Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? What to Check First

Few things get a dog's attention like a spoon of peanut butter. The good news is that plain peanut butter is generally fine for dogs in small amounts. The catch is that not every peanut butter is plain, and one ingredient in particular is dangerous for dogs.

Watch out for xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in some sugar-free and "low sugar" products, and the FDA warns that some peanut and nut butters contain it. In dogs, xylitol can cause a sudden, severe drop in blood sugar, and signs can show up within 10 to 60 minutes. Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, staggering, collapse and seizures.

If you think your dog has eaten xylitol, call your vet, an emergency clinic or an animal poison control center right away. Don't wait for symptoms.

How to pick a dog-safe peanut butter

• Read the label every time. Look for xylitol, which may also be listed as "birch sugar." Recipes change, so check even brands you've bought before.
• Choose unsalted. Dogs don't need the extra sodium.
• Keep it simple. The best peanut butter for dogs is just peanuts, with no added sugar or sweeteners.
• Go easy. Peanut butter is high in fat and calories, so a little goes a long way.

Peanut butter without the guesswork

Our Peanut Butter Crunch and Crispy Oatmeal Chip treats are made with organic unsalted peanut butter. There's no xylitol and no added sugar substitutes in either recipe. You can see every ingredient on our Ingredients page.

Note: if your dog has a peanut allergy, choose our Sweet Potato Pie recipe, which doesn't include peanut butter, and check with your vet.