Guide

If your dog snatched a piece of licorice off the coffee table, you're probably wondering whether you should panic or just watch for symptoms. The answer depends heavily on which type of licorice we're talking about — and the distinction matters more than most pet owners realize.

Most licorice candy sold in the US is actually flavored with anise oil rather than real licorice root, which removes the glycyrrhizin danger — but introduces a different set of problems including excessive sugar, artificial dyes (Red 40), and in some sugar-free varieties, the sweetener xylitol, which is acutely toxic to dogs and can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure within hours.

Why Black Licorice Is Dangerous for Dogs

Real black licorice gets its flavor from Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, which contains a compound called glycyrrhizin. In humans, the FDA has warned that eating just 2 ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Dogs, with their smaller body mass, are far more vulnerable.

Glycyrrhizin mimics the hormone aldosterone, causing the kidneys to excrete potassium while retaining sodium. This electrolyte imbalance can lead to:

• Hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium) — resulting in muscle weakness, tremors, and collapse
• Hypertension — elevated blood pressure that stresses the cardiovascular system
• Cardiac arrhythmias — irregular heartbeat that can become life-threatening
• Fluid retention and edema — particularly dangerous for dogs with pre-existing heart or kidney conditions

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, even small amounts of concentrated licorice root extract can produce clinical signs in dogs weighing under 30 lb (14 kg). If your dog has ingested real black licorice or a licorice root supplement, contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies) or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

What About Red Licorice and Candy Licorice?

Red "licorice" products like Twizzlers or Red Vines contain no actual licorice root — they're flavored with anise or artificial flavoring. This means the glycyrrhizin risk is eliminated. However, these candies are still problematic for several concrete reasons:

Ingredient	Risk to Dogs	Severity
Sugar (corn syrup, sucrose)	GI upset, obesity, dental decay, pancreatitis risk in large amounts	Moderate
Xylitol (sugar-free varieties)	Rapid insulin release → hypoglycemia, seizures, acute liver failure	Critical/Emergency
Red 40 / artificial dyes	Allergic reactions in sensitive dogs, no nutritional value	Low-Moderate
Wheat flour	Problematic for dogs with grain sensitivities or wheat allergies	Low
Palm oil / hydrogenated fats	GI upset, diarrhea, pancreatitis trigger in predisposed dogs	Moderate

The xylitol danger deserves special emphasis. Many "sugar-free" or "diet" licorice products use xylitol as a sweetener. In dogs, xylitol ingestion at doses as low as 0.1 g/kg can trigger hypoglycemia, and doses above 0.5 g/kg can cause acute hepatic necrosis. A single piece of sugar-free gum or candy can be enough to hospitalize a small dog.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): The Veterinary Exception

There is one context where licorice appears in canine care: deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supplements. DGL has had the glycyrrhizin removed, eliminating the dangerous potassium-depleting effects while retaining compounds like flavonoids and mucilage that may soothe inflamed gastrointestinal tissue.

Some holistic and integrative veterinarians recommend DGL for dogs with:

• Gastric ulcers or chronic gastritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as an adjunct therapy
• Acid reflux or esophagitis

Typical DGL dosing used in veterinary practice is approximately 10-25 mg per kg of body weight, given twice daily before meals. However, this should only be administered under direct veterinary supervision. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dose based on your dog's weight, condition, and any concurrent medications. Never self-prescribe DGL or any licorice-based supplement to your dog.

If Your Dog Ate Licorice: What to Do Right Now

For a small ingestion of standard red licorice candy (one or two pieces by a medium or large dog with no xylitol), monitor at home for 24-48 hours. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite and energy level. Provide plenty of fresh water. If any symptoms develop, contact your veterinarian.

For black licorice ingestion, call your vet regardless of amount. The glycyrrhizin content varies significantly between brands, and it's difficult to assess risk without knowing the exact product and your dog's weight. Your vet may recommend monitoring blood potassium levels or administering activated charcoal if the ingestion was recent (within 2 hours).

Similar Foods and Candies to Keep Away From Dogs

If you're auditing your pantry after a licorice scare, these related items carry similar or greater risks:

• Anise-flavored candies — While anise itself is not toxic in small amounts, these candies share the same high-sugar, artificial-ingredient profile as red licorice
• Sugar-free gummy candies — High probability of xylitol content; always check the ingredient label
• Licorice root tea — Concentrated glycyrrhizin in liquid form; even a spilled cup can be dangerous for small dogs
• Licorice root chews/sticks — Sometimes sold as "natural" dog chews; avoid unless specifically deglycyrrhizinated and vet-approved
• Star anise — Contains shikimic acid; while not as dangerous as some spices, it can cause GI distress and should not be fed intentionally
• Fennel candy — Similar sugar and additive concerns; fennel seed itself is safe in tiny amounts but the candy form is not appropriate

Dogs Who Should Never Have Any Form of Licorice

Even DGL under veterinary supervision is contraindicated for certain dogs. Avoid all licorice products — candy, root, or supplement — if your dog falls into any of these categories:

Category	Reason
Puppies under 12 months	Developing kidneys and liver less able to process glycyrrhizin and artificial additives
Senior dogs (8+ years, breed-dependent)	Higher prevalence of undiagnosed cardiac or renal disease; less physiological reserve
Dogs with heart disease (DCM, mitral valve disease)	Glycyrrhizin-induced fluid retention and hypertension can worsen cardiac workload
Dogs with kidney disease (CKD stages 1-4)	Impaired electrolyte regulation makes potassium depletion especially dangerous
Dogs with diabetes mellitus	Sugar content disrupts glycemic control; xylitol causes dangerous insulin spikes
Dogs on diuretics (furosemide, spironolactone)	Compounding potassium loss; risk of severe electrolyte crisis
Dogs with history of pancreatitis	High-fat candy formulations can trigger recurrence
Pregnant or nursing dogs	Glycyrrhizin may cross placental barrier; insufficient safety data for canine gestation

The Bottom Line on Licorice and Dogs

There is no scenario where licorice candy is a good treat choice for your dog. The nutritional profile is entirely negative — empty calories, artificial additives, and potential toxin exposure. If you're looking for a sweet, chewy treat that's actually safe, consider small pieces of fresh apple (cored, seeds removed), banana slices, or blueberries. These provide actual vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants without the risk.

Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any supplement, including DGL, into your dog's routine. And keep the ASPCA Poison Control number — (888) 426-4435 — saved in your phone. Quick action makes the difference in toxicity cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat Twizzlers or Red Vines?

While standard Twizzlers and Red Vines don't contain real licorice root or xylitol, they are loaded with sugar (approximately 15g per serving), corn syrup, and artificial dyes. A single piece won't likely harm a healthy 50 lb (23 kg) dog, but there's no reason to feed them. If your dog grabs one, monitor for vomiting or diarrhea and check the package for xylitol in the ingredient list.

Is licorice root the same as anise?

No. Licorice root comes from Glycyrrhiza glabra and contains glycyrrhizin. Anise comes from Pimpinella anisum and has a similar flavor profile but different chemistry. Many "licorice" candies in the US actually use anise flavoring. Anise in very small amounts (a pinch of seed) is generally safe for dogs, but anise-flavored candy is not recommended due to sugar and additive content.

What if my dog ate a whole bag of licorice?

Identify the exact product and check the ingredient list for xylitol and real licorice root extract. Note approximately how much was consumed and your dog's weight. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional — some candy formulations can cause aspiration risk.

Are there any safe licorice-flavored dog treats?

Some specialty dog treat brands make anise-flavored biscuits that mimic the licorice taste without the dangerous compounds. Look for products with short ingredient lists, no xylitol, no artificial dyes, and AAFCO-compliant manufacturing. Brands like Plato Pet Treats and Zuke's offer anise-flavored options. Always check the label and introduce any new treat in a small amount first, monitoring for 24-48 hours.

Can I give my dog DGL for an upset stomach?

Do not administer DGL without veterinary guidance. While DGL may have gastrointestinal-soothing properties in dogs, the appropriate dose depends on your dog's weight, the underlying condition, and any medications they're taking. Your vet can determine whether DGL is appropriate and may recommend safer, more established treatments like famotidine (Pepcid) or sucralfate for gastric issues.