Is Xylitol Toxic to Dogs and Cats?
By the VetVerdict team · Last updated October 18, 2026 · General information, not veterinary advice
Dogs
ToxicEmergencyXylitol, a sugar substitute in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, triggers a rapid, dangerous insulin release in dogs that can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and liver damage.
Cats
Safe in ModerationMildCats appear far less sensitive to xylitol than dogs based on current evidence, but it's still best to keep any xylitol-containing product away from them.
What xylitol does to a dog
Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is harmless to people but triggers a surge of insulin in dogs. Blood sugar can crash within roughly an hour, and larger amounts can injure the liver. Cats do not appear to be affected the same way based on current evidence, but xylitol products are not meant for any pet.
Everyday products that contain xylitol
Check the ingredient list for "xylitol" or "birch sugar" on sugar-free gum, mints and candy, baked goods, some peanut and nut butters, chewable vitamins, toothpaste, mouthwash and certain nasal sprays or sugar-free yogurts. Formulas change, so read the label every time you buy.
A few pieces of gum can be enough to cause problems for a small dog, which is why a handbag or backpack within reach is a common source of poisonings.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Weakness or stumbling
- Tremors
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Later: yellowing of the gums or skin, bruising (signs of liver trouble)
Low blood sugar can develop fast, so treat a suspected xylitol exposure as an emergency.
What to do
Call your vet or poison control immediately and bring the packaging. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a professional instructs you to. Treatment usually involves monitoring and correcting blood sugar and checking the liver.
Safer alternatives
If your dog loves peanut butter, choose a plain, xylitol-free version made only of peanuts (and perhaps salt) and check the label each time.
Frequently asked questions
Is xylitol toxic to cats?
Cats appear far less sensitive than dogs based on the evidence available, but it is still best to keep any xylitol-containing product away from them.
Which peanut butters contain xylitol?
Some brands, most often those marketed as "sugar-free" or "reduced sugar." Always check the ingredient list, because formulas can change.