Sweeteners
Xylitol (Sugar-Free Gum/Candy): Safe for Dogs and Cats?
If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
In dogs, xylitol triggers a sudden flood of insulin that can crash blood sugar within the hour, so any ingestion is a true emergency.
Toxic principle: xylitol-induced insulin surge (hypoglycemia)
Watch for
- vomiting
- weakness
- loss of coordination
- collapse
- seizures
- with larger ingestions, liver failure
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-12
Unlike dogs, cats do not appear to develop the rapid insulin surge that makes xylitol dangerous, though vets still recommend keeping sweetened products away from them.
Toxic principle: xylitol (insulin response not demonstrated in cats)
Watch for
- no well-documented clinical syndrome in cats
- possible mild stomach upset from the product itself
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.