Vet-built tool · ASK A VET™

Xylitol Toxicity Calculator

Sugar-free gum, mints or peanut butter? Check your dog's risk by weight in seconds.

If your dog has just eaten anything with xylitol, don't wait for this tool. Xylitol can drop blood sugar dangerously fast. Call your vet, nearest emergency clinic, or an animal poisons helpline now. Use this calculator while you're on the way or on hold.

Which pet ate it?

Use their current body weight. A rough estimate is fine.

Xylitol is also labelled as birch sugar or E967. Check the ingredient list.

Anything else true? (optional)

This calculator is a guide, not a diagnosis. Xylitol content varies enormously between brands and is often not printed on the label, so real risk can be higher than any estimate. It does not replace a vet. If you suspect xylitol poisoning, contact a vet or emergency clinic straight away and don't wait for an online tool.

Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia): 1300 869 738  ·  ASPCA Animal Poison Control (US): (888) 426-4435

What is xylitol poisoning in dogs?

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free gum, mints, baked goods, peanut butter and dental products. In dogs it can trigger a rapid insulin release, causing dangerously low blood sugar. Higher exposures may also be associated with acute liver injury.

What should I do if my dog eats xylitol?

Contact a veterinarian or animal poisons service immediately. Do not wait for symptoms and do not make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so. Keep the packaging and note the estimated amount and time of exposure.

How this calculator estimates risk

The calculator converts the estimated xylitol amount into milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Products with undisclosed xylitol content cannot be calculated reliably, so the tool recommends treating those exposures as potentially dangerous.

About the author

Dr Duncan Houston is an Australian veterinarian and the founder of ASK A VET™. This calculator is educational and does not replace hands-on veterinary care.