If you choose the right brand or make your own simple peanut butter, then it is likely safe for your dog to consume in small amounts. BUT while your dog will likely love the sweet flavor of peanut buttery-goodness and be begging for more, there is a lot of information worth learning to keep your dog safe. From how much, to the ingredient list, let’s dig in.

How Much Peanut Butter Can My Dog Have?

Peanuts pack a lot of protein, but are also high in fat—and most of the time, peanut butter is also high in salt and sugar. Read the label carefully. The fewer ingredients listed, the better for your dog. Remember that all treats combined, including peanut butter, should not make up more than 10% of the total food calories your dog eats in a day. The fat and sugar in peanut butter, if overfed, can lead to obesity and/or pancreatitis. Peanuts pack a lot of protein, but are also high in fat—and most of the time, peanut butter is also high in salt and sugar. Read the label carefully. The fewer ingredients listed, the better for your dog. Remember that all treats combined, including peanut butter, should not make up more than 10% of the total food calories your dog eats in a day. The fat and sugar in peanut butter, if overfed, can lead to obesity and/or pancreatitis.

Risks Of Feeding Your Dog Peanut Butter

Below are some inherent dangers of feeding your dog peanut butter. Be sure to always read the ingredients, ask questions, and feed only as a treat or a distraction.

Some Peanut Butters Contain a Toxin Called Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetener that is becoming popular in foods, gum, toothpaste, and other human substances. It’s a “natural” sugar substitute that’s safe for humans, but can be extremely toxic to dogs. It’s more dangerous to dogs than chocolate. Be sure to check the ingredient list carefully to make sure Xylitol isn’t listed. Don’t be misled by the words “all natural ingredients:” Xylitol is considered a “natural” ingredient.

Brands of Peanut Butter That Have Historically Contained Xylitol

• Go Nuts, Co
• Krush Nutrition
• Nuts ‘N More
• P28

High Fat Content of Peanuts Can Cause Pancreatitis in Dogs

The pancreas is in charge of helping your dog digest a lot of the fats that they eat. Feeding a dog too much food that is high in fats and simple sugars can cause the pancreas to work harder. The result can sometimes mean that your dog will develop pancreatitis.

Added Sugars Can Result in Health Problems

Peanut Butter often poses health risks to dogs due to its high sugar content. If you give too much to your dog you risk some of the following health issues:

• Sugar can cause weight gain and obesity
• It can rot your dog’s teeth
• It can also make other health issues, such as diabetes, worse

Avoid Giving Your Dog Parts of Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

Can you give your pup a bite of your peanut butter and jelly sandwich? The safest answer to that is “no.” As long as you’ve made sure there’s no xylitol in the peanut butter, it won’t hurt your friend. But the jelly might. Not only is there a lot of sugar in jams, jellies, and preserves, but the fruits themselves can harm your dog. Grapes, for instance, are dangerous to dogs. Some spreads may also contain the toxic Xylitol. It’s safest to give your dog his peanut butter plain. He’ll enjoy it just the same.

Peanut allergies and dogs

Fortunately, peanut allergies are very rare in dogs. But every dog is an individual, so there’s always a chance of allergy. If you’re concerned, give your dog just a very small taste of peanut butter the first time or two. Signs of allergies can include: severe itching; swelling, particularly around his eyes or muzzle; hives or small areas of swelling; vomiting and/or diarrhea; rapid or difficult breathing; or collapse. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, get him medical treatment at once. 

 

When to Feed Your Dog Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a great treat for your dog at any time. But if you want some peanut butter lifehacks, we've got you covered.

Giving a Pill or Medication

Put a bit of peanut butter on a spoon, put the pill on top of it, then a bit more peanut butter. Your dog will likely eat the peanut butter never realizing there’s a pill in there. If your dog is a whiz at finding even hidden medication, take a thumb-sized piece of bread, put peanut butter on it, roll the pill in it, and give your dog the little sandwich. Unless he’s a Houdini, this trick will likely fool him into taking the pill.

Distraction for Grooming or Bathing

You can also put a bit of peanut butter on a wall to distract your dog while you’re grooming or bathing him. Put some in a dish for him to lick off to keep him occupied while you’re clipping his nails. Put some in a hidden food toy as a treat. Freeze the toy for an especially long-lasting treat. 

Served in Treats

There are plenty of treats available on the market that contain peanut butter. Below is a list of products and recipes to make your very own peanut butter treats for your lucky pup.

• Carrot and Peanut Butter Dog Treats Recipe
• Pumpkin Peanut Butter Frozen Treats Recipe
• Peanut Butter Macaroon Munchies Recipe For Dogs
• Goat’s Milk N’ Cookies - The Honest Kitchen’s Peanut Butter Treats

Can Dogs Have Crunchy Peanut Butter?

Even if you have a very small dog, crunchy peanut butter should not pose a choking hazard, particularly not in the small amounts you give your dog. Whether you prefer chunky or smooth, your furry friend can enjoy whichever type you like.

Curious About Other Nut Butters?

We created another resource you might be interested in that covers everything from cashew to almond butter. Check out our quick guide to dogs and popular nut butters.