06/18/2026
We all love giving our pups a treat now and then, but many common foods offer hidden dangers. While you likely know what your dog needs to avoid, everyone at your barbeque may not.
Be sure to talk to visitors this summer about what your dog can and cannot eat. Sometimes good intentions end with high vet bills or worse!
Xylitol in particular is a major danger hidden in foods you wouldn't expect, including sugar-free or low sugar items. It is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. Xylitol can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver damage depending on the amount ingested. Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination, which can progress to seizures quickly.
Watch out for:
-Chewing gum and mints
-Baked goods and desserts
-Specialty peanut butter brands
-Jams, jellies, and syrups
-Diet foods and protein bars
-Chewable supplements such as melatonin tablets and vitamins gummies
Manufacturers may not list it as "xylitol" so be on the lookout for these aliases on ingredient labels:
-Birch sugar
-Birch bark extract
-XyliteSugar alcohols
As always, if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or poison control at (888) 426-4435.
