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TOXIC FOODS - XYLITOL POISONING
Some foods can be toxic to pets, for example chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, sultanas, avocados, some nuts and liquorice. Now a commonly used sweetener can be added to this list, and can be so rapidly toxic that it should probably top the list. It is a sugar alcohol called xylitol.
What foods contain xylitol?
Xylitol is a sweetener used in diabetic products, in baking, in sugar-free sweets and many mouth hygiene products. Dangerous products include cakes, biscuits, chewing gum, sweets, throat lozenges, cough syrups, chewable vitamins, human toothpastes and mouthwashes. Because xylitol keeps bacteria from settling on sensitive tissue in the ears, nose, mouth and throat it is ideal for the prevention of common problems experienced by children and adults alike. It has been found to be so beneficial that it has been made a leading ingredient in many chewing gums, nasal sprays and toothpastes.
Many diet and diabetic products contain xylitol as a sweetener including Xylobrit, Ricochet, Plamin vegan sugar-free chocolate, Alphasweet, Perfect Sweet, Wrigley’s Orbit chewing gum, Peppersmith chewing gum, Spry chewing gum, Halispheres sugar-free Gum, Gummy Bears, Smint pastilles, Breath-Ease XL, Activated nasal mints, ‘Fish oil omega swirl lemon zest’ and ‘Omega swirl strawberry banana’ by Barlean, Licorice relief lozenges, Promax diet bars and many cakes and biscuits.
How is xylitol different in humans and pets?
In humans xylitol is absorbed slowly and has little effect on insulin and blood sugar levels. In pets, especially dogs and ferrets but also cats, it is quickly absorbed into the blood and causes sudden insulin release and a severe fall in blood sugar. Within 30 to 60 minutes this can result in vomiting, collapse, convulsions, liver damage, coma and death. As little as two pieces of chewing gum can be fatal to a medium-sized dog.
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