Are artificial sweeteners like stevia and erythritol safe for dogs?

Stevia and monk fruit are plant-derived sweeteners used in small amounts. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that dogs appear to tolerate far better than xylitol. Sucralose and aspartame are artificial sweeteners that are not known to be toxic to dogs. Sorbitol and maltitol, common in sugar-free sweets, are not toxic but often cause loose stools.

None of these is a nutrient your dog needs.

A product labeled as sweetened with stevia or erythritol may also contain xylitol further down the ingredient list. Sugar-free gums, low-sugar baked goods, and diet syrups often use combinations. Check the entire list, and look for xylitol, birch sugar, or E967.

If you cannot find the ingredient list, treat the product as risky.

Sugar alcohols draw water into the gut, which can cause diarrhea and gas. Diet foods also often contain other ingredients that dogs do not tolerate well, such as chocolate, caffeine, or high fat. A dog that eats a whole bag of sugar-free sweets may be unwell even without any xylitol.

Offer plenty of water and keep your dog close to an outside door for a few hours.

There is no reason to give dogs foods containing any sweetener. Plain meat, a little plain vegetable, or dog treats provide rewards without the guesswork. Store diet foods and sugar-free sweets out of reach. If you use sweeteners in your own cooking, keep the packets and baked goods well out of reach.