By Rachel Shubin
Protecting pets from items harmful when consumed includes keeping them away from human products containing ingredients not intended for animals. One such ingredient is xylitol, a food additive commonly used as a sugar substitute. Food products such as chewing gum and peanut butter, breath mints, cough medicines, and even toothpaste often contain this additive. Xylitol is toxic for dogs and likely also cats.
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
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 foods, particularly peanut butter, for xylitol, key phrases to look for include “sugar free” or “natural sweetener.” Other phrasing to watch for includes “sugar alcohol,” “wood sugar,” “birch sugar,” and “birch bark extract.” All these phrasings indicate substitutions for regular sugar, which includes xylitol. Because xylitol is naturally occurring, packaging may phrase the lack of sugar as an eye-catcher to attract consumers.
What about 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 other areas of the home
Besides general food products found in the kitchen, it is important to be cognizant that other areas of your home may have products with xylitol in them. Many toothpastes contain xylitol because it helps prevent tooth decay (though research differs on whether it is more effective than standard fluoride pastes). Toothpaste ingredients may list xylitol as birch sugar or “sucre de bouleau.”
Beauty cosmetics, including facial cleansers, moisturizers, and deodorants, contain xylitol sequicaprylate. Consulting websites like Skin Sort can help determine if a beauty product contains xylitol derivatives.
Sugar-free baked goods may contain xylitol as a sugar substitute, which is something to remember if your pets are prone to getting into human food or given small amounts as a treat. Any food item with “natural flavor” should be scrutinized, as xylitol is a naturally occurring. When baking, xylitol can be used as a 1-to-1 sugar replacement, making it a popular substitute.
Other food items in many households containing xylitol include peanut butter and chewing gum. Unsweetened peanut butter is the safest choice when giving peanut butter to dogs, as peanut butter is a popular dog treat.
Mainstream toothpaste brands known to use xylitol:
· Crest
· Tom’s of Maine
· Hello
· G-U-M
· TheraBreath
Chewing gums known to use xylitol:
· Trident
· Stride
· Orbit
· Nicorette
· Wrigley’s
Peanut butters known to use xylitol according to Modern Dog Magazine:
· Go Nuts, Co.
· Krush Nutrition
· Nuts ‘N More
· P28 Foods
· No Cow (Formerly D’s Naturals)
Cosmetic brands known to use xylitol sequicaprylate:
· Curie deodorant
· Ban AHA Roll-On Deodorant
· Saltair 5% AHA Serum Deodorant
· Brands “Bliss” and “KORA Organics”
o Bliss Clear Genius Claryifying Gel Cleanser
o Bliss Rose Gold Rescue Cleanser
o Bliss Youth Got This Prevent-4 + Pure Retinol Deep Hydration Moisturizer
o KORA Organics Tumeric Glow Cleanser
o KORA Organics Active Algae Lightweight Moisturizer
o KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum
Center for Pet Safety invites pet owners to share other product links that contain xylitol to add to this list. Email us at Info@CenterforPetSafety.org with the subject line Xylitol.