Can Dogs Eat Xylitol?

Overview

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sugar substitute in various human foods, including sugar-free gum, candies, and baked goods. It is highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe health issues even in small amounts.

Xylitol is unsafe for dogs because it can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels and potentially lead to liver failure. Dogs metabolize xylitol differently than humans, making it highly toxic to them even in small amounts.

Benefits

There are no known health benefits to feeding xylitol to dogs that outweigh the risks.

Risks & Precautions

Xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can occur within 10 to 60 minutes of ingestion.,Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, lack of coordination, seizures, and in severe cases, liver failure and death.,There is no safe amount of xylitol for dogs, and even small quantities can be life-threatening.,Immediate veterinary attention is required if xylitol ingestion is suspected.

Serving Guidelines

There is no safe serving size for xylitol for dogs; it should be completely avoided.