- Xylitol: Toxic
- Peanut butter: Caution
- Chocolate: Toxic
Xylitol and dogs: where it hides and what to do
Xylitol is a sweetener used in sugar-free products such as gum, sweets, peanut and nut butters and baked goods, and in non-food items such as mouthwash and toothpaste. It is dangerous to dogs even in small doses. 3 sources
In short
Why is xylitol dangerous for dogs?
In dogs, xylitol causes a fast release of insulin, which makes blood sugar drop quickly and sharply. Enough of it can also cause liver failure. 2 sources
“Even in small doses, xylitol can cause seizures, liver failure, and death in dogs.”
American Kennel Club
Which products can contain xylitol?
Sugar-free products such as gum, sweets, peanut and nut butters and baked goods, and non-food items such as mouthwash and toothpaste. 2 sources
| Where it can be | What to do |
|---|---|
| Sugar-free gum and sweets | Keep them out of reach and read the label |
| Peanut and nut butters | Read the label of every jar |
| Sugar-free baked goods | Read the label |
| Mouthwash and toothpaste | Keep them out of reach |
On ingredient labels, xylitol may also be listed as "birch sugar", "wood sugar" or "birch bark extract". Source
Amounts vary from product to product. Even one brand of gum can have different amounts of xylitol in each flavour. Source
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Most peanut butter is safe for dogs in moderation, but only if the label shows no xylitol. 2 sources
Some peanut butter makers have switched to xylitol, so check the ingredients every time you buy a jar. The healthiest choice is unsalted peanut butter, dog-specific peanut butter or homemade peanut butter. 2 sources
How fast do signs of xylitol poisoning start?
Signs of low blood sugar can appear within 30 minutes, or later if the xylitol is in something that slows its absorption, such as gum. Signs of liver injury may not show for 1 to 2 days. 2 sources
Signs to watch for 2 sources
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Depression or unusual quietness
- Seizures
- Coma
- Yellow skin or eyes (liver injury)
What should I do if my dog ate something with xylitol?
Call your vet or an animal poison helpline straight away. Signs can start quickly, and liver signs can take days to show, so do not wait for symptoms. 3 sources
Call now, even at night. The emergency page has what to do first and the animal poison helplines for your country.
Emergency helpSources: show 15 quoted passages
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Pet Poison Helpline: Xylitol
If enough xylitol is ingested it can cause life-threatening low blood sugar (even within 10-15 minutes of ingestion) and acute liver failure.
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Pet Poison Helpline: Xylitol (amounts vary)
Even one brand of gum, for example, may have different amounts of xylitol in each flavor.
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American Kennel Club: Artificial sweetener safety for dogs
Even in small doses, xylitol can cause seizures, liver failure, and death in dogs.
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American Kennel Club: Artificial sweetener safety for dogs (where it is found)
Dangerous sweeteners such as xylitol are found in many common food and non-food items, such as mouthwash, chewing gum, and toothpaste.
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American Kennel Club: Artificial sweetener safety for dogs (labels)
Remember to always read the labels of the food in your home.
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Merck Veterinary Manual: Food hazards
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar-free products such as gums, candies, peanut and nut butters, baked goods, and much more.
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Merck Veterinary Manual: Food hazards (timing)
Signs of hypoglycemia may appear within 30 minutes of ingestion or be delayed if the xylitol is in a substance that slows its absorption
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Merck Veterinary Manual: Food hazards (liver)
Signs of liver injury may not occur until 1-2 days after ingestion and include depression, vomiting, and yellow skin or eye tissues.
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Merck Veterinary Manual: Food hazards (signs)
Signs of hypoglycemia include vomiting, weakness, incoordination, depression, seizures, and coma.
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American Kennel Club: Human foods dogs can and can't eat
Never give a dog a peanut butter product that contains xylitol, a sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Most peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat, and in moderation peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat peanut butter? (xylitol)
Recently, some peanut butter manufacturers switched to using the sweetener xylitol.
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat peanut butter? (healthiest option)
The healthiest option is unsalted peanut butter, dog-specific peanut butter, or homemade peanut butter.
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American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat peanut butter? (blood sugar)
Xylitol consumption causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, which results in an equally rapid and profound decrease in blood sugar levels.
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American Kennel Club: Human foods dogs can and can't eat (other names)
It may also appear on ingredient labels as "birch sugar," "wood sugar," or "birch bark extract."
Read on 28 October 2026