Sorbitol is a sweetener found in processed dog foods, treats, and dog toothpastes. But is it safe for dogs? The answer isn’t clear. The FDA says it’s safe and it’s on the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list. However, a study on nursing rats showed signs of liver and bone marrow damage in offspring.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in fruits like blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, apricots, avocados, cherries, peaches, and plums. It has a low glycemic level and is low in calories. It’s extracted from starches for use in pharmaceutical products, sugar-free foods, and oral care products.
Sorbitol isn’t completely digested in the small intestine, known as sorbitol intolerance. It’s absorbed in small amounts and converted to fructose. The remaining sorbitol can cause diarrhea. Dogs eating foods with sorbitol may experience hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay, arthritis, and allergies. Sorbitol can cause minor to moderate gastrointestinal discomfort or distress in dogs.
In large amounts, like when a dog free-feeds on kibble, it may lead to symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and nausea. People and dogs with IBS don’t absorb sorbitol properly and have similar symptoms. Ask your vet to confirm the cause of your dog’s symptoms. Sorbitol has osmotic laxative properties, drawing water into the intestine for softer poop. But too much can cause diarrhea. There are healthier, natural options for treating dog constipation. Sorbitol can make diarrhea worse for a prone dog. Find out the cause of diarrhea and if processed food with sorbitol is being eaten, change it first. Can Sorbitol Kill Dogs? Unlikely, but severe diarrhea can make a dog sick and dehydrated. Sorbitol is a hidden ingredient in processed food. Read and understand ingredient labels and avoid foods with sorbitol and other questionable ingredients. RELATED: How safe is your dog’s food? The best approach is to feed your dog a whole food, raw diet. You can buy pre-made raw foods or make it yourself to know exactly what’s in it. References: Cardoso, S, et al. Exposure to sorbitol during lactation causes metabolic alterations and genotoxic effects in rat offspring. Toxicol Lett. 2016 Oct 17;260:36-45. Liauw, S., et al. Sorbitol – Often forgotten cause of osmotic diarrhea. Can Fam Physician. 2019 Aug; 65(8): 557–558. Ruiz-Ojeda, FJ., et al. Effects of Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials. Adv Nutr. 2019 Jan; 10(Suppl 1): S31–S48.
