Food · Can my pet eat this?
Can dogs and cats eat xylitol?
Also covers: birch sugar, sugar-free gum, mints, sugar-free candy, some peanut butters, toothpaste, chewable vitamins
DogsNo, keep away
Causes a sudden drop in blood sugar, and liver failure at higher doses. Signs can start within 30 minutes, or 12 to 18 hours later with some gums.
CatsOnly with care
The Merck Veterinary Manual says dogs are the only pets reported to be poisoned by xylitol. Sugar-free products still have no benefit for cats.
If your pet ate some: For a dog, call your vet or a pet poison line immediately. Keep the packet so you can say how much xylitol it contains. Poison line numbers
Sources
Checked by Gilbert Jones on October 17, 2026. Not reviewed by a vet. Every pet is different, and amounts matter. Corrections: petprimer.care@gmail.com