Is Licorice Poisonous? Safety Guide for Pets and People

Licorice root is mildly to moderately harmful in large amounts. The culinary licorice flavor in candy often comes from anise, not real licorice root, so most licorice candy is low risk. Real licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that mimics aldosterone and can disrupt electrolyte balance at high doses. Dogs, cats, and humans are all affected, with cats and dogs at risk even from smaller quantities relative to their body weight.

What Part of the Licorice Plant Is Toxic?

The root is the primary concern. Glycyrrhizin, the active compound, is concentrated in the dried root used in herbal teas, supplements, and traditional medicines. Commercial black licorice candy made with real licorice root extract also contains glycyrrhizin, though at lower concentrations.

Green licorice stems and leaves contain smaller amounts of the compound but are not considered safe for pets. The seeds are not a significant source of exposure in typical settings.

A note on plant identity: the name “licorice” is sometimes applied to other plants, including rosary pea (Abrus precatorius), which is called “Indian licorice” in some regions. Rosary pea is far more dangerous than true licorice and requires immediate veterinary or medical attention after any ingestion. This article covers Glycyrrhiza glabra and related species, the source of licorice root used in food and herbal products.

Symptoms of Licorice Toxicity

Glycyrrhizin acts on the kidneys, causing sodium retention and potassium loss. This leads to a condition similar to hyperaldosteronism. Effects scale with dose and duration of exposure.

Dogs and cats: Lethargy, muscle weakness, and elevated blood pressure are the main concerns with repeated or large exposures. In severe cases, low potassium (hypokalemia) can cause muscle tremors or paralysis. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur with any significant ingestion. Dogs are particularly vulnerable because some dog-specific herbal products use licorice root as an ingredient, which can add up over time.

Humans and children: Chronic large consumption, such as eating large amounts of real black licorice daily, has caused dangerous drops in blood potassium, high blood pressure, and in rare cases, cardiac arrhythmias. A single exposure is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy adult. Children, people on blood pressure medication, and those with kidney or heart conditions face higher risk. The FDA has noted that adults over 40 who eat large amounts of black licorice daily for two or more weeks can develop heart rhythm problems.

What to Do If Someone Ingests Licorice

1. Determine what was actually ingested. Was it real licorice root, a licorice supplement, black licorice candy, or something labeled “licorice” that may contain anise instead?
2. Check the label for glycyrrhizin or licorice extract content if a product was consumed.
3. For pets: remove any remaining plant material or product from reach.
4. Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or your vet if your pet ate licorice root, a licorice supplement, or an unknown amount of licorice candy.
5. Seek medical attention if a person experiences muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or swelling after eating real licorice products.

A single small exposure is unlikely to require emergency treatment in a healthy person. The pattern of repeated large doses is where the risk concentrates.

Safe Handling Around Pets and Children

• Keep licorice herbal supplements, teas, and licorice-flavored products stored away from pets.
• Do not share black licorice candy with dogs or cats.
• Read ingredient labels on herbal products to identify whether real licorice root extract is present.
• People on heart medications, blood pressure medications, or diuretics should discuss licorice consumption with their doctor before adding it to their diet.
• Anise-flavored products (star anise, aniseed) are a different plant and carry a different risk profile. Do not assume all licorice-flavored items contain glycyrrhizin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is licorice candy poisonous to dogs? Real black licorice candy containing licorice extract can cause problems, particularly with repeated exposure. Anise-flavored candy often sold as licorice poses different risks but is also not appropriate for pets. Keep all licorice candy away from dogs.

Can cats eat licorice root? No. Cats should not consume licorice root in any form. Cats are more sensitive to many compounds than dogs, and their smaller body weight means even a modest amount of glycyrrhizin is proportionally more significant.

Is red licorice poisonous? Red licorice candy typically contains no real licorice root at all. It is flavored with artificial flavors or fruit extracts and does not contain glycyrrhizin. The main concern with red licorice for pets is the sugar content and any xylitol that might be present as a sweetener.

Can licorice kill a dog? Acute death from a single licorice exposure is not well documented, but chronic exposure can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances that affect the heart. The risk scales with amount and frequency. Treat any significant licorice root ingestion by a pet as a reason to call your vet.