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Dog Xylitol Toxicity Calculator — Gum, Peanut Butter & Sweetener Risk

Did your pup eat sugar-free gum, peanut butter, or another product containing xylitol? This emergency calculator applies the Merck Veterinary Manual xylitol thresholds and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control dose model: 100 mg/kg triggers hypoglycemia within 30 minutes to 12 hours, and 500 mg/kg can cause liver failure 24-48 hours later. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) before symptoms appear — by the time signs show, treatment is harder.

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g
Sugar-free gum: 0.3–1 g xylitol per piece. Some peanut butters: 0.5–3 g per tbsp. Check product label.
Found in sugar-free gum (0.3–1 g per piece), peanut butter (some brands), baked goods, toothpaste. One piece of gum can be fatal for a small dog.
Estimated risk
Mild risk
Dose
73.5 mg/kg
1,000 mg total

What to do

Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435). Monitor blood glucose for 12+ hours.

ASPCA 888-426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661

Symptoms to watch for

  • Possible vomiting

Common xylitol sources by quantity per serving

SourceTypical xylitol / servingToxic to (10 lb dog at 100 mg/kg)
Sugar-free gum (1 piece)0.3-1.0 g1 piece can be hypoglycemic
Sugar-free mint (1 piece)0.005-0.05 g~10+ pieces
Sugar-free peanut butter (1 tbsp)0.5-3 g< 1 tbsp can be hypoglycemic
Sugar-free baked goods3-10 g per item1 item — liver-failure risk
Toothpaste (1 inch ribbon)0.05-0.15 gMultiple servings
Children's chewable vitamins0.4-1 g per tablet1-3 tablets

Aliases on labels: birch sugar, E967, wood sugar, xylit, xylo-pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol.

Xylitol toxicity terminology

Hypoglycemia
Acute low blood sugar — first effect of xylitol, onset 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion.
Hepatic necrosis
Liver-cell death; secondary effect at higher doses (500+ mg/kg), onset 24-48 hr.
Insulin release (dog)
Xylitol triggers a strong insulin spike in dogs (but not in humans), driving the hypoglycemia cascade.
Birch sugar
Common label alias for xylitol; also “E967”, “wood sugar”, “xylit”.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much xylitol is toxic to dogs?

Per the Merck Veterinary Manual and ASPCA: doses above 100 mg/kg (0.1 g/kg) cause hypoglycemia; above 500 mg/kg (0.5 g/kg) cause liver failure. For a 20 lb (9 kg) dog, as little as 0.9 g of xylitol — one piece of sugar-free gum — can be dangerous.

What products contain xylitol?

Sugar-free gum (0.3–1 g per piece), sugar-free mints, many peanut butters (Go Nuts Co, Nuts N More, P28), toothpaste, mouthwash, sugar-free baked goods, some vitamins and chewable medications. Always check ingredient lists for 'xylitol,' 'birch sugar,' or 'E967.'

How soon after xylitol ingestion do symptoms appear?

Hypoglycemia typically develops within 30 minutes to 12 hours. Liver injury may not show for 24-48 hours. Even dogs that seem fine should be monitored for 72 hours.

What are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning?

Early (hypoglycemia): weakness, vomiting, uncoordinated movement, collapse, seizures, coma. Later (liver failure): jaundice (yellow gums/eyes), dark urine, bleeding, bruising.

What should I do if my dog ate xylitol?

Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or go directly to an emergency vet. Do NOT induce vomiting at home unless directed. Time is critical — IV dextrose within the first hour dramatically improves outcome.

Is xylitol also toxic to cats?

Current evidence suggests cats are not as sensitive as dogs — but xylitol ingestion in cats is still not recommended. Cats rarely eat sweets, so exposure is uncommon.

Sources & References

  1. [1]
    Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs — Merck Veterinary Manual
  2. [2]
  3. [3]
    Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs: An Update — Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (2018)
  4. [4]
    Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs — VCA Animal Hospitals