Ketone bodies are essential energy substrates in the absence of exogenous nutrients, and more recently, they have been suggested to prevent disease and improve longevity. βhydroxybutyrate (βHB) is the most abundant ketone body. The secondary alcohol, 1,3-butanediol (1,3-BD), is commonly administered to raise βHB bioavailability in vivo and in the absence of nutrient deprivation. However, the concentration of 1,3-BD that yields a systemic concentration of βHB similar to that observed after a 24 h fast has yet to be determined. To evaluate this knowledge gap, we administered 5%, 10%, or 20% 1,3-BD via the drinking water to adult, male Wistar-Kyoto rats for four weeks. In addition to systemic and excreted βHB concentration, physiologic, metabolic, and toxicologic parameters were measured. We report that only 20% 1,3-BD significantly elevates the systemic and urinary concentrations of βHB. Rats treated with 20% 1,3-BD had a rapid and sustained reduction in body mass. All concentrations of 1,3-BD decreased food consumption, but only the 20% concentration decreased fluid consumption.Urine volume, red blood cell count, and hematocrit suggested dehydration in the 10% and 20% 1,3-BD treated rats. Finally, 20% 1,3-BD treated rats presented with indicators of metabolic acidosis and sinusoidal dilation, but no evidence of fatty liver or hepatotoxicity. In summary, we report that 20% 1,3-BD, but not 5% or 10%, produces a systemic concentration of βHB similar to that observed after a 24 h fast. However, this concentration is associated with deleterious side effects such as body mass loss, dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and sinusoidal dilation.Significance statement: 1,3-Butanediol (1,3-BD) is often administered to stimulate the biosynthesis of the most abundant ketone body, β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), and its purported salubrious effects. Here, we report that supra-pharmacological concentrations of 1,3-BD are This article has not been copyedited and formatted. The final version may differ from this version.