Xylitol has long been identified as a sweetener poisonous to pets. Now, food manufacturers are marketing it under another name: birch sugar. Xylitol is found in many different human foods, from ice cream to chewing gum and our favorite hook-shaped holiday candy (and more!). It can even be found in some peanut butters, which many pet parents give to their dogs on lick mats or in Kong toys. Naturally, pet parents tend to look for the ingredient under its original name, but no one would suspect that "birch sugar" or "birch sap" would be the same exact thing. That's one reason TikToker, @thebkpets, took to the platform to warn followers about the name change and asked them to share the information with fellow pet owners.
@thebkpets Please share with a fellow pet parent and help spread the word ??? #thebkpets #xylitol
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In the video, Bryce says, "This is a quick PSA to all pet parents: Xylitol which is very toxic to dogs and cats, it's commonly found in peanut butter, gum, mints, things like that, is now being marketed as birch sugar as well. Xylitol and birch sugar: watch out for those."
The plant-based sugar substitute is commonly found in products labeled "sugar-free," "diabetic friendly," and many Keto-friendly foods. However, it can also be found in the human versions of medications. So if your pet's prescription is filled at a regular pharmacy, double-check to ensure it is xylitol-free.
What happens if your pet eats something with Xylitol?
If your pup ingests too much Xylitol, it can become weak, collapse, vomit, and have trouble walking. Dogs have trouble processing the sugar, which leads to an unnecessary release of insulin from their pancreas; their blood sugar drops, which can be life-threatening. If your pup eats food with xylitol in it, they need to be seen by the veterinarian immediately as the sugar substitute can damage their liver, causing it to fail.
To be safe, double-check all food in your house that you share with your pets, and if your pup is known for counter surfing, keep anything with birch sugar or xylitol up and out of reach.
Did your know the two ingredients were the same thing? Tell us on our Wide Open Pets Instagram!
