Is Xylitol Safe?

For people, the FDA permits it. It says sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, mannitol, erythritol and maltitol are permitted as sugar substitutes, that they are slightly lower in calories than sugar, and that they do not promote tooth decay or cause a sudden increase in blood glucose. It says that in people, xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas.

Dogs are the danger. The FDA says that when dogs eat something containing xylitol, it is more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and may result in a potent release of insulin, causing a rapid and profound drop in blood sugar within 10 to 60 minutes that, untreated, can quickly be life-threatening. Signs include vomiting followed by decreased activity, weakness, staggering, incoordination, collapse and seizures, and because some effects may not appear for up to 12 to 24 hours, a dog may need to be hospitalized for monitoring.

The FDA says xylitol may also be known as birch sugar or wood sugar, and is often used in sugar-free gum and candy such as mints and chocolate bars, as well as in some baked goods, nut butters and toothpaste. It advises checking labels for xylitol, especially on products advertised as sugar-free or low sugar, keeping those products well out of a dog’s reach, and calling a vet, emergency clinic or animal poison control center right away if a dog may have eaten it.