Licorice root in small amounts is not considered toxic to healthy dogs, but licorice candy poses real risks from sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients. The distinction between the plant and the candy matters a lot here, and so does the amount your dog ate and what was actually in it.
The Real Risk: Candy vs. Licorice Root
Most licorice candy sold in the United States doesn’t contain any actual licorice root. It’s flavored with anise, which tastes similar but is a completely different plant. That means the dangers from candy licorice are less about the licorice itself and more about everything else in it: sugar, corn syrup, artificial colors, and potentially xylitol.
Xylitol is the ingredient that turns a minor stomach upset into a veterinary emergency. This sugar substitute is extremely toxic to dogs, and it does appear in some licorice-flavored products. XyliChew black licorice gum and XyloBurst licorice mints both contain xylitol, for example. Even a small amount of xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, seizures, or liver failure in dogs. If the packaging lists xylitol (sometimes called birch sugar) as an ingredient, contact your vet immediately.
Plain sugar-based licorice candy without xylitol isn’t poisonous, but a large amount can still cause vomiting, diarrhea, and general stomach upset from the sugar and artificial ingredients alone.
How Licorice Root Affects Dogs
Actual licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is the source of most health concerns. Glycyrrhizin interferes with how the body processes certain hormones, causing the adrenal system to hold onto more sodium and water while losing potassium. In humans, this reliably raises blood pressure with chronic use. The worry has been that dogs would respond the same way.
However, a 2024 study tested three doses of glycyrrhizin in dogs (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg per kilogram of body weight per day) over 28 days and found no changes in blood pressure or electrolyte balance at any of those levels. The researchers specifically noted that current safety guidelines for dogs are based on limited data, and these doses, which exceed those guidelines, produced no detectable harmful effects in healthy animals.
That said, licorice root can be dangerous for dogs with pre-existing heart problems or high blood pressure. Because glycyrrhizin promotes water retention and can amplify the effects of the body’s own stress hormones on blood vessels, it has the potential to worsen cardiovascular conditions that are already present.
Red Licorice vs. Black Licorice
Red licorice is licorice in name only. It contains no licorice root and is essentially flavored sugar candy. The risks for dogs are the same as any sugary junk food: stomach upset, potential for diarrhea, and a lot of empty calories. It’s not toxic, but it’s not something you should share with your dog regularly.
Black licorice is more likely to contain actual licorice root or its extracts, though many commercial brands still use anise flavoring instead. Check the ingredient list. If it lists licorice root, licorice extract, or glycyrrhizin, it’s the real thing, and the concerns about blood pressure and potassium balance apply, especially for dogs with heart conditions.
Symptoms to Watch For
If your dog ate a moderate amount of licorice candy, watch for signs of digestive upset: vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. These typically appear within a few hours and resolve on their own.
More concerning symptoms suggest either a large amount was eaten, xylitol was involved, or your dog has an underlying health issue. These include:
- Lethargy or unusual weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Vomiting that won’t stop
Seizures or sudden collapse after eating any candy product should be treated as a potential xylitol poisoning, which requires immediate veterinary care.
Licorice Root as a Supplement
Some veterinarians actually recommend licorice root for dogs in controlled amounts. Glycyrrhizin interacts with the adrenal glands and helps the body’s naturally produced steroids stay effective longer, which can reduce inflammation. It’s sometimes used as a gentler alternative to pharmaceutical steroids for skin conditions or joint inflammation.
For dogs that need long-term digestive support, there’s a modified form called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). This version has the glycyrrhizin removed entirely, eliminating the risk of blood pressure changes or potassium imbalances. DGL is considered safe for extended use and is found in some veterinary digestive supplements.
Anise: A Safer Licorice-Like Option
If your dog seems drawn to that licorice flavor, anise seed is worth knowing about. It’s not toxic to dogs and is widely considered safer than actual licorice root. Dogs tend to love the scent of anise so much that it’s used in nosework training, earning it the nickname “dognip.”
Small amounts of crushed anise seed mixed into food can help with digestion, reduce gas, freshen breath, and even promote mild relaxation. Start with very small quantities and watch for any signs of stomach sensitivity like loose stools or scratching. Anise seeds from the plant Pimpinella anisum are the safe choice. Star anise, which looks completely different (it’s star-shaped), can trigger seizures in dogs at higher doses or in concentrated forms like essential oils, so avoid that one.
Anise is not recommended for pregnant dogs, as it can stimulate uterine contractions, and most vets suggest waiting until puppies are at least six months old before introducing it.