Xylitol

Q: Can dogs eat Xylitol? — DogToxic

Deadly: Deadly — even tiny amounts can kill a dog. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, certain peanut butters, and many other products. In dogs, it triggers a rapid release of insulin, causing life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) within 30–60 minutes. Larger doses cause acute liver failure, which can be fatal even with treatment.

Q: Symptoms to watch for

sudden weakness or collapse, vomiting, seizures, jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin), coma

Deadly

Verdict

Deadly — even tiny amounts can kill a dog.

Toxic principle: xylitol

Source: ASPCA

Verdict

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, certain peanut butters, and many other products. In dogs, it triggers a rapid release of insulin, causing life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) within 30–60 minutes. Larger doses cause acute liver failure, which can be fatal even with treatment.

Symptoms to watch for

• sudden weakness or collapse
• vomiting
• seizures
• jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin)
• coma

What to do

This is a veterinary emergency. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Bring the product packaging so the xylitol dose can be calculated.

📞 US ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435

Related foods

Raw Yeast Dough

Toxic

Never — expands in the stomach and produces alcohol.

Human Food

Chocolate

Toxic

Never — toxic, potentially fatal in large amounts.

Human Food

Corn on the Cob

Caution

Dangerous — the cob causes life-threatening obstruction.

Human Food

Salt (Excess)

Caution

Use caution — large amounts cause sodium poisoning.

Human Food

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