We all love our cats, but sometimes we can’t help but wonder- can they eat Twizzlers? We did the research so you don’t have to.
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Introduction
As any cat lover knows, our feline friends can be pretty finicky eaters. So, it’s only natural that you might have some concerns about whether or not Twizzlers are safe for cats.
While there’s no need to worry if your cat takes an occasional nibble of a Twizzler, you should definitely avoid giving them candy as a regular treat. Twizzlers are high in sugar and could contribute to obesity and diabetes in cats. Plus, the artificial flavors and colors may not agree with your cat’s stomach.
If you’re looking for a safe and healthy treat for your cat, try feeding them a small piece of cooked chicken or fish instead.
What are the ingredients in Twizzlers?
Twizzlers are a type of candy that is made with flour, sugar, corn syrup, and palm oil. These ingredients are all safe for cats to eat.
Sugar
The first ingredient in Twizzlers is sugar. There are also corn syrup, molasses, and fructose listed among the ingredients.
corn syrup
Corn syrup is made from corn starch that has been broken down into glucose. It’s used in food to sweeten, thicken or add bulk. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a type of corn syrup that has been processed to convert some of its glucose into fructose.
Palm oil
The first ingredient listed on the Twizzlers package is sugar, and there is quite a bit of it. One serving of Twizzlers (21 pieces) contains 19 grams of sugar, which is almost 5 teaspoons. That’s more sugar than what’s found in a glazed doughnut from Dunkin’ Donuts. The next ingredient is corn syrup, followed by palm oil.
Wheat flour
Twizzlers contain wheat flour, corn syrup, sugar, dextrose, salt, artificial flavors, and soy lecithin.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a type of carbohydrate that is derived from starch. It is found in a variety of foods, including candy, processed meats, and some desserts. It can also be used as a food additive or thickening agent.
Maltodextrin is made by breaking down larger carbohydrates into smaller units. This process is known as hydrolysis. Maltodextrin is classified as a simple sugar because it consists of small units of glucose, which is a type of sugar.
Maltodextrin is considered a safe food additive by the FDA. However, some people may experience GI distress after consuming foods that contain it. Maltodextrin is also a source of calories and may contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
Salt
Salt is one of the main ingredients in Twizzlers, and it’s something that you should be aware of if you’re feeding these to your cat. Too much salt can be bad for cats, and it can lead to health problems like dehydration and kidney disease. If you’re going to give your cat Twizzlers, make sure to give them in moderation and keep an eye on their salt intake.
Artificial flavors
The “red” Twizzlers are flavored with cherry, while the “green” ones are flavored with lime. The other flavors are lemon (yellow), black licorice (black), and blue raspberry ( blue). All of the flavors come from artificial sources. The lime flavor was changed to green apple in 2009, but was reverted back to lime in 2014.
Are any of these ingredients harmful to cats?
You might think that because Twizzlers are made mostly of sugar, they would be safe for your cat to consume. However, this is not the case. Twizzlers contain harmful ingredients that can be toxic to cats. In this article, we’ll take a look at the ingredients in Twizzlers and see if they are safe for cats to consume.
Sugar
There are many different opinions on how much sugar is safe for cats to consume. Some say that a small amount of sugar is ok, while others believe that it can be harmful. The general consensus seems to be that too much sugar can be detrimental to your cat’s health, so it is best to avoid feeding them sugary snacks. There are a variety of sugar-free and low-sugar options available for cats, so you can still give them a treat without worrying about their health.
Corn syrup
Corn syrup is a type of sugar that is often used as a sweetener in processed foods. It is made from cornstarch that has been broken down into glucose. Although it is not as sweet as table sugar, it is cheaper to produce.
Corn syrup is safe for most people, but it can be harmful to cats. It can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, and can also lead to weight gain and diabetes. If you think your cat has eaten corn syrup, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Palm oil
While palm oil is not necessarily harmful to cats, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers. Palm oil can contain high levels of saturated fat, which can lead to obesity and other health problems in cats. It is also a common allergen, so if your cat is allergic to palm oil, it can cause skin irritation and other issues. If you are considering feeding your cat Twizzlers or any other food that contains palm oil, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first.
Wheat flour
Wheat flour is a common ingredient in many processed foods, including Twizzlers. While it is not harmful to cats in small amounts, it is not particularly nutritious either. If your cat regularly eats foods that contain wheat flour, you may want to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a white powder made from corn that is used as a food additive. It is similar to corn syrup and is often used to thicken or stabilize processed food. Maltodextrin is safe for people, but it may not be safe for cats.
Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate that is broken down into simple sugars in the body. Cats do not have the enzymes necessary to break down complex carbohydrates, so they are not able to digest maltodextrin properly. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea in cats.
Maltodextrin is often used as a filler or thickener in processed cat food. It is also used in some oral medications and supplements for cats. If your cat eats processed food or takes medication that contains maltodextrin, she may experience gastrointestinal upset. If your cat has diarrhea or vomiting after eating maltodextrin, contact your veterinarian.
Salt
Many people are concerned about the salt content in processed foods, and for good reason. consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
While most of us could stand to eat a little less salt, it’s important to remember that not all salt is created equal. The body needs a certain amount of sodium to function properly, and the type of salt you eat makes a big difference.
The primary concern with salt and cats is that it can lead to dehydration. Cats are very efficient at getting rid of excess water, so they don’t need as much as we do. If they consume too much salt, they will excrete more water than they take in, leading to dehydration.
In moderation, salt is not harmful to cats. In fact, it’s an essential nutrient that helps them regulate their body temperature and maintain proper hydration levels. However, if you’re worried about your cat’s sodium intake, there are some lower-salt options available, such as unsalted deli meats or home-cooked meals.
Artificial flavors
While there is no definitive answer, it is generally believed that artificial flavors are not harmful to cats. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian before feeding your cat anything new.
Conclusion
We would not recommend feeding your cat Twizzlers as a treat. The candy is high in sugar and other unhealthy ingredients that could potentially make your cat sick.