If you feed your dog peanut butter, be sure to opt for those without xylitol as this substance can be toxic for dogs and can result in low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) as early as 30 minutes after ingestion.
Check ingredient lists for additives like salt, added sugar and palm oil; alternatively consider making homemade peanut butter using only natural ingredients.
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How to Know if a Peanut Butter Has Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in gum and candy products to add sweetness without increasing calorie consumption, and in certain brands of peanut butter that claim to be natural. Poisoning symptoms typically begin within 30 minutes and include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea and collapse – thousands of dogs are poisoned annually due to this common ingredient.
Good news is there are plenty of tasty peanut and nut butter products without artificial sweeteners, like xylitol. Look for those that feature short ingredient lists with limited preservatives, added sugar or salt content; look out for labeling with terms “no added sugar” or “sugar free.”
Signs Your Dog Has Consumed Xylitol
Xylitol doesn’t work like sugar to stimulate insulin release in humans and may cause hypoglycemia (a drop in blood sugar levels) or liver failure in dogs.
As little as two pieces of gum may be enough to make a medium-sized dog sick with xylitol poisoning.
Prognosis for dogs who receive timely treatment is excellent. Blood glucose monitoring may be used, as well as IV fluids containing dextrose. Furthermore, hospitalization for observation may also be required and subsequent blood sugar and liver enzyme measurements checked frequently.
Xylitol can be found in numerous human products, but should be kept away from pets. Always review the ingredients list of any product you plan on giving to your pup and ensure it has no trace of xylitol in it. Store any such products securely, and monitor your pet closely to prevent ingestion of this dangerous substance. For more information or assistance regarding this matter contact Lebanon Animal Hospital or your nearest veterinary emergency clinic.
Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning
Xylitol can quickly absorb into the bloodstream, leading to an immediate drop in glucose and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Dogs may become uncoordinated or begin staggering; eventually they may collapse and enter a coma; liver failure may even develop in some instances.
Signs of xylitol poisoning typically appear within minutes to hours after ingestion and include lethargy, vomiting, weakness, seizures and collapse. At higher doses liver damage occurs which may result in death.
Your veterinarian will monitor your dog’s blood sugar and liver values over a 72-hour period, including performing a complete blood count, serum blood chemistry test and urinalysis. Please bring any relevant materials such as product packaging to help expedite their care. It may be necessary for the vet to induce vomiting to flush out xylitol from their stomach; otherwise he or she will closely track changes to blood sugar and liver values over this time frame.
Xylitol in Peanut Butter
Xylitol can be found in many human foods and added to various items, such as sugar-free gum and mints, chocolate bars, chewable vitamins, certain prescription drugs, dental hygiene products and even peanut butters. Always check labels before feeding any human food to your dog!
Skippy and Jif are two products without added xylitol that should be safe for your pet; however, for optimal results when shopping for dog-safe peanut butter it’s wise to choose a product with as few additives as possible; many dogs are sensitive to added salt, added sugar or hydrogenated oils such as palm oil.
Homemade peanut butter for your dog is always best, to avoid unnecessary ingredients and reduce food allergies, while also guaranteeing they receive only the best nutrition. If your pet consumes any xylitol-contaminated food products, seek immediate veterinary help immediately; an emergency vet may induce vomiting as a way of treating poisoning symptoms and monitor liver values to treat any potential xylitol poisoning cases.
