Artificial sweetener danger for dogs

[Gaelle]

Dogs ingesting foods containing high doses of xylitol , which is often found in sugar free chewing gum,(greater than 100 milligram of xylitol consumed per kilogram of bodyweight) have presented with low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) which can be life-threatening. Low blood sugar can manifest as loss of coordination, depression, collapse and seizures as soon as 30 minutes after ingestion. Intake of very high doses of xylitol (greater than 500 - 1000 mg/kg bwt) has also been implicated in liver failure in 8 dogs, which can be fatal. .

This was taken from an entry in Wikipedia in response to viewing a post on another forum.
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Happiness is watching my dog chase leaves dancing in the breeze.

[Lindy]

why would you even contemplate giving a dog artificial sweetener anyway???

[Gaelle]

Probably most people wouldn't but I do know of a couple of people who would justify it by saying something to the effect of "I know sugar is bad for my dog so I only put ....in his cup of tea!!!"
Also a dog could get at eg chewing gum and wrappers by thieving/scavenging.
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Happiness is watching my dog chase leaves dancing in the breeze.

[shirley c]

Its actually not good for people either
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lurchers Pixel and Zev and whippet, Fen
3 cats, Greebo, Yu and Lexx - 2 ferrets and Dales pony Jazz and adopted pony, April

[kirsty]

Its actually really bad for you

My dietitian freaks if I tell her I have had any diet iron bru. she told me it has an ingredient that is so bad for your bones that it has been banned in most eastern european countries. Can you imagine them trying to ban diet coke in the UK or the USA

All the wieght watchers sweet products and other diet products are loaded with the stuff.

Only an ass would give it to a dog
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"In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog."

[graceb]

Yip any sweetner is actually got toxins in it that should be banned. And diet drinks probably have more calories in them!

If you want a healthy alternative then the product below is what to go for. Its derived from Hardwoods, corn cobs etc.

XyloBrit - sugar alternative
Sweetness that is good for you!‘Xylitol is the ONLY sugar alternative I recommend. It’s low in calories, won’t disrupt your blood sugar and actually protects your teeth!’ Patrick Holford

While people are generally advised to steer well clear of artificial sugar replacements, Xylobrit (made of xylitol) is a remarkable exception. Xylitol is found in fruit and vegetables has the same sweetness as sugar but 40% few calories, no unpleasant aftertaste and none of the negative tooth decay or insulin release effects – making it the perfect low GL sweetener. In fact, you'd have to eat 9 spoonfuls of xylitol to get the same effect on your blood sugar levels as just one spoonful of sugar! It also has half the GL score of fructose.

Xylitol is recommended for anyone who wants to lose weight, control their blood sugar and boost their energy levels. If you struggle with a sweet tooth or with children who are loathed to give up their favourite biscuits and treats, XyloSweet is the perfect solution.

Xylitol has been used in foods since the 1960s and can be found in dental products to help prevent against cavities, plaque and gum disease.

Use Xylobrit daily for baking and sweetening drinks and foods like tea, coffee, cakes, biscuits and cereals, replacing sugar with Xylosweet as a one-to-one substitution. Xylobrit cannot be used to make jams or marmalade.
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Grace & Dexter