The new ingredient in peanut butter that could be deadly to your dogs
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Peanut butter has been a long-time treat for dogs around the world, but a new ingredient located in some brands of peanut butter could put a stop to this.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As dogs are clever and know that you’re trying to give them tablets, peanut butter is often used to disguise medication that they often need to take.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The surge in popularity of high-protein, low-sugar “health” products has seen a rise in artificial ingredients being used. One ingredient is xylitol, which is a natural sweetener lower in calories than sugar.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sydney-based vet Bill Ilkin told </span><a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/new-peanut-butter-ingredient-prove-deadly-dogs-062247137.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yahoo News</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that while this ingredient might be good for those watching their waistlines, it could prove fatal for your dogs.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Excessive amounts are deadly, but most people aren’t feeding their dogs excessive amounts of peanut butter,” Dr Ilkin said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Some people will wrap the dogs pills in peanut butter but they normally use a small amount.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Jade Norris, veterinarian at RSPCA NSW, has agreed.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Xylitol can kill dogs and therefore pet owners must ensure dogs do not have access to xylitol or xylitol-containing products,” Dr Norris said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Xylitol is a sweetener found in some products such as some sugar-free chewing gum, lollies, baking goods, peanut butter, toothpaste and many other products.”</span></p>
<p><strong>What to do if your dog eats xylitol</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If your pet dog has ingested xylitol or you just suspect they may have ingested xylitol take them to your veterinarian immediately as xylitol ingestion is a life-threatening emergency. Just a small amount of xylitol can kill a dog.” Dr Norris explained.</span></p>
