ingredient
Xylitol
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
No. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and even small amounts can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Treat as an emergency. Contact your vet or an emergency vet immediately and take the packaging with you.
When to contact a vet: Yes — go to a vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
Symptoms to look for
- vomiting
- weakness or wobbliness
- collapse
- tremors
- seizures
- lethargy
Why
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, mints, sweets, some peanut butters, baked goods, supplements and certain toothpastes. In dogs it triggers a rapid release of insulin, causing a sudden and dangerous fall in blood sugar, and larger amounts can damage the liver. Signs can appear within 30 minutes.
- Substances of concern
- xylitol
- Parts to avoid
- Any product containing xylitol or birch sugar.
- How much matters
- Very small amounts can be dangerous, so any suspected ingestion is treated as urgent.
- Severity
- Very high
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Toxicity
- PetMDVeterinary information — Toxicity
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.