How to Tell if Your Peanut Butter Has Xylitol

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, reports of xylitol poisoning in dogs have more than doubled since 2007. Given these statistics, knowing how to tell if PB has xylitol is a critical skill for any pet owner who uses the spread as a treat or to administer medication.

Quick Summary

This guide provides essential tips for identifying the sugar alcohol xylitol on product labels, including its other names and potential red flags. It covers common brands known to use the ingredient and lists safer alternatives to ensure your pet's well-being.

Key Points

Check the Ingredients: Always read the ingredient list for the specific term 'xylitol', especially on sugar-free or specialty peanut butters.
Recognize Aliases: Be aware that xylitol can also be listed under names like 'birch sugar', 'wood sugar', or 'E967'.
Avoid 'Sugar Alcohols': If the label lists 'sugar alcohols' without specifying the type, it's safest to assume it contains xylitol and avoid it for your dog.
Choose Unsweetened Varieties: For optimal safety, stick to natural, unsweetened peanut butter containing only peanuts, or peanuts and salt.
Act Quickly if Ingestion Occurs: If you suspect your dog has eaten xylitol, contact a veterinarian or poison control immediately and be prepared to act fast.
Stay Updated: Remember that product formulations can change, so always check the label, even on a familiar brand.

Why Checking for Xylitol is Crucial for Pet Owners

Xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is a common sugar substitute, is perfectly safe for humans but highly toxic to dogs. In canines, ingesting even a small amount can cause a rapid and potent release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), liver failure, seizures, and even death. The danger is particularly insidious because many people use peanut butter as a standard treat for their dogs, often without realizing that specialty or low-sugar versions may contain this hazardous ingredient.

The Importance of Reading the Ingredient List

The most direct way to check for xylitol is to read the ingredient list on the peanut butter label. This is often found on the back of the jar, usually in small print. The ingredient list is a comprehensive breakdown of everything in the product, with ingredients listed in descending order by weight. Therefore, if xylitol is present, it will appear higher on the list if it is a major component. For pet owners, this list is far more important than the front-of-package marketing claims, as terms like 'natural' or 'sugar-free' don't always mean pet-safe.

Look for 'Xylitol' directly: The most obvious indicator is the name itself. Scan the list for the exact word xylitol.
Identify its aliases: Xylitol is sometimes listed under different names, which makes label-reading more challenging. Be vigilant for terms like birch sugar, birch bark extract, wood sugar, or the code E967.
Search for 'sugar alcohols': If a product is sweetened with xylitol, the label might generically state 'sugar alcohols' in the nutrition facts panel. If this is the case, and you are buying it for a pet, it's safer to avoid it unless the specific sugar alcohol is identified as non-toxic, such as erythritol.

Where to Find Xylitol Information on the Label

Beyond the primary ingredient list, xylitol can sometimes be hidden in other parts of the label. Always give the entire packaging a thorough look-over, especially on specialty or diet-focused products. The ingredient may be listed under headings such as 'inactive ingredients', 'other ingredients', or 'supplement facts'.

Comparison of Peanut Butter Types for Dog Owners

To simplify your shopping, here is a comparison of different peanut butter types and what to look out for.


Peanut Butter Type	Common Ingredients	Risk of Xylitol	How to Check for Safety
Natural & Unsweetened	Roasted Peanuts, Salt	Low to None	Read the ingredient list to ensure only peanuts and salt are present.
Reduced Sugar / Sugar-Free	Peanuts, Sugar Alcohols (incl. Xylitol), Artificial Sweeteners	High	Scan the label carefully for 'xylitol', 'birch sugar', or 'sugar alcohols'.
High Protein Spreads	Peanuts, Whey Protein, Sweeteners (incl. Xylitol)	High	These are often targeted at athletes and frequently contain artificial sweeteners. Check for specific brand names known to use xylitol.
Mainstream Brands (e.g., Jif, Skippy)	Peanuts, Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Salt	Very Low	Major brands typically do not use xylitol, but label reading is still a good practice as formulations can change.
Organic	Organic Peanuts, Salt	Low	Similar to natural types, but still check labels as some organic products use alternative sweeteners.

Action Plan if You Suspect Xylitol Ingestion

If you believe your dog has eaten peanut butter containing xylitol, immediate action is crucial. The severity of poisoning can range, but symptoms can develop rapidly, sometimes within 30 minutes.

Contact a veterinarian immediately. Call your vet, an emergency animal hospital, or a pet poison helpline without delay.
Keep the product label. If possible, bring the peanut butter jar with you so the vet can assess the ingredient list.
Do not induce vomiting. Unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional, do not attempt to make your dog vomit, as this could cause additional complications.
Monitor for symptoms. Watch for signs such as vomiting, lethargy, weakness, staggering, collapse, and seizures.

Conclusion: Prioritize Label Vigilance for Pet Safety

When buying peanut butter for your dog, or if your dog has access to a jar in your pantry, diligence is key. The simplest and safest approach is to choose unsweetened, all-natural peanut butter that contains only peanuts, or peanuts and salt. If you must buy a product with added ingredients, make a habit of meticulously reading the ingredient list every time, as product formulations can change without notice. Educating yourself on the different names for xylitol is the best defense against accidental poisoning and ensures that a simple treat doesn't turn into a life-threatening emergency for your beloved pet. Your label vigilance is a direct investment in your furry friend's health and safety.

What to Look For on the Label

Keywords: Search for xylitol, birch sugar, wood sugar, or the code E967 in the ingredient list.
Red Flags: Be wary of phrases like natural sweetener, sugar-free, or no added sugar, as these can indicate the presence of sugar alcohols.
Generic Terms: If the label lists sugar alcohols without specifying which ones, it's safest to avoid it entirely for your pet.
Common Brands: While many major brands are safe, smaller, specialty, or health-focused products are more likely to contain xylitol.
Ingredient Order: Since ingredients are listed by weight, higher placement of xylitol or a sugar alcohol indicates a more potent, and therefore more dangerous, product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Besides 'xylitol', common names include 'birch sugar', 'wood sugar', 'birch bark extract', and the European food additive code 'E967'. Some labels may also generically list 'sugar alcohols'.

Brands that have been known to include xylitol are often specialty or protein-focused. Examples include Nuts 'N More, P28 Foods, Go Nuts, Co., Krush Nutrition, and No Cow.

Most natural peanut butter is safe, but it is important to always read the label. Look for products with only two ingredients: peanuts and salt. Even 'natural' products can sometimes contain other sweeteners.

Symptoms can begin very rapidly, often within 30 minutes of ingestion, though they may take up to 12 hours to appear. This is why immediate veterinary attention is crucial if poisoning is suspected.

Initial symptoms often include vomiting, lethargy, and weakness. As it progresses, it can lead to staggering, collapse, tremors, seizures, and even liver failure.

No, these products are often the most likely culprits for containing xylitol or other sugar alcohols. A 'sugar-free' label is a major red flag for pet owners.

Contact your vet, an emergency animal hospital, or a pet poison control center immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a professional. Take the product label with you.