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Xylitol Toxicity Calculator for Dogs

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, mints, candy and baked goods, among other products. In dogs it triggers a surge of insulin and a rapid fall in blood sugar, and larger doses can destroy the liver. Small dogs reach a dangerous dose quickly: a single piece of gum can be enough for a 10 lb dog.

Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency hospital now if your pet ate anything containing xylitol. Do not wait for symptoms. For dose advice, the 24/7 animal poison lines: ASPCA (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (a consultation fee may apply).

If the nutrition panel lists xylitol in grams per serving, divide by the pieces per serving. Without it, the calculator shows a range.

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How this is calculated

Dose in g/kg = grams of xylitol ÷ body weight in kg. When you enter pieces of gum or mints without a per-piece figure, the calculator uses the published range of 0.22 to 1.0 g of xylitol per piece and grades the risk on the upper end, because the actual content varies widely between brands and flavors. It also shows the dose at 0.3 g per piece, the value an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxicologist recommends for estimating when xylitol is not the first sugar alcohol on the label. If xylitol is listed first, veterinary toxicologists use the total sugar alcohols per piece as the xylitol amount; you can enter that in the optional field.

DoseWhat is reported in dogs
More than about 0.1 g/kgHypoglycemia (low blood sugar): weakness, wobbliness, collapse, seizures, from as soon as 30 to 60 minutes. Liver necrosis has been reported in some dogs from this dose.
More than about 0.5 g/kgSevere liver injury or acute liver failure, usually within 24 hours
ProductXylitol content used
Chewing gum, breath mints0.22 to 1.0 g per piece (published range); 0.3 g per piece as an estimating value
Anything with a labeled amountThe amount on the label

Xylitol toxicosis has been reported only in dogs. Cats are not known to develop low blood sugar or liver injury from it, so this calculator is for dogs only.

Sources

  • Merck Veterinary Manual, “Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs,” C. Hayes, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center; full review September 2024, updated June 2025. Thresholds of 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg; species.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual, “Hepatotoxins in Small Animals,” S. A. Center; full review August 2023. Liver necrosis in some dogs from 0.1 g/kg.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and VETgirl, “Hepatotoxicant Table,” 2020. Over 0.1 g/kg hypoglycemia, over 0.5 g/kg acute hepatic necrosis, onset of signs.
  • E. K. Dunayer, “New findings on the effects of xylitol ingestion in dogs,” Veterinary Medicine, December 2006. Estimating value of 0.3 g per piece.
  • A. Brutlag, Pet Poison Helpline, quoted in dvm360, February 2014. Gum and mints contain 0.22 to 1.0 g per piece.

Reviewed November 2026. This calculator gives an estimate, not a diagnosis, and does not replace a veterinarian. Published doses come from case reports and poison-center experience; individual animals differ.

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