Skip to main content

Sweetener

A representation of Sweetener

Sweeteners are artificial or natural sugar substitutes that are often used in food to reduce calories or improve the taste. But are sweeteners also suitable for dogs? And if so, how can they help or harm them? In this article you will learn all about sweeteners for dogs and why they are dangerous.

What is sweetener?

Sweetener is a collective term for various substances that taste sweet but contain few or no calories. There are many types of sweeteners:

  • artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin or cyclamate
  • natural sweeteners such as stevia, honey or agave syrup
  • sugar alcohols such as xylitol, maltitol or sorbitol.

Why are sweeteners harmful to dogs?

Sweeteners can have both advantages and disadvantages for dogs, depending on which sweetener is used and in what quantity. Here are some of them:

Benefits: There are few benefits of sweeteners for dogs. Some natural sweeteners such as honey can be given in small amounts as a treat or to help with colds. Some artificial sweeteners such as aspartame are safe for dogs.

Disadvantages: There are many disadvantages of sweeteners for dogs. The sugar alcohol xylitol in particular is very toxic for dogs. Even in small doses, it can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia. It can also cause liver damage or blood clotting disorders. Other sugar alcohols such as maltitol or sorbitol can cause diarrhea or flatulence. Other artificial sweeteners such as saccharin or cyclamate can trigger allergies or increase the risk of cancer.

How do I recognize sweeteners in food?

Sweeteners can be found in many foods that you might not even suspect. For example

  • chewing gum
  • sweets
  • chocolate
  • cookies
  • yoghurt
  • jam
  • Toothpaste

To prevent your dog from accidentally eating sweeteners, you should always read the ingredients list on the packaging and look out for the following terms:

If you see any of these words, keep the product away from your dog.

What to do in case of sweetener poisoning?

If your dog has accidentally eaten something with sweetener, you should act immediately. Here are some steps you should follow:

  • Try to find out what and how much your dog has eaten.
  • Call your vet and describe the situation.
  • Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
  • Follow your vet's instructions exactly.

Sweeteners are substances with a sweet taste and little or no calories. They include various types such as artificial (e.g. aspartame), natural (e.g. stevia) and sugar alcohols (e.g. xylitol). They can be dangerous for dogs, especially xylitol, which can lead to hypoglycemia and liver damage. Other sweeteners can trigger allergies or cause stomach problems. They are found in many foods and dog owners should check the ingredients list carefully. In case of poisoning, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.

Learn even more about Sweetener

If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.

Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊