Can Dogs Eat Candy Canes?
The short answer is no. Traditional peppermint candy canes are not safe for dogs. They are loaded with sugar, the peppermint oil can upset a dog’s stomach, and—most importantly—many sugar-free candy canes contain xylitol, a sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts. On top of that, the hard, curved shape is a real choking and tooth-fracture risk. If you want to spoil your dog this holiday season, skip the human candy cane and reach for a treat made specifically for pets. I’m Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central, and below I’ll walk you through why candy canes are a bad idea and what to give instead.
Why are peppermint candy canes bad for dogs?
Regular candy canes are basically sugar and peppermint flavoring. A large amount of sugar can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, and—over time—weight gain and dental problems. Peppermint essential oil, which gives candy canes their flavor, can also irritate a dog’s digestive system and cause vomiting when eaten in candy-sized amounts. The American Kennel Club notes that peppermint candies and their oils commonly cause stomach upset in dogs (AKC).
What about xylitol?
This is the big one. Many “sugar-free” candy canes and mints are sweetened with xylitol. In dogs, xylitol triggers a rapid release of insulin that can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar within 15–30 minutes, and larger doses can lead to liver failure. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration both warn that xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and that even one or two pieces of sugar-free candy can be enough to cause harm (FDA, ASPCA). If your dog eats a candy cane and you are not sure whether it contained xylitol, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away.
Are “candy cane dog treats” a real thing?
Yes—but read the label. Some pet bakeries sell festive, red-and-white “candy cane” shaped biscuits that are made for dogs, colored naturally with something like beet juice, and contain no xylitol, chocolate, or real peppermint oil. Those are fine as an occasional treat. The problem is that the phrase “candy cane” gets used loosely, so always confirm the treat is formulated for dogs and free of xylitol before you hand it over.
What festive treats can I give my dog instead?
Honestly, the safest holiday treat is one made of a single, real ingredient—no sugar, no mystery flavorings, nothing to second-guess. That’s the whole idea behind what we make at Bully Sticks Central. Our chews are 100% natural, single-ingredient, and made from 100% real meat. They’re fully digestible with no rawhide, and everything is ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms. It’s all 100% high-quality guaranteed. A few holiday-friendly options:
- Bully sticks. A long-lasting, high-protein chew dogs love. Here’s our full guide to what bully sticks are and why they’re a great chew.
- Single-ingredient natural chews. If you want the peace of mind of knowing exactly what your dog is eating, start with our overview of single-ingredient dog chews.
- Peanut butter treats. Peanut butter is a classic festive flavor dogs go crazy for—just make sure it’s xylitol-free. See our roundup of safe peanut butter dog treats.
A simple, dog-safe “candy cane” alternative at home
If you like the idea of a festive, red-striped treat, you can make a dog-safe version without any candy at all. Mix a little plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling) with a spoonful of xylitol-free peanut butter and a touch of beet juice for natural red color, spoon it into a candy-cane silicone mold, and freeze. No sugar, no peppermint oil, no xylitol—just wholesome ingredients your dog can actually enjoy. Keep it to an occasional treat, and remember that treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories, per VCA Animal Hospitals.
The bottom line
Don’t give your dog a real candy cane. The sugar and peppermint oil can make them sick, and the xylitol in sugar-free versions can be life-threatening. For a holiday your dog will actually love, stick with treats made for them—ideally a single-ingredient, real-meat chew you can trust. That way the only thing your dog brings to the holidays is a happy, wagging tail.
This post was last updated at August 7, 2026 03:05
