Can dogs eat xylitol?
Quick verdict
Unsafe
Key risk
Causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure and death; found in sugar-free gum, sweets and some peanut butters.
Why
Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts.
Can dogs eat xylitol, and why?
Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts. Causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure and death; found in sugar-free gum, sweets and some peanut butters.
Dogs are omnivores, so most of their diet should be a complete, balanced dog food, with treats on top. They cope with a wide range of foods, but rich, fatty or sugary ones can cause stomach upset and, over time, weight gain or pancreatitis.
Warning — what to watch for
Causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure and death; found in sugar-free gum, sweets and some peanut butters.
If your dog has eaten xylitol, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
More foods dogs might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding dogs well:
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat xylitol?
Unsafe. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts.
What happens if my dog eats xylitol?
Causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure and death; found in sugar-free gum, sweets and some peanut butters. If your dog has eaten xylitol, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is xylitol poisonous to dogs?
Unsafe. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts.
Check xylitol for another pet