Last updated: September 10, 2026 · Guides reviewed: 26
Quick answer: This guide compares published DogFoodSafe ingredient pages in this category. Use the table and groups below to find items that are generally safer, items that need caution, and items dogs should avoid.
Hidden candy risks
Candy is not a dog treat. The biggest risks are xylitol, chocolate, raisins, caffeine, wrappers, choking hazards, and large amounts of sugar or fat. A small accidental amount is different from something you should intentionally give.
Items dogs should avoid
Do not give Chewing Gum to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
No. Chocolate is unsafe for dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially risky.
Dogs should not be given chocolate chip cookies. They can contain chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, and…
Do not give Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same…
Do not give Chocolate Donuts to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
Dogs should not eat chocolate ice cream. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, and the ice cream base…
Sugar-free candy is unsafe for dogs, especially if it contains xylitol (birch sugar), which can cause a rapid,…
Use caution with these items
Plain cake is not a good dog food and should be avoided. Many cakes contain ingredients that can…
Do not give Candy Canes to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
Do not give Caramel to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a poison…
Most cookies are not a good dog snack. Plain cookie crumbs may cause stomach upset, but many cookies…
Do not give Cotton Candy to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
Do not give Cupcakes to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a poison…
Do not give Gummy Candy to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
Full comparison table
| Ingredient | Level | Main concern | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chewing Gum | Unsafe | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Chocolate | Unsafe | Theobromine and caffeine risk | Read guide |
| Chocolate Chip Cookies | Unsafe | chocolate toxicity; possible xylitol exposure; high sugar and fat | Read guide |
| Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans | Unsafe | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Chocolate Donuts | Unsafe | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Chocolate Ice Cream | Unsafe | theobromine and caffeine chocolate toxicity; possible added sugar and dairy intolerance | Read guide |
| Sugar-Free Candy | Unsafe | xylitol poisoning; possible choking and GI upset from candy ingredients | Read guide |
| Sugar-Free Gum | Unsafe | Xylitol risk | Read guide |
| Cake | Caution | digestive upset / sugar and ingredient toxicity | Read guide |
| Candy | Caution | Sugar, chocolate, xylitol, wrapper risk | Read guide |
| Candy Canes | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Caramel | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Cookies | Caution | gastrointestinal upset; toxic ingredients may be present | Read guide |
| Cotton Candy | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Cupcakes | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Gummy Candy | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Hard Candy | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Honey | Caution | Sugar risk | Read guide |
| Ice Cream | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Jelly Beans | Caution | Mixed category: bean variants differ | Read guide |
| Licorice Candy | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Lollipops | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Marshmallows | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Peppermint Candy | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
| Skittles | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Sour Candy | Caution | Not recommended; sugar, wrappers, stomach upset, and hidden toxic ingredients | Read guide |
How to use this guide
Click the individual ingredient guide before feeding anything. Preparation, portion size, added salt, sugar, fat, sweeteners, seasonings, bones, and hidden ingredients can change the risk.
If symptoms appear, the amount was large, or ingredients are unclear, contact a veterinarian.
Disclaimer: This page is general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. If your dog may have eaten something unsafe, is showing symptoms, or you are unsure about the amount or ingredients, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control.