Dark chocolate is the most likely to use xylitol as an ingredient.
Foods that contain xylitol include baked goods, peanut butter, drink powders, candy, pudding, ketchup, barbecue sauces, and pancake syrups. Xylitol also appears in medications, especially those called “meltaways” or “fastmelts” and chewable vitamins.
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs mostly because of its theobromine content, which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively. If your dog eats chocolate, you should monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if they show any symptoms, or if they are very young, pregnant or have other health concerns.
Depending on the amount of xylitol ingested, they may recommend keeping your dog in the hospital to monitor their blood sugar and possibly starting medication to protect the liver. Most dogs do recover even with large xylitol ingestions, but veterinary intervention is often required.
Generally, xylitol will be listed in the ingredient label under “Other ingredients”, “Inactive ingredients” or “Supplement facts”. Some companies list xylitol as an ingredient while others list “sugar alcohols” which may include xylitol.
XYLITOL is a sweetener that is found in a wide range of products. It might also go by other names, including wood sugar, birch sugar, and birch bark extract.
Manufacturers use xylitol as a sugar substitute because its sweetness is comparable with that of table sugar but with fewer calories. Xylitol is a common ingredient in many products, from sugar-free chewing gum to toothpaste. People also use xylitol as a table-top sweetener and in baking.
However, when dogs eat xylitol, the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. This rapid release of insulin causes a profound drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that can occur as quickly as 10-60 minutes after ingestion.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many foods, including Peanut Butter and chewing gum – it's purpose is to give these foods a pleasant sweet taste. Now, for you or me, xylitol is basically harmless. But to dogs, even a small amount can be deadly.
Clinical Findings of Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs
Signs of liver injury may not occur until ≥24–48 hours after ingestion of xylitol, although increases in liver enzymes are often detectable within 8–12 hours of ingestion.
If your dog ate chocolate, you should contact your veterinarian, emergency veterinarian, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 immediately.
Some dogs can eat chocolate and then appear perfectly fine. “If a dog ingests chocolate and does not show clinical signs, it's simply because they did not ingest an amount of methylxanthines [the active ingredients in caffeine] high enough to cross the toxic threshold,” says Harris.
What should I do if my dog eats chocolate? Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline to see if a poisonous amount of chocolate was ingested. If a toxic amount is ingested, you should have your dog examined by a veterinarian immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better your dog's prognosis.
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, followed by symptoms associated with the sudden lowering of your dog's blood sugar, such as decreased activity, weakness, staggering, incoordination, collapse and seizures.
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.
'. The answer is simple... No!
The 2 brands I have found in Australia that contain Xylitol are: Nuts N More Peanut butter P28 Peanut butter.
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. They're packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well.
FOOD SOURCES OF XYLITOL
Xylitol is found naturally in fruits and vegetables like strawberries, raspberries, mushrooms and cauliflower.
Are carrots safe for me to feed my dog?” While some of the vegetables we love are unsafe to feed our dogs, carrots are a perfectly safe and nutritious treat for your dog.
What veggies are bad for dogs? The following veggies are considered unsafe for dogs: Garlic, Onions, Shallots, & Chives: Garlic, onions, shallots, and chives are toxic to dogs, whether raw or cooked. They have substances that may cause anemia and damage red blood cells.
Naturally occurring Xylitol is found in many fruits and vegetables, such as raspberries, apples, and carrots. The minuscule amount found in these treats means Fido and Meow-man would have to chow down a large amount to make them sick.
High amounts of xylitol can cause diarrhea and intestinal gas. Because long-term effects aren't clear, you may want to steer clear of xylitol if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. And, although it's safe for humans, even small amounts of xylitol can be fatal to dogs. Keep xylitol products out of reach of pets.
It has been reported that xylitol can raise blood glucose levels, which suggests that diabetics shouldn't consume it. Xylitol side effects also include constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, borborygmi, colic, increased bowel movements and weight gain.