Can Dogs Eat Xylitol (Birch Sugar)?

Xylitol (also labeled as "birch sugar" or "wood sugar") is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. It is arguably more dangerous gram-for-gram than chocolate because the toxic dose is so low and the effects so rapid.

In dogs, xylitol triggers a massive release of insulin from the pancreas — far more than it does in humans. This causes blood sugar to plummet to dangerously low levels (hypoglycemia) within 10-60 minutes of ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, staggering, collapse, tremors, and seizures.

At higher doses, xylitol causes acute liver failure, which can develop 12-72 hours after ingestion even if the initial hypoglycemia was treated. Liver failure from xylitol can be fatal.

The toxic dose is as low as 0.1 g/kg for hypoglycemia and 0.5 g/kg for liver failure. A single piece of xylitol-sweetened gum can contain 0.3-1.0 grams — enough to cause hypoglycemia in a 20-pound dog from just ONE piece.

Xylitol is found in: sugar-free gum (the most common source), sugar-free candy and mints, some peanut butters (ALWAYS check labels), toothpaste, mouthwash, sugar-free baked goods, chewable vitamins, cough syrup, nasal sprays, and some medications. The number of products containing xylitol is growing rapidly.