NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially people food. What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on veterinary diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet unless your veterinarian tells you it’s fine to do so.
If you’ve ever opened a jar of peanut butter around your dog, you’ve probably noticed them immediately perk up. But is peanut butter safe for dogs? Can dogs eat peanut butter right out of the jar?
The short answer is yes—as long as the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. You’ll also want to consider quality, quantity, and moderation when giving this popular snack to your dog.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can eat peanut butter in moderation as long as it does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Natural peanut butter with minimal ingredients is the safest choice and should be given as an occasional treat—not a regular part of their diet.
- Treats like peanut butter should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Can Dogs Have Peanut Butter?
Yes, dogs can have peanut butter. The best peanut butter for dogs has all-natural ingredients, and no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.
Do not serve peanut butter that contains xylitol, which is a dangerous artificial sweetener for dogs.
You can also treat your dog to peanut butter-flavored dog treats. Some favorites include:
Can Dogs Have Crunchy Peanut Butter?
Dogs can have smooth, creamy peanut butter, but can dogs eat crunchy peanut butter, too? They sure can—as long as the peanut butter has natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners.
Is Peanut Butter Good for Dogs?
Peanut butter is a good source of protein for both humans and dogs, but it contains a lot of oils and fat that may not make it a good part of a healthy diet for your dog.
While peanut butter may not be a healthy diet staple, it can be a great treat for dogs who love a delicious distraction. For example, it’s common for pet parents to smear peanut butter on the bathtub while giving their dogs a bath to take their mind off being wet and uncomfortable. Peanut butter is also a popular product for dogs who love their KONG toys.
Is Peanut Butter Bad for Dogs?
If you feed your dog too much peanut butter, it can be bad for their health.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a peanut butter product or letting your dog lick the spoon:
What Peanut Butter Has Xylitol?
Some brands that sell peanut butter with xylitol are Go Nuts Co., Krush Nutrition, Nuts ‘n More, and P28 Foods.
If a brand is advertising itself as having no added sugar, it might contain xylitol—and it’s not safe to give your dog. Always check the ingredient label.
How Much Peanut Butter Can a Dog Eat?
It’s best to feed peanut butter in moderation. Peanut butter isn’t part of a balanced diet for dogs, but treating your dog to a small amount every once in a while is just fine.
When it comes to treats—including dog-safe human foods, like peanut butter—remember the 10% rule: Ninety percent of your dog’s diet should come from dry or canned food that has been specially formulated for your dog’s age and health. The other 10% can come from treats used in training, extra snacks, dental treats, food additives, and dog-safe human foods.
The amount of peanut butter your dog can get can depend on several factors, such as their weight and whether they have any medical conditions, like pancreatitis, that require them to be on a low-fat diet.
Below are some general guidelines, but speak to your vet before serving your dog new foods.
| Extra-small dogs (2–10 pounds) | ½ teaspoon | Once daily |
| Small dogs (11–20 pounds) | ½ teaspoon | Twice daily |
| Medium dogs (21–50 pounds) | 1 teaspoon | Once daily |
| Large dogs (51–90 pounds) | 1 teaspoon | Twice daily |
| Extra-large dogs (91+ pounds) | 1 tablespoon | Once daily |
Start with very small amounts and watch for an allergic reaction. Signs of a peanut allergy in dogs include:
How To Safely Feed Peanut Butter to Dogs
The best way to give your dog peanut butter is as a sweet treat every once in a while. Any more than that and it won’t be as much of a treat. Stick to 1 teaspoon at a time.
But because many dogs love peanut butter so much, you can also use it as a yummy way to help them pass the time, entertain themselves, or survive bathtime. For example:
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter FAQs
Can puppies eat peanut butter?
Puppies can eat peanut butter, but it’s a good idea to introduce them to this nutty new treat a little bit at a time. They could have an allergic reaction (such as itchiness or redness where they had contact with peanut butter) or they simply might not like it.
What is the best peanut butter for dogs?
Many popular brands of peanut butter, including Jif, Skippy, Teddie, Justin’s, and some other store brands typically contain safe ingredients and do not use xylitol. The fewer ingredients the better. Always check the label!
Can dogs eat Jif peanut butter?
Jif peanut butter products are safe for dogs. The company states on its website that it does not use xylitol in any of its products. However, always double-check the label.
Can dogs eat peanut butter and jelly?
While dogs can eat peanut butter, it’s not recommended to give them jelly. Jelly contains a lot of sugar, which can cause upset stomach in dogs.
Is natural peanut butter better for dogs?
Natural peanut butter is a better choice for dogs because it’s less likely to have harmful ingredients like xylitol and preservatives.
