One such sugar substitute is erythritol, which is commonly found in human foods and beverages, prized for its low-calorie content and negligible effect on blood sugar. From dog owners becoming more discerning about pet nutrition and ingredients, their feline counterparts are not an exception - so, the inquiry - is erythritol safe for cats? This article examines the science around erythritol, mentioning its potential benefits, safety and significance in feline diets.
What Is Erythritol?
Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol (polyol) low-calorie sweetener. It is found in some fruits and fermented foods, and it is produced from glucose industrially through fermentation with yeast or fungi. Erythritol is almost zero-calorie, giving only 0.24 calories per gram. It is about 70% as sweet as table sugar but does not elicit an increase in blood glucose or insulin.
In people, erythritol is typically well tolerated and is frequently found in products aimed at people with diabetes or on ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets. But how do these felines respond to this sweetener?
Are Cats Drawn to Sweet Tastes?
It is also notable that they are obligate carnivores and do not possess taste receptors for sweetness. That's unlikely to draw them to sweet foods, including those with erythritol. Although this may lessen the risk of unintentional ingestion, cats can still come into contact with erythritol if it's present in treats, medications or as a sweetener in home-cooked recipes.
Is Erythritol Safe for Cats?
As of now, there is no specific evidence that erythritol is toxic to cats. Sugar alcohols are poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract in mammals. And while dogs develop gastrointestinal distress with high doses of erythritol, there's thought to be less sensitivity in cats, but research is sparse.
That's the good news, but it's worth exercising caution. And unlike xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs and potentially toxic to cats, erythritol has not been shown to cause hypoglycemia or liver damage in cats. However, the majority of veterinarians recommend that catgoners eliminate unnecessary artificial sweeteners from cat diets to reduce the risk of problems.
Why Erythritol May Be Beneficial for Cats
Although erythritol doesn't offer any nutritional value (i.e. essential nutrients), it does have some unique benefits that can help if they are used in moderation and safely:
- Low in Calories: Erythritol is lower in calories than common sugar, which is beneficial for overweight or diabetic cats who may struggle to limit caloric intake due to its sweetness.
- Teeth-Friendly: Erythritol does not participate in dental decay like sugar does. Its antibacterial properties may even reduce some of the bacteria in the mouth that helps form plaque, supporting oral hygiene in cats.
- There are pet owners who are baking their own cat treats, and erythritol can be used as a safer option than other sweetening agents, as it is non-toxic unlike xylitol.
- Non-Glycemic Effects: Erythritol does not cause a rise in blood glucose or insulin, so this may be a safer option for pets in calorie-restricted or diabetic diets; however, the exact benefits for cats, specifically, have yet to be thoroughly studied.
Guidelines for Use in Cats
While erythritol seems to be safe for cats in very small amounts, it shouldn't be incorporated as a part of their diet on a daily basis. Here are a few useful rules of thumb:
- Limit erythritol usage to small portions when baking for pets.
- Until you know for sure that a human food product containing sweeteners is safe for a cat, don't give them any.
- Before adding any new ingredient to your cat's diet, including erythritol, check with a veterinarian.
Preparing Healthy Treats For Your Cat
Although erythritol may be safe in small doses, other ingredients are more appropriate for supporting feline well-being:
- Chicken, Turkey, or Tuna: High in protein and species-appropriate.
- Pumpkin Puree: Helpful for digestion with natural fiber.
- Bone Broth: Enhances hydration and joint health.
- Protein: Eggs remove the nutrients.
These natural ingredients also bring actual benefits without the worries that come with artificial additives.
Conclusion
Erythritol is a common sugar substitute in human food and is relatively non-toxic to cats in small quantities. Although it does not directly contribute nutrients, its low-calorie, non-glycemic form could possibly be a safer option under specific pet treat preparations. But pet owners need to keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores, and their diets should consist mainly of animal proteins and fats.
For a cat to be healthiest, you will want to use species-appropriate natural ingredients, and consult your veterinarian before adding any non-traditional ingredient like erythritol to your kitty's diet.
References
National Research Council. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats The National Academies Press.
GRAS Notice for Erythritol (GRN No. 000000)
Peterson, M.E., & Talcott, P.A. (2013). Small Animal Toxicology. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Houpt, K.A. (2011). Domestic Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists Wiley-Blackwell.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. (n.d.). Food Hazards to Pets.
Shrestha, S., et al. (2021). Once dropped, it will be available for most of the use cases related to the analysis of animal feeds. Veterinary Sciences.
Munro, I.C. et al. (1998). "Erythritol: An interpretive summary of biochemical, metabolic, toxicological and clinical data." Food and Chemical Toxicology.
FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). "Tips on Pet Food Ingredients."
