Chances are, you know that xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is toxic to dogs. But you may be surprised by what types of products can contain xylitol, including items that are not supposed to be edible.
While we know you’d never intentionally feed this stuff to Fido, we also know that accidents happen. If one day your pup decides to get into something that they’re not supposed to, try to determine what they consumed and if it may contain toxic ingredients like xylitol. The sooner you know, the better chance you have to prevent poisoning.
If you suspect your dog has eaten anything that is toxic to their health, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (open 24/7) at (888) 426-4435, and/or your local vet or an emergency vet. (Tip: it’s a good idea to keep all these numbers saved on your phone!)
For your awareness, check out these unexpected items that may contain xylitol.
1. Packaged Goods & Baking Mixes
Pet parents that commonly purchase sugar-free items need to be especially aware of foods containing xylitol in their pantry. These items can include Jell-o, pudding mixes, cake, and cookie mixes, ice cream, and even yogurt.
2. Candies, Gum, & Mints
Sugar-free gum, mints, and candy are commonly scattered around households. Whether there’s a pack of gum in your purse or a candy bowl on the counter, your dog could get creative to reach it. If your pup ever gets into any of these items, be sure to enlist emergency help.
3. Jams, Syrups, Condiments, Honey, & Raw Xylitol
Even your fridge and pantry staples may contain this sugar substitute. Jams, honey, and other sweet products in jars and bottles could include xylitol. Also, those who bake sugar-free confections using this sweetener should refrain from giving their pup a taste.
4. Protein Bars & Powders
Some high-protein health foods use xylitol as a replacement for calorie-filled sugar. They might seem healthier for humans, but they can be more dangerous for our furry friends.
5. Flavored Waters & Drink Powders
While it’s a good idea to scan any ingredient panel, be extra careful with drinks that promote health, weight loss, or energy. Beverages that are labeled “diet” or “sugar-free” are especially risky. Despite their appealing names for humans, they have underlying dangers for dogs.
6. Chocolate
It’s commonly known that if your canine consumes chocolate, you need to seek emergency medical care. But if that chocolate contains xylitol, it’s even more urgent. Dark chocolate is the most likely to use xylitol as an ingredient.
7. Peanut Butter & Nut Butters
Some nut butter brands have xylitol snuck in as a lighter sugar replacement. Many dogs love to snack on peanut butter, which is normally okay if it’s all-natural and given in small amounts. Just make sure that your pup’s favorite Kong stuffer doesn’t contain this toxic ingredient!
8. Dental Products
Sugar is bad for your teeth, yet dental hygiene products usually have a sweet, minty taste. That’s why xylitol is a common ingredient in toothpaste, mouth wash, mouth sprays, whitening products, and even nasal sprays. So, this is one of the many reasons that human toothpaste should never be used to brush your dog’s teeth. Make sure to keep these products inaccessible to curious canines!
9. Medicines, Vitamins, & Supplements
Your dog should NEVER consume any of these items without consultation from your vet. But many dog parents don’t realize that one of the many harmful ingredients these products contain is xylitol.
10. Cosmetics, Body, Face, & Hair Products
Sometimes, there is no rhyme or reason as to why our pups choose to chew (and swallow) certain non-edible items. For this reason, check your makeup, body, face, and hair products for mentions of xylitol and keep them out of snout’s reach. Even if the products you buy don’t contain this ingredient, consumption is certainly a cause to seek emergency help.
11. Miscellaneous
There are a couple of even more surprising products that can contain this ingredient. Parents of pups who love stealing laundry should know that certain brands of athletic clothing have pieces that contain xylitol. And for those with little ones, some pacifier wipes and bottle wipes can also have the ingredient in them. Who knew?!
This list of xylitol products was compiled from preventativevet.com. Click the link for more information, as well as a guide to specific products and brands that contain xylitol. As products on the market are constantly changing, it’s always safest to scan the ingredient lists of the products in your home and make sure that toxic items are safely out of your dog’s reach. Knowledge is power, and the best way to handle an emergency is to be prepared!
