sugar substitute in cakes etc.

[fudgie21]

I read this in today's paper, a lady wrote in to say she had made a cake with "Xylitol" instead of sugar and gave her dog a small taste, within three days the dog had died. I don't use it nor do we give Esme anything we eat as treats but I have done with other dogs in the past. I thought I'd put it on here for you all to see just in case.

[Gal]

I thought that was a chemical to get rid of fat in humans, in other words, a slimming aid - is it not?

Poor dog ....you're not supposed to give them chocolate either are you? Maybe they can't digest sweet things the way humans can

[meriad]

Gosh, that is scary If the dogs death is directly attributable to the Xylitol then it really should come with very clear warnings. Loads of people wouldn't hesitate to feed their pooch some cake; I know I would. Admittedly, knowing what I know now I wouldn't give a dog chocolate cake, but vanilla - no reason why you wouldn't?

[Kaz]

Thanks very much for the warning - I had no idea!

[Teaspoon]

I read that letter the other day, too.

We're quite strict with Bobby as I'm convinced that most things that aren't "Dog Food" are poisonous. He likes a bit of carrot and banana and has a lick from a yoghurt pot. That will be one to watch, in case they have artificial sweetener. I know that chocolate, grapes and apple pips are highly toxic. There are loads of other things too, I don't even like having flowers in the house as some, like lilies, are toxic to both cats and dogs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol

I'll have to watch out for discarded chewing gum, too, although Bobby has never taken much notice so far. He is the type of dog that will try to eat anything, though

[molly]

I'll have to watch out for discarded chewing gum, too, although Bobby has never taken much notice so far. He is the type of dog that will try to eat anything, though

Oh gosh! My daughters pup used to eat chewing gum he found discarded on the street!!! Thankfully he seems to have grown out of it now.

[fudgie21]

Esme has beef and wheat allergies so we have to be extra careful with her, this afternoon she dragged me up the road and it was only by sheer luck that I managed to stop her from eating a whole meat pie that was laying on the pavement...she carried home the wrapper full of indignation as only a Labrador deprived of food can be.

[meriad]

as only a Labrador deprived of food can be.

yup, that is something Labs most certainly have down to a fine art.....