By Rachel Shubin

Protecting pets from harmful household items starts with understanding which human products contain ingredients not intended for animals. One such ingredient is xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in chewing gum, peanut butter, breath mints, cough medicines, toothpaste, and many “sugar-free” foods.

Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and is suspected to be dangerous for cats as well.

When bringing products into your home, it is crucial to consider ingredients and keep items safely out of your pet’s reach.

Xylitol By Any Other Name: Hidden Terms to Watch For

Xylitol, also known as ‘birch sugar,’ is popular because it has a low glycemic index, meaning it can help regulate blood sugar. Xylitol can be listed as ‘xylitol sesquicaprylate’ in the ingredient section. Xylitol sesquicaprylate is a biodegradable, antiseptic compound made from xylitol and crypalic acid. Many cosmetics, like cleansers, shampoos, deodorants, and moisturizers, contain both xylitol and xylitol sesquicaprylate.

When checking food labels, especially peanut butter, look for phrases that often signal xylitol:

• “Sugar-free”
• “Natural sweetener”
• “Sugar alcohol”
• “Wood sugar”
• “Birch sugar”
• “Birch bark extract”

Because xylitol is naturally occurring, brands may highlight “no sugar” or “naturally sweetened” as a selling point, which is another cue to check the ingredient list closely.

How Xylitol Affects Dogs and Cats

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said dogs react to xylitol differently than humans because it is ingested quickly into their bloodstream, resulting in the pancreas releasing more insulin. After consuming xylitol, it can take just 10 minutes to an hour for the increased amount of insulin to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is life-threatening when left untreated.

If a dog ingests xylitol, the FDA says some of the reactions of hypoglycemia include weakness, seizures, collapse, lack of coordination, and staggering. According to the FDA, signs of xylitol poisoning include vomiting. If your dog ingests anything with xylitol, immediately contact a veterinarian or an emergency clinic. Pet poison helplines are also available.

According to the Cornell Canine Health Center, treating xylitol poisoning in dogs includes delivering dextrose in an IV, additional IV fluids and electrolytes, anti-nausea medications, and medications to protect the GI tract and liver. Vets will also monitor blood sugar and electrolyte levels during treatment and recheck liver enzyme values after xylitol exposure.

Significantly more research is readily available online on xylitol toxicity in dogs. Smaller research studies exist on xylitol and cats. The treatment for xylitol poisoning in cats would likely be similar to that of dogs, but the lack of research makes this conclusion uncertain.

While it appears that the xylitol-induced hypoglycemic event in dogs is more definitive than in felines, cat parents should exercise caution. If there are any signs of cats consuming xylitol, a veterinarian should also be contacted. A common misnomer about cats is that they are not attracted to sweets, which is not always the case.

Xylitol in Unexpected Household Products

Xylitol isn’t just in food. It appears in many everyday items throughout the home.

Toothpaste and Oral Care Products

Many toothpastes contain xylitol for its cavity-prevention benefits. Labels may list it as:

• Birch sugar
• Sucre de bouleau

Cosmetics and Personal Care Items

Products such as facial cleansers, moisturizers, and deodorants may contain xylitol sesquicaprylate. Tools like Skin Sort can help identify xylitol derivatives in beauty products.

Sugar-Free Baked Goods and Pantry Items

Sugar-free baked goods often use xylitol as a 1-to-1 sugar replacement.

Be cautious with:

• “Natural flavor” listings
• Sugar-free desserts
• Baking mixes

Common Foods Like Peanut Butter and Gum

Peanut butter and chewing gum are two of the most frequent sources of accidental xylitol ingestion in dogs. Choose unsweetened peanut butter when giving it as a treat.

To report unsafe products, go to File a Complaint, where you’ll find helpful resources.