Is Erythritol Safe for Cats: What You Need to Know

Cat Nutrition & Diet Olivia Pierce March 11, 2025

Pet owners often worry about it because they know certain sweeteners like Xylitol can be deadly to animals, especially dogs.

For cats specifically, Erythritol is generally not toxic, unlike Xylitol, which should always be avoided.

However, this doesn’t mean it’s completely without risks.

While not poisonous to cats, erythritol can cause stomach issues like diarrhea if consumed in large amounts.

This blog covers what cat owners need to know about erythritol, potential side effects to watch for, and which sweetener options are truly safe for our feline friends.

What is Erythritol?

Erythritol is a sugar substitute that looks and tastes like sugar but has almost no calories.

You can find it in many sugar-free drinks, candies, gum, and baked goods that people eat.

Unlike regular sugar, Erythritol doesn’t raise blood sugar levels. It’s different from other sweeteners, too.

Food makers add Erythritol to human foods to cut calories and help people with diabetes. But you won’t see it in cat food.

This is because cats can’t taste sweet things – they lack taste buds! Plus, cats are meat-eaters by nature and don’t need sweet stuff in their diet.

Is Erythritol Toxic to Cats?

Current research shows that Erythritol is not toxic to cats. Unlike Xylitol, which is very dangerous for dogs, Erythritol doesn’t cause the same harmful effects.

While not poisonous, this doesn’t mean it’s good for cats. Erythritol isn’t something cats would naturally eat in the wild.

Most of the Erythritol a cat eats passes through their body without being broken down. If cats eat Erythritol food, their digestive system might react badly.

This happens because sugar alcohols like erythritol pull water into the intestines. This can lead to loose stools or diarrhea, especially if they eat too much.

What Happens if a Cat Eats Erythritol?

If your cat eats something with Erythritol, it will most likely get an upset stomach.

The most common problem is diarrhea because Erythritol pulls water into the intestines. Some cats might also vomit or seem less hungry than usual.

How much is too much? Even small amounts can cause problems for cats.

A few licks of an Erythritol-sweetened yogurt or a tiny bit of sugar-free candy might be enough to upset your cat’s stomach.

Cats are small, so what seems like a little to us can be a lot for them.

Warning Signs

Warning signs to look for in your cats:

• Diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
• Repeated vomiting
• Not drinking water
• Acting very tired or weak
• Not using the litter box
• Hiding more than usual

These could mean your cat is dehydrated or feeling worse than a minor tummy ache.

Erythritol vs. Xylitol: Key Differences

Factor	Xylitol	Erythritol
Effect on Pets	Highly toxic, especially for dogs	Considered less harmful, it passes through the body mostly unabsorbed
How It Works	Triggers insulin release, causing dangerously low blood sugar	It does not cause an insulin spike
Impact on Dogs	It can lead to seizures, liver failure, or death	Less harmful but still not recommended
Impact on Cats	It is not as toxic as in dogs, but still unsafe	Mild digestive upset if consumed in small amounts
Metabolism Differences	Dogs process xylitol like sugar, making it dangerous	Cats and dogs process sweeteners differently
Taste Sensitivity	Dogs have sweet taste buds and may seek out sugary foods	Cats cannot taste sweetness
Safe Level for Cats	No safe level – should be completely avoided	There is no established safe amount; best to avoid it entirely

Safe Sweeteners for Cats

Most vets agree that cats don’t need any sweeteners in their diet. Cats can’t even taste sweet flavors!

But if you’re looking for safe options for special treats, small amounts of certain sweeteners are better than others.

Vets consider small amounts of stevia safer for cats than most artificial sweeteners. But even stevia can cause stomach upset if cats eat too much.

Foods Safe for Occasional Cat Treats

Here are some natural foods safe for occasional cat treats:

• Plain cooked chicken or turkey (no seasonings)
• Small bits of cooked fish like salmon or tuna
• Tiny amounts of plain pumpkin (not pie filling)
• Commercial cat treats made specifically for cats

When buying cat treats or food, check the ingredients list carefully.

Avoid products containing Xylitol, chocolate, or artificial sweeteners. Look for treats with simple, meat-based ingredients.

The fewer ingredients listed, the better. Meat should always be the first ingredient in any cat food or treat.

Veterinarians On Erythritol and Cats

Veterinarians generally agree that artificial sweeteners, including Erythritol, don’t belong in a cat’s diet.

Dr. Michael Salkin notes that while Erythritol isn’t toxic to cats, it’s not something they should have either.

Most vets point out that cats are “obligate carnivores,” meaning they need meat to survive and thrive.

Most animal health experts recommend avoiding all sugar substitutes for cats. This isn’t just about safety concerns but about what cats need.

Recommendations for Best Cat Health

Here’s what veterinarians recommend for best cat health:

• High-quality cat food with meat as the main ingredient
• Limited treats (no more than 10% of daily calories)
• Fresh water is always available
• Regular feeding schedule rather than free feeding
• Keeping human food, especially processed items, away from cats

Veterinarians stress that the closer you keep your cat’s diet to what they would eat in nature, the healthier they’ll be.

Final Thoughts

While Erythritol isn’t as dangerous as Xylitol, it still doesn’t fit your cat’s diet.

Cats are meat-eaters who can’t even taste sweet things! Stick to proper cat food and occasional protein-rich treats instead.

Remember that what seems small to you might be too much for your small feline friend.

For the healthiest cats, keep their diet close to what they’d eat in nature – mainly meat.

When in doubt about any food, always check with your veterinarian, especially if your cat has special health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Erythritol Safe for All Pets?

It is not toxic but can cause stomach problems. It is much safer than Xylitol, but no pets should eat artificial sweeteners regularly.

What Should I Do If My Cat Eats Something with Erythritol?

Watch for diarrhea or vomiting. Keep them hydrated. Call your vet if symptoms last over 24 hours or if they seem very tired.

Are there Better Options for Homemade Cat Treats?

Plain-cooked chicken, turkey, or fish make great treats that match their natural diet. Always check with your vet first.