Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

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There’s not a lot of food that peanut butter doesn’t go well with. From chocolate to chicken, this delicious snack is a staple in many U.S. homes! But can dogs eat peanut butter, too?

Yes! Dogs can eat peanut butter but it must be xylitol-free, explains Dr. Sean Delaney, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) and Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®.

Below, we’ll explore how to choose a dog-friendly peanut butter and any health risks you should know.

Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs?

Peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat if it doesn’t contain the toxic ingredient xylitol. Some peanut butter brands are ‘sugar-free’ but include this natural sweetener to make the peanut butter more palatable. Be sure to avoid any peanut butter that has xylitol on its label.

Additionally, peanut butter with added flavors or seasonings should also be avoided. Ingredients like chocolate can be toxic for dogs so these types of peanut butter shouldn’t be fed.

Instead, choose a peanut butter that has:

• Only 1 ingredient – peanuts
• No added sugar
• No added salt
• No added oils

Peanut butter brands you may have in your cupboard, like Skippy or Jif, can be safe for dogs to eat but should only be given sparingly.

These brands tend to have added salt and sugar, which can upset a dog’s stomach. It is best to buy peanut butter with only peanuts on its ingredients list.

How Much Peanut Butter Can Dogs Eat?

Dr. Delaney explains that dog treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily calorie allowance. He notes that peanut butter should be given like any other dog treat.

For example, if your dog’s calorie allowance is 600 kcal/day, you can give them 60 kcal of dog treats. This equates to roughly 1 Tbsp of peanut butter per day with no additional treats for that day.

What Are the Health Benefits of Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is packed with nutritional benefits. Its main ingredient, peanuts, is full of protein, fats, and nutrients like Iron, Vitamin E, and Calcium.

Peanuts even contain bioactive compounds like Co-enzyme Q10 and flavonoids that help prevent disease and promote overall health.

So, does this mean your dog will get a health boost from eating peanut butter? Well, no, explains Dr. Delaney. There are no additional health benefits associated with feeding your pup peanut butter.

Though peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat, the amount you give them is so low that they won’t experience a health kick from it.

What Are the Risks of Dogs Eating Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is a popular dog treat because most dogs love the taste of it! But there are some health risks you should be aware of. This is especially true if you’re feeding it to your pup for the first time. These include:

1. Xylitol poisoning: Some peanut butter brands include the toxic ingredient xylitol. Symptoms of xylitol toxicosis include vomiting, weakness, stumbling, and seizures.
2. High-fat content: Peanut butter is incredibly high in fat. High-fat foods are not ideal for dogs who suffer from health problems like pancreatitis or obesity.
3. Too much salt and sugar: Some peanut butter brands add salt and sugar, which can be toxic to dogs in excess.
4. Choking: Peanut butter has a thick texture, which some dogs may find difficult to chew or swallow. It may also get stuck to the roof of their mouth and cause discomfort.
5. Allergies: Though a peanut allergy is rare in dogs, it’s always best to watch for any allergies when introducing a new food to your dog. Symptoms include sneezing, hot spots, excessive paw-licking, diarrhea, and vomiting.
6. Additional ingredients: Some peanut butter brands may have additional ingredients like chocolate, raisins, or other nuts that are unsafe for dogs to eat.

Why is xylitol bad for dogs?

Xylitol is toxic to dogs because, when ingested, it causes a sudden release of insulin, which results in dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Only a small amount of xylitol needs to be eaten by a dog to have fatal consequences.

Peanut butter brands that contain xylitol include P28 Foods and Nuts ‘N More. If you suspect your dog’s xylitol, immediately get them to an emergency vet.

What Are Some Dog-Safe Peanut Butter Options?

Dr. Delaney says giving your dog peanut butter can be a wonderful way to build a deeper connection with them. He notes that peanut butter can be particularly useful when applied to toys to help keep dogs with separation anxiety busy.

We’ve got you covered if you want to take the guesswork out of choosing a dog-friendly peanut butter! Here are some of the best dog peanut butters specifically made for pups:

• Dilly’s Poochie Butter – Best Price
• Nature’s Logic Peanut Butter – Best For Baking
• Bark Bistro Buddy Budder – Best All-Purpose Peanut Butter

If you want to buy peanut butter the whole family can enjoy, pick a brand that is made from 100% peanuts and is xylitol-free.

What Are Some Dog-Safe Peanut Butter Recipes?

Peanut butter is a key ingredient in many homemade dog treat recipes. Its sticky texture binds well to other ingredients, and most dogs love the taste of it!

Here are five peanut butter dog treat recipes you can bake:

1. Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies
2. Peanut Butter Bacon Bites
3. Peanut Butter Pupcakes
4. PB&J Sandwich Cookies
5. Carob Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

If you don’t have time to bake, there are plenty of other ways to give your dog peanut butter! These include freezing it to make refreshing summer treats, spreading it across a lick mat, or simply allowing them to lick it off the spoon. Peanut butter also makes a great KONG filler.