Is Licorice Bad for Dogs? Safety, Risks, and What to Do
Is licorice bad for dogs? Learn which types are toxic, safe alternatives, portion sizes, and when to call the vet if your dog eats licorice candy or root.
The Verdict: Is Licorice Bad for Dogs?
Black licorice candy: NO — Contains glycyrrhizin (from real licorice root extract) which can cause potassium depletion, heart arrhythmias, and dangerous blood pressure changes in dogs. Also typically high in sugar.
Red "licorice" candy: NO — Contains no actual licorice, but is loaded with sugar, artificial flavors, and may contain xylitol (a deadly sweetener for dogs). The shape is misleading; the ingredients are the real danger.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supplements: YES-WITH-CAUTION — DGL has the glycyrrhizin removed and is sometimes used in veterinary herbal medicine for digestive support. Only use under veterinary guidance at precise doses.
Raw licorice root (small amounts): CAUTION — Contains glycyrrhizin. Not recommended without veterinary supervision due to narrow safety margins.
If your dog grabbed a piece of licorice candy off the floor, don't panic — but don't offer it intentionally. The short answer to "is licorice bad for dogs" is that most forms dogs encounter (candy, twists, ropes) carry real health risks ranging from sugar-related digestive upset to genuine glycyrrhizin toxicity. Let's break down exactly what makes each type risky, what to watch for, and safer alternatives you can offer instead.
Breaking Down the Types: What's Actually in Licorice Products
Not all licorice is created equal, and understanding the ingredient differences is key to keeping your dog safe.
| Product Type | Contains Real Licorice? | Primary Risks for Dogs | Safe for Dogs? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black licorice candy (Twizzlers, Red Vines Black) | Usually yes (licorice extract) | Glycyrrhizin toxicity, high sugar, choking hazard | NO |
| Red licorice candy (Twizzlers Red, Sour Punch) | No (strawberry/cherry flavored) | High sugar, potential xylitol, artificial dyes | NO |
| Sugar-free licorice | Varies | Xylitol (potentially lethal), sugar alcohols cause GI distress | ABSOLUTELY NOT |
| DGL supplements (chewable tabs) | Deglycyrrhizinated (glycyrrhizin removed) | Low risk at vet-recommended doses; overuse can still cause issues | With vet guidance only |
| Dried licorice root sticks | Yes (full glycyrrhizin content) | Glycyrrhizin toxicity, choking, intestinal blockage | NO without vet supervision |
Why Glycyrrhizin Is the Real Problem
Glycyrrhizin is the compound that gives black licorice its characteristic flavor — it's roughly 50 times sweeter than sucrose. In dogs (and humans), glycyrrhizin mimics the hormone aldosterone, causing the kidneys to retain sodium and excrete potassium. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, this pseudo-hyperaldosteronism can lead to:
- Hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium) — causing muscle weakness, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias
- Hypertension (elevated blood pressure) — stressing the cardiovascular system
- Sodium and water retention — leading to edema and increased cardiac workload
- Metabolic alkalosis — disrupting acid-base balance
Dogs are smaller than humans, meaning the toxic threshold is reached with far less licorice. A 20-pound dog consuming just a few pieces of real black licorice candy could experience measurable potassium depletion within 24-48 hours.
What Happens If My Dog Eats Licorice Candy?
The severity depends on the type, amount consumed, and your dog's size. Here's what to expect based on exposure level:
Small Amount (1-2 Pieces of Red Licorice, No Xylitol)
Most likely outcome: mild gastrointestinal upset. You may see soft stools, slight vomiting, or increased thirst within 2-6 hours. Monitor your dog for 24 hours. Offer plenty of fresh water. This typically resolves without intervention.
Moderate Amount (Several Pieces of Black Licorice or a Full Bag of Red Licorice)
Watch for signs of glycyrrhizin toxicity (black licorice) or sugar overload:
- 🟡 Mild (monitor at home): Vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, restlessness, mild lethargy
- 🟠 Moderate (call vet for advice): Repeated vomiting, muscle weakness, trembling, loss of appetite lasting >12 hours
- 🔴 Severe (emergency vet visit): Collapse, irregular heartbeat, seizures, extreme lethargy, inability to stand, blood in vomit or stool
Any Amount of Sugar-Free Licorice (Xylitol)
This is a true emergency. Xylitol triggers rapid insulin release in dogs, causing life-threatening hypoglycemia within 10-60 minutes. At higher doses, it causes acute liver failure within 12-72 hours. The ASPCA lists xylitol among the most dangerous common household substances for dogs.
- Your dog ate any sugar-free licorice (check the label for xylitol, birch sugar, or "sugar alcohol")
- Your dog shows weakness, collapse, tremors, or seizures after eating black licorice
- Your dog consumed more than a few pieces of black licorice per 20 lbs of body weight
- Your dog has a pre-existing heart condition and ate any real licorice
- You notice dark or bloody stools within 48 hours of ingestion
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 — available 24/7 (consultation fee applies)
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 — available 24/7
Is Licorice Good for Dogs Nutritionally? The DGL Exception
You may have heard that licorice root has health benefits. This is partially true — but only in a very specific, processed form, and only under veterinary supervision.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is licorice root that has had the glycyrrhizin compound removed. Some holistic veterinarians use DGL to support dogs with:
- Gastric ulcers and stomach lining inflammation
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a complementary therapy
- Mild adrenal support
However, DGL should never be given without your veterinarian's explicit guidance. Dosing is weight-dependent, and even DGL products can vary in residual glycyrrhizin content. The typical veterinary-recommended DGL dose for dogs is approximately 12.5-25 mg per pound of body weight, given twice daily with food — but your vet will determine the precise dose for your dog's condition.
| Dog Weight | Typical DGL Dose (vet-guided) | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 lbs (small breeds) | ~125-250 mg twice daily | Powder mixed into food |
| 15-40 lbs (medium breeds) | ~250-500 mg twice daily | Powder or opened capsule |
| 40-80 lbs (large breeds) | ~500-1,000 mg twice daily | Capsule or powder |
| Over 80 lbs (giant breeds) | ~1,000-2,000 mg twice daily | Capsule |
Note: These are general reference ranges only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any supplement, including DGL, to your dog.
Safe Alternatives to Licorice for Dogs
If your dog loves chewy, sweet treats, there are far safer options that won't risk glycyrrhizin toxicity, xylitol poisoning, or sugar-related digestive problems:
| Safe Alternative | Serving Size (Medium Dog, 30 lbs) | Key Benefits | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple slices (no seeds/core) | 2-3 thin slices | Fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A | Raw, cored, sliced |
| Blueberries | 5-8 berries | Antioxidants, vitamin K, manganese | Raw or frozen, washed |
| Sweet potato chews | 1-2 dehydrated strips | Beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin B6 | Dehydrated or baked until chewy |
| Carrot sticks | 1 baby carrot or 2-3" piece | Beta-carotene, crunch satisfaction, low calorie | Raw or lightly steamed |
| Plain pumpkin puree | 1 tablespoon | Fiber, vitamin A, digestive support | Plain canned (not pie filling), no spices |
Dogs Who Should Never Eat Any Form of Licorice
Even DGL supplements are contraindicated for certain dogs. Avoid all licorice products entirely if your dog falls into any of these categories:
- Dogs with heart disease — Glycyrrhizin-induced sodium retention increases cardiac workload and can worsen congestive heart failure
- Dogs with kidney disease — Impaired kidneys struggle to regulate the sodium/potassium imbalance caused by glycyrrhizin
- Dogs with liver disease — Already compromised livers are more vulnerable to secondary damage
- Dogs on corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone) — Licorice amplifies steroid side effects, including potassium loss
- Dogs on diuretics (furosemide/Lasix) — Combined potassium-depleting effects can become dangerous
- Dogs with hypertension — Glycyrrhizin raises blood pressure, directly opposing treatment
- Pregnant dogs — Glycyrrhizin may affect fetal development; avoid entirely
- Puppies under 12 months — Developing systems are more sensitive to compounds like glycyrrhizin
What to Do Right Now: Step-by-Step After Ingestion
If your dog just ate licorice candy, follow these steps in order:
- Check the packaging immediately. Look for xylitol, birch sugar, or sugar alcohols in the ingredient list. If present, skip to step 5 — this is an emergency.
- Estimate how much was eaten. Count missing pieces and note the brand/type (black vs. red, real licorice extract vs. artificial flavor).
- Remove any remaining candy. Secure the area so your dog can't eat more.
- Monitor closely for 24-48 hours. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, increased thirst/urination, or any behavioral changes.
- If xylitol is present OR your dog shows severe symptoms: Call your emergency vet immediately. Bring the packaging with you. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian — some situations require professional intervention first.
- If no xylitol and symptoms are mild: Offer fresh water, feed a bland diet (boiled chicken and white rice) for the next 1-2 meals, and monitor. Contact your regular vet if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat Twizzlers?
Twizzlers (both red and black varieties) are not safe for dogs. Red Twizzlers contain high sugar, corn syrup, and artificial colors. Black Twizzlers may contain licorice extract with glycyrrhizin. Neither provides nutritional value, and the chewy texture poses a choking risk for small dogs. If your dog ate one or two red Twizzlers accidentally, monitor for GI upset — but don't offer them as treats.
How much black licorice is toxic to dogs?
There's no established "safe" threshold for glycyrrhizin in dogs because toxicity depends on body weight, individual sensitivity, and pre-existing conditions. As a general concern, consuming the equivalent of 1-2 grams of glycyrrhizin per kilogram of body weight can cause measurable effects. Since black licorice candy typically contains 0.2% or less glycyrrhizin by weight, a 20-lb dog eating 5-10 pieces of real black licorice could potentially experience symptoms. When in doubt, contact the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
Is anise the same as licorice? Can dogs eat anise?
Anise and licorice taste similar to humans but are completely different plants. Anise (Pimpinella anisum) does not contain glycyrrhizin and is generally considered safe for dogs in very small amounts. Some dog toys and treats use anise as a flavor attractant. However, anise essential oil is concentrated and should not be given to dogs. Star anise (Illicium verum) is a different species and can contain shikimic acid — keep this away from dogs.
My dog ate a whole bag of red licorice. What should I do?
First, check the ingredient list for xylitol. If xylitol-free, the primary concern is sugar overload causing GI distress — expect vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly hyperactivity followed by lethargy. Ensure access to fresh water. Offer a bland diet at the next meal. Call your vet if vomiting persists more than 12 hours, if your dog becomes severely lethargic, or if your dog is very small (under 15 lbs) and ate a large quantity relative to body size.
Can dogs have licorice root tea?
Licorice root tea contains glycyrrhizin unless specifically labeled as DGL tea. Even small amounts of brewed licorice root tea can cause potassium imbalances in dogs. Do not offer licorice root tea to your dog. If your vet has recommended DGL supplementation, they will specify a veterinary-grade product with verified glycyrrhizin removal — not a tea brewed from whole root.
Are there any dog treats flavored like licorice?
Some specialty dog bakeries offer anise-flavored treats that mimic the licorice taste without the glycyrrhizin risk. Look for products that explicitly list anise seed (not licorice root or glycyrrhizin) as the flavoring agent. Brands like Plato Pet Treats and Cloud Star offer anise-flavored options. Always check the full ingredient list for xylitol, excessive sugar, or artificial sweeteners before purchasing.
This article provides educational information and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your dog has ingested licorice products and you're concerned about their health, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any supplement, including DGL, to your dog's routine.
Tom Renshaw
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
