Food safety · Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Xylitol?
The short answer · Xylitol for dogs
No. Xylitol, a sweetener in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste, is toxic to dogs. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar within 30 minutes and, at higher doses, liver failure. Check labels — including some peanut butters — and call your vet or a pet poison line immediately.
Written by VetExpenses Editorial TeamFact-checked against cited sources · Veterinary review pendingLast reviewed
Educational information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or ate something worrying, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line now. Emergency steps.
Xylitol and dogs: quick facts
| Verdict | Toxic — do not feed |
|---|---|
| Toxic compound | Xylitol, a sugar alcohol sweetener (ASPCA, Merck). |
| Unsafe parts | Sugar-free gum and mints; Sugar-free candy and baked goods; Some peanut and nut butters; Toothpaste and mouthwash |
| Signs to watch for | vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, lethargy, seizures, collapse, yellow gums or eyes (liver injury), abnormal bleeding |
| When signs start | Low blood sugar can start within 30 minutes, or be delayed up to 12–18 hours with some gums; liver signs may not appear until 24–48 hours (Merck). |
| Risk by amount | Merck: doses above about 100 mg/kg (45 mg/lb) have been associated with low blood sugar; some dogs eating more than 500 mg/kg (227 mg/lb) may develop severe liver failure. |
My dog ate xylitol. What do I do?
- Stay calm and move your dog away from any remaining the product. Keep the packaging if there is one.
- Call your veterinarian, an emergency vet, or a pet poison line right away — before signs appear. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435. Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
- Have ready: your dog's weight, roughly how much was eaten, and when.
- Do not make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison control tells you to.
- Follow the vet's instructions. Early care by the veterinary team can make poisoning less severe.
What to know about xylitol and dogs
Key points
- Read ingredient labels for "xylitol" or "birch sugar" before sharing any people food.
- Merck notes that activated charcoal does not bind xylitol well, so vets focus on blood sugar and liver monitoring.
Risks
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Liver failure
- Bleeding problems
What it could cost
Treating xylitol poisoning in dogs
Poisoning care usually means an urgent exam, decontamination by the vet team, and sometimes days of monitoring. We publish a price range only after it is checked against named sources — our poisoning treatment and emergency vet visit guide is in verification. A vet bill for this kind of visit is usually built from these line items:
- Exam or emergency consultation fee
- Tests: bloodwork, urine tests or imaging
- Treatment, such as decontamination or medication
- Hospital stay and monitoring, if needed
- Follow-up visits and recheck tests
Other foods dogs ask about
Frequently asked questions
How much xylitol is toxic to dogs?
Merck reports low blood sugar at doses above about 100 mg/kg (45 mg/lb), and possible severe liver failure above 500 mg/kg (227 mg/lb). Products vary widely, so call a poison line with the package in hand.
Is xylitol dangerous to cats?
Merck says dogs are the only domestic species in which xylitol poisoning has been reported, and that cats are not at risk for low blood sugar or liver injury from it. Sugar-free foods still aren't treats for cats.
What's the outlook?
Merck describes a good prognosis for uncomplicated low blood sugar treated promptly; signs of liver injury mean a more guarded outlook.
Sources
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Accessed November 7, 2026.
- Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed November 7, 2026.
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