Not all human foods are suitable for dogs, and some can cause serious illnesses or even death. One ingredient that you should never give to your dog is called xylitol. A naturally sourced sugar substitute, Xylitol is safe for diabetics and has some dental benefits for humans.
Xylitol is deadly to dogs. Manufacturers are now putting xylitol in peanut butter – which is loved by many dogs.
The ASPCA says Xylitol is also found in nicotine gum, sugar-free gum and mints, chewable vitamins, baked goods and oral-care products.
You can buy it in granulated form for use in baking or as a sweetener for beverages and cereals. Make sure you check your cupboards for these items to ensure you don’t feed them to your dog!
Even a tiny amount of Xylitol will cause a dangerous drop in your dog’s blood sugar and can lead to liver failure. Here is a chart that shows the toxic amounts for different size dogs.
If you see your dog behaving like the dog pictured, doing what is called “head pressing” call your veterinarian immediately. Head pressing is a symptom of toxic poisoning, head trauma, a tumor, or a nervous system infection.
Two peanut butter brands that contain Xylitol are Nuts ’N More® and Krush Nutrition. But it is important to check your labels for Xylitol.
The safest option is to make your dog homemade peanut butter! Roast some peanuts, blend them up until they are to a consistency you like, add some salt – and voila! A safe and delicious treat for you and your dog!
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