Xylitol has become an increasingly popular sugar substitute used in sugar-free gum, mints, baked goods and toothpaste products. While safe for humans to consume it may cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure and even death in dogs.
Recently, several peanut and nut butter companies have begun adding xylitol to their products, so check the ingredients of any that your dog likes to make sure it does not contain this additive.
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Xylitol is a sugar substitute
Peanut butter is a favorite among most dogs and is often given as treats or used to stuff hollow toys. Unfortunately, several brands of peanut butter were recently found to contain toxic levels of xylitol, a substance toxic for canines which causes rapid drops in blood sugar. As such, the FDA issued warnings to pet owners that before giving peanut butter treats or treats to their dogs they should check its ingredients beforehand – since xylitol can also be found in gum, candies, and other human foods.
Xylitol is an naturally-occurring sugar replacement found in tree bark such as that found on birches. This substance is widely used as an artificial sweetener in foods like candies and chewing gum; additionally it is often added as an ingredient in sugar-free toothpaste and mouthwash – and some medications such as liquid vitamins or chewable supplements even contain it!
Pet parents should seek out natural peanut butter with only one ingredient: peanuts. The safest peanut butters do not contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol.
Xylitol is toxic to dogs
Many pet owners may not realize that mainstream peanut butter brands are now replacing sugar with toxic xylitol, which is toxic for dogs. When consumed, xylitol triggers an excessive release of insulin from their pancreas which leads to rapid blood sugar drop (hypoglycemia). It may also damage livers or cause seizures or even death; in such an instance, contact your vet immediately with information on the product packaging so they can calculate exactly how much xylitol your pet consumed.
Prognosis for xylitol poisoning can be favorable if treatment begins early and blood glucose is monitored regularly; if liver damage occurs, however, the prognosis becomes uncertain. To reduce xylitol poisoning risks in dogs and prevent poisonings altogether, medications and supplements must be kept out of their reach and not left on the counter; additionally all dental care products (toothpaste, mouthwash and chewable gummy supplements) should also be kept out of your dog’s reach as well.
Xylitol is found in peanut butter
Xylitol became increasingly popular as a sweetener over the past nine years. It can be found as an ingredient list item under “sugar alcohol.” In gum and mint products, it serves as a sugar alternative; with its low glycemic index it helps reduce plaque build-up while possibly helping prevent ear infections in children.
Xylitol differs from other sugar alcohols like erythritol by having some calories and the potential to cause diarrhea in some individuals, increasing hunger and energy intake temporarily; though its impact can be short-lived. Furthermore, it serves as the main alternative sugar source in FODMAP diets (Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides And Polyols Diet).
Only a handful of small companies make peanut butters that contain xylitol, including Go Nuts Co, Krush Nutrition, Nuts ‘N More and P28 Foods. If giving this kind of treat to your dog it’s wise to read labels carefully as there may be differing amounts and too much may lead to hypoglycemia and liver damage in dogs.
Xylitol is a common ingredient in chewing gum
Xylitol, a widely-used sugar replacement found in products like sugarless gum and toothpaste, as well as recently some peanut butter brands, is known to provide many health benefits including lower dental caries risk and inflammation reduction, improved heart health benefits and decreased osteoporosis risk.
Xylitol differs from sugar in that it doesn’t encourage the bacteria responsible for tooth decay (Streptococcus mutans) from breaking it down to be used in cavities formation, plus its binding with calcium helps remineralization of teeth enamel.
However, in excessive consumption xylitol may produce negative side-effects that may include nausea, bloating and cramps in the GI system as well as laxative effect and aggravating IBS symptoms. Furthermore, it could increase blood sugar levels which in turn causes problems for people living with either low blood sugar levels or diabetes.
