What Is The Most Dangerous Food For Dogs?
63Did you guess right?
We all know the standard "never feed your dog chocolate" rule, but do you know what the most dangerous food item really is for dogs?
XYLITOL is considered the most canine-toxic 'human food' on the planet, yet many people are unaware of its risks.
If ingested by a dog, it can have serious, life-threatening effects.
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What Is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used widely as a sugar substitute, and is also found naturally in many fruits, plants, and vegetables. It is used in scores of products we use today, ranging from mints/gum, to baked goods, to toothpaste.
What Makes It Dangerous
In dogs, xylitol can cause severe hypoglycemia, with collapse, seizures, and ataxia - which involves lack of coordination and muscle movements.
Some dogs with severe cases of toxicosis developed liver failure within 72 hours of ingestion.
In a case report on liver failure following xylitol ingestion in eight dogs, six of the eight dogs did not appear to develop hypoglycemia before the onset of liver failure.
Products Containing Xylitol
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How Much Does It Take?
It only takes a small amount (a couple sugar-free Tic Tacs, a pack of Trident gum, a few Starbucks mints, or a sugar-free Jello dessert cup) to send a dog into hypoglycemia-induced seizures, and liver failure. As little as a single gram of xylitol can kill a 10 pound dog.
The Number of Xylitol Containing Products Continues to Rise
Because xylitol is not harmful to humans, and is considered the 'miracle sweetener' by many, including those with diabetes, the list of products containing this sugar substitute continues to increase.
Dog owners may be watching their diets and sugar intake by using xylitol, but they should also be watching their furry ones to ensure they do not get ahold of any of these deadly products.
How to Avoid Accidental Xylitol Poisoning
It cannot be stressed enough to keep human food to yourself, and leave the dog food for the - well - dogs.
This really is the only way to be completely certain your dog does not ingest any xylitol.
It can be difficult with the puppy eyes staring up at you for a piece of your supper, but we have to be strong! We are only looking out for their best interest.
Animal Poison Control Center
It is a good idea to save the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center's toll-free number into your phone, or keep it where you will easily find it if needed in an emergency.
It is available to you 24 hours per day.
Here's to Keeping Our Dogs Healthy & Happy!
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Thank you tsadjatko! Good info on xylitol there. I haven't really researched the human aspect of it, so - thanks!
tsadjatko Level 5 Commenter 9 months ago
I grew up in PA too! Great info on dogs and xylitol!! I chew xylitol gum because it is proven to stop tooth decay I have dogs too so I know the risks! Everybody should be informed so GREAT HUB!
HOW DOES XYLITOL PREVENT TOOTH DECAY?
In order for the bacteria to ferment carbohydrate and produce acid to cause tooth decay it must
a) first gain access to the carbohydrates available in the oral cavity or produce its own energy source when there is lack of external carbohydrates
b) adhere to the tooth surface by using carbohydrates as an adhesive
c) metabolize the carbohydrates and produce acid
The acidic condition in the mouth is an excellent condition for the bacteria to thrive and multiply. Xylitol reverses these processes which produce such conditions as follow:
1. Effect on bacterial growth
Oral bacteria is unable to utilize xylitol to produce energy. Xylitol is transported into the bacteria via the PTS system and converted into xylitol phosphate. Since the bacteria is unable to utilize the xylitol phosphate as an energy source, the bacteria tries to expel the xylitol. This process of expelling the unwanted material inside the bacterial cell requires high levels of energy, leaving the bacteria exhausted of energy. High concentration of xylitol phosphate within the bacteria is also harmful. This explains how xylitol inhibits the growth of decay causing oral bacteria.
2. Effect on adhesion to tooth surface
Oral bacteria adheres to the tooth surface through carbohydrate binding proteins. Xylitol inhibits the binding of bacteria to the tooth which results in decreased adherence.
Xylitol in a 6 % concentration is capable of reducing the adherence of streptococcus mutans to the tooth surface.
3. Effect on bacterial metabolism
In addition to inhibition of bacterial growth, xylitol also disturbs the metabolic processes taking place in oral bacteria. Oral bacteria uses external carbohydrates from the food we consume to produce energy. When there is lack of carbohydrates in the oral environment, the bacteria synthesizes its own carbohydrates known as polysaccharide to be used as energy source. Xylitol inhibits the production of the polysaccharides and its metabolism. Xylitol also inhibits metabolism of protein and damages the structure of bacteria.