Xylitol Toxicity Calculator for Dogs

How it works

xylitol (g) = pieces × xylitol per piece · dose = xylitol ÷ dog’s weight (kg) · > 0.1 g/kg low blood sugar · > 0.5 g/kg acute liver failure

In dogs, xylitol triggers a massive insulin release that can drop blood sugar within 30–60 minutes. The Merck Veterinary Manual gives about 0.1 g/kg as the dose that causes hypoglycemia and 0.5 g/kg as the dose linked to acute liver failure. Sugar-free gum, mints, some peanut butters, chewable vitamins and baked goods can contain it, and the amount per piece varies widely, so the label is your best guide. Any xylitol ingestion deserves a call to the vet.

Worked example

A 10 kg dog eats 5 pieces of sugar-free gum with 0.5 g of xylitol each: 5 × 0.5 = 2.5 g, and 2.5 ÷ 10 = 0.25 g/kg — above the 0.1 g/kg low blood sugar threshold but below the 0.5 g/kg liver failure level. It is an emergency: go to a vet now. Ten pieces (5 g) would reach the liver failure dose.

Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual — Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs · US FDA — Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs

Frequently asked questions