New peanut butter sweetener could be fatal to dogs

Beware Xylitrol, which is sometimes used as a sweetener in gum and peanut butter. (Courtesy image)

A food additive often used in a new type of peanut butter is cause for concern for dog owners.

Xylitol, which has recently been used as a sweetener in peanut butter and other nut butters, can be fatal to your pet.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the number of cases of xylitol toxicosis in dogs has significantly increased since the first reports in 2002.

Dogs that have eaten foods containing xylitol (greater than 100 milligrams of xylitol consumed per kilogram of bodyweight) have developed low blood sugar, which can be life-threatening.

Low blood sugar can result in a loss of coordination, depression, collapse and seizures in as little as 30 minutes. Intake of doses of xylitol (greater than 500 - 1000 mg/kg bwt) have been implicated in liver failure in dogs, which can also be fatal.

The possible cause of hypoglycemia experienced by dogs is that xylitol in chewing gum is released more slowly and absorbed over longer period than when it is consumed as a pure form.

Many dog owners use peanut butter as a treat, to fill Kongs or to disguise medication.