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I bought some low-calorie dog treats that list erythritol as an ingredient — are these safe for my 10 kg terrier to have occasionally?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, treats with erythritol are generally safe for occasional use, but feed them with care. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that can cause diarrhoea and gas, especially if your terrier eats too many at once. It is not toxic like xylitol, but it's still an irritant. Start with a very small piece to see how his stomach handles it, and limit treats to avoid digestive upset. If he develops persistent loose stools or seems uncomfortable, stop the treats and consult your vet.

Erythritol — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

A sugar alcohol that causes diarrhoea and gas. Do not confuse it with xylitol — that one is toxic.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Erythritol is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Why these cautions matter

Even a gram or two of xylitol can trigger a sharp drop in a dog's blood sugar, and larger exposures go on to damage the liver.

Added sugar brings empty calories, and over months that means weight gain and dental disease — both far harder to undo than to avoid.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Erythritol food facts page.

Open the full food page: Erythritol food facts →