Article: Sugar-free treats: a danger? Xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar substitute, isn't safe for your dog. Be careful of feeding him snacks that might contain it.

Dog owners have long known that chocolate is toxic to their confection-loving canines. Now sugar-free treats that contain xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar substitute, have been shown to cause liver failure and even prove fatal in a small number of cases, according to a new report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). Xylitol, which has been used in foods since the 1960s, is a white, crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar and is found in many sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and even some toothpastes. The powder is believed to be safe for consumption--especially for diabetics--and has even been demonstrated to ...

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