Paws Off Act of 2025

House Bill

H.R. 237

119th Congress

Paws Off Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 16, 2025

Primary Sponsor

David Schweikert

Representative

Republican

AZ-1

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Health

Summary

This bill prohibits the sale of food containing xylitol unless the label includes a warning about its toxic effects on dogs. Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free products that is safe for humans but can cause life-threatening liver failure and hypoglycemia in dogs. The warning requirement aims to protect pets whose owners may unknowingly share food containing the ingredient.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill prohibits the sale of food containing xylitol unless the label includes a warning about its toxic effects on dogs. Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free products that is safe for humans but can cause life-threatening liver failure and hypoglycemia in dogs. The warning requirement aims to protect pets whose owners may unknowingly share food containing the ingredient.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Paws Off Act of 2025 This bill forbids the sale of food that contains xylitol unless the food's label contains a warning about the toxic effects of xylitol for dogs if ingested.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires warning labels on foods containing xylitol
Must indicate toxic effects for dogs if ingested
Prohibits sale without proper labeling
Addresses common sugar substitute danger to pets
Protects dogs from accidental poisoning

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Xylitol poisoning in dogs has increased as the sweetener has become more common in everyday foods. Many dog owners are unaware of the danger. This labeling requirement provides crucial information at the point of purchase, potentially preventing pet emergencies and deaths. The bill represents consumer protection legislation extending to pet safety.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Health

Related Subjects

Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Animal protection and human-animal relationships

Department of Health and Human Services

Food supply, safety, and labeling

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

237, 119th Congress (2025). "Paws Off Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-237