Use Caution
Medium dog serving: never
Key warning: intentional feeding, products containing sorbitol
Can Dogs Eat Sorbitol? Caution — Causes Diarrhea, Less Dangerous Than Xylitol
This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found in some sugar-free products. It is less dangerous than xylitol but causes significant digestive upset in dogs — particularly diarrhea. Found in some sugar-free gums candies and medications. Check labels for sorbitol.
Search another food
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Significant digestive upset: diarrhea gas and bloating even in small amounts. Large amounts: severe diarrhea and dehydration. Not associated with liver failure like xylitol but still causes GI harm.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 if significant amount consumed.
What to Avoid
intentional feeding, products containing sorbitol
Preparation & Serving
Monitor for diarrhea and dehydration. Call vet if large amount consumed or severe diarrhea develops.
Did you know?
Sorbitol was first isolated from the berries of the mountain ash tree in 1872 by French chemist Joseph Boussingault. The name comes from Sorbus — the genus of mountain ash. It occurs naturally in many fruits including apples pears peaches and prunes — which is why prunes have a laxative effect in both humans and dogs. The osmotic diarrhea caused by sorbitol is actually the therapeutic mechanism when prune juice is used as a natural laxative.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- never intentionally
- Serving (medium dog)
- never
- Serving (large dog)
- never
- Calories (per 100g)
- 0
- Safe frequency
- Never
Source
What You Need to Know
Sorbitol is used as a sweetener and humectant in many sugar-free products. Unlike xylitol it does not cause rapid hypoglycemia or liver failure. However it causes significant osmotic diarrhea because it is poorly absorbed in the digestive tract. Even small amounts cause loose stools in dogs. Products containing sorbitol should be kept away from dogs.
This food requires care — if your dog has eaten a large amount read our emergency guide
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety quiz to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety quizHelpful Resources
Related Foods
Stay in the loop
Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.