Is Your Peanut Butter Dangerous?

Baked in cookies, stuffed inside a toy, or straight off the spoon, if he’s like most dogs, your pup probably loves peanut butter. But did you know an ingredient in some brands can make peanut buttery treats deadly for your dog – or cat? Xylitol, a natural sugar substitute often found in sugar-free gum, mints, toothpaste, and mouthwash, is creeping up in many other common pantry items, including peanut butter.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol found in the fibrous parts of many fruits, vegetables, and other plant materials. It’s used as a low-calorie sweetener in many “sugar-free” baked goods, medications, and dental products.

It is completely safe for humans to ingest and even has some health benefits. It inhibits bacterial growth, protects teeth against cavities, and allows diabetics to enjoy sweet treats without affecting blood sugar levels. For our canine and feline companions, however, it’s downright dangerous.

Why be concerned?

Most everyone knows that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but few know the dangers of xylitol. In fact, this sweetener is 100 times more toxic to dogs than chocolate. When ingested by your pup (or cat), just a tiny amount—0.1 grams to be exact—of xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar called hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. Slightly more than a tiny amount (0.5 grams) can lead to acute hepatic necrosis, or life-threatening liver failure.

In as little as 10 minutes after ingesting the sweetener, pets can begin to show the symptoms of liver failure and a dangerous dip in blood sugar. These include weakness, lethargy, vomiting, seizures, rapid breathing, and a loss of coordination. If you suspect xylitol poisoning, time is of the essence. Your dog or cat can die from xylitol toxicity in under 30 minutes! Get medical attention right away.

How Can I Protect My Dog From Xylitol Poisoning?

The next time you reach in the pantry for that jar of peanut butter, check the label. Several brands are known to include xylitol as a sweetener in their peanut and other nut butter products, including:

• Nuts ‘N More
• Hank’s Protein Plus Peanut Butter
• P28
• Krush Nutrition
• Go Nuts Co.

Never use a peanut or nut butter containing xylitol as a treat for your pup, even if you plan to bake it into a cookie. If you do stock one of these brands at home, make sure to keep it well out of your dog’s reach. Nosy noses and scavengers are sure to sniff out that “empty” jar of peanut butter you threw in the trash or those sugar-free peanut butter cookies you left sitting on the counter for your diabetic loved one.

Remember also that xylitol is commonly found in gum, mints, dental products, sugar-free candy, chewable vitamins, and some medications. If your pet ever gets into any of these items, be sure to check the label quickly and get him to a vet immediately if you suspect xylitol poisoning. Quick action on your part can mean the difference between life, death, or permanent disability for your beloved, furry family member.