Post by msav on Aug 13, 2015 18:44:12 GMT -5
Xylitol is a natural sweetener, popular for its low glycemic index. It is known to cause hypoglycemia and liver death in dogs. It has been an ingredient in sugar-free gum for some time, and is now popping up in other foods and dental products. Peanut and nut butters are a special concern, as pet owners will often use nut butters as a treat or an ingredient in baked goods.
We urge pet owners to look for xylitol in any food product you may feed to your pet. The label may not specifically say that the product contains Xylitol. It may use phrases such as “sweetened naturally” or “natural sweetener” in the list.
A common misconception is Xylitol is an artificial sweetener. It’s not. It is a naturally occurring agent, found naturally, in small amounts, in fruits and vegetables. Chemically it is classified as a “sugar alcohol”, another phrase for which to look.
At this point, mainstream peanut butter brands have not started using Xylitol, but some specialty brands have. So far, found in several specialty peanut and nut butter brands. Nuts ‘n More, Krush Nutrition and P-28 Foods all make peanut butter and nut-based spreads containing Xylitol. With the number of natural food markets in and around our community, please be aware of this potentially fatal ingredient. Take a close look at any human food that you may decide to use as a treat for your beloved pets.
We urge pet owners to look for xylitol in any food product you may feed to your pet. The label may not specifically say that the product contains Xylitol. It may use phrases such as “sweetened naturally” or “natural sweetener” in the list.
A common misconception is Xylitol is an artificial sweetener. It’s not. It is a naturally occurring agent, found naturally, in small amounts, in fruits and vegetables. Chemically it is classified as a “sugar alcohol”, another phrase for which to look.
At this point, mainstream peanut butter brands have not started using Xylitol, but some specialty brands have. So far, found in several specialty peanut and nut butter brands. Nuts ‘n More, Krush Nutrition and P-28 Foods all make peanut butter and nut-based spreads containing Xylitol. With the number of natural food markets in and around our community, please be aware of this potentially fatal ingredient. Take a close look at any human food that you may decide to use as a treat for your beloved pets.
