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Pawrennial

Can dogs eat peanut butter?

Only with care.

Plain, unsalted peanut butter is safe for most dogs as an occasional treat. But always read the label first: some peanut and nut butters contain xylitol (also called birch sugar), a sweetener that is very dangerous for dogs.

Did your dog just eat peanut butter?

If the peanut butter contained xylitol, call your vet or a pet poison line now. Xylitol can drop blood sugar within an hour.

Call your vet, an emergency vet, or a 24/7 pet poison line:

US numbers. A consultation fee may apply. Don't try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Check the label for xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in some sugar-free and reduced-sugar foods. In dogs it causes a sudden release of insulin, which can drop blood sugar dangerously within 10 to 60 minutes. Larger amounts can damage the liver.

On ingredient lists, xylitol can also appear as birch sugar or wood sugar. If you see any of these, don't give it to your dog. Xylitol is also found in:

  • Sugar-free gum, mints, and candy
  • Some sugar-free baked goods, desserts, and ice cream
  • Toothpaste and mouthwash (never use human toothpaste on dogs)
  • Chewable vitamins and some liquid medicines

How much peanut butter can a dog have?

Peanut butter is high in fat and calories, so a little goes a long way. Treats of all kinds should make up no more than about 10 percent of your dog's daily calories. A tablespoon of peanut butter has about 95 calories, which is a lot for a small dog.

  • Small dogs: about half a teaspoon
  • Medium dogs: about a teaspoon
  • Large dogs: up to a tablespoon

Our dog food calculator shows your dog's treat budget. Dogs with pancreatitis, diabetes, or weight problems may need to skip it: ask your vet.

Choosing a dog-friendly peanut butter

  • Ingredients: just peanuts, or peanuts and a little salt
  • No xylitol, birch sugar, or other sweeteners
  • Unsalted is best
  • Skip chocolate or flavored spreads

Ways to serve it

  • A thin smear inside a stuffable toy, frozen for a longer challenge
  • On a lick mat to calm a dog during baths or nail trims
  • To hide a pill (check with your vet first)

Helpful tools and guides

Frequently asked questions

Which peanut butter brands have xylitol?

Only a small number of brands use xylitol, and recipes change, so the safest habit is to check the ingredient list every time you buy a new jar. Look for xylitol, birch sugar, or wood sugar.

My dog ate peanut butter with xylitol. What should I do?

Call your vet, an emergency vet, or a pet poison line right away, even if your dog seems fine. Blood sugar can drop within an hour, and liver damage can show up a day or two later. Your dog may need to stay in the hospital for monitoring.

Can puppies eat peanut butter?

Yes, a tiny amount of plain, xylitol-free peanut butter is fine for most puppies as an occasional treat or training reward. Start very small in case it upsets their stomach.

Can dogs eat other nut butters?

Plain almond or cashew butter in small amounts is usually fine, as long as it has no xylitol. Avoid anything with macadamia nuts, which are toxic to dogs, and remember all nut butters are high in fat.

Sources

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Tools for your dog