Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Plain peanut butter is safe for most dogs in small amounts, and it's one of the most popular dog treats in the world. It's sticky, strong-smelling and long-lasting, which makes it perfect for stuffed toys and lick mats.
The problem isn't the peanuts. It's what some brands add to them. One ingredient in particular, xylitol, can be life-threatening for dogs. That's why the answer is "yes, but check the label first".
Why xylitol is so dangerous
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in some peanut butters, sugar-free gum, sweets, baked goods and other "low sugar" products. It's safe for people, but in dogs it acts very differently.
- Low blood sugar: in dogs, xylitol triggers a sudden release of insulin. Blood sugar can drop sharply, often within an hour, although it can sometimes take longer.
- Liver failure: larger amounts can cause severe damage to the liver, which can be fatal.
How much it takes depends on the product and your dog's size. Commonly quoted veterinary figures put low blood sugar at around 0.1 g of xylitol per kg of body weight, and liver damage at around 0.5 g per kg. Manufacturers rarely say how much xylitol a product contains, so you can't do the maths at home. Treat any amount as an emergency.
Call your vet or an emergency vet straight away. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Signs of xylitol poisoning
- Vomiting
- Weakness, wobbliness or trouble walking
- Lethargy or seeming "drunk"
- Trembling
- Seizures
- Collapse
Signs of liver damage, such as yellow gums or eyes, can appear later. A dog that seems fine at first still needs to be seen.
How to read a peanut butter label
Turn the jar around and read the full ingredients list. Look out for:
| On the label | What it means |
|---|---|
| Xylitol | Toxic to dogs. Don't use |
| Birch sugar or birch bark extract | Another name for xylitol. Don't use |
| E967 | The food additive code for xylitol. Don't use |
| "Sugar-free", "low sugar", "keto" | A reason to check extra carefully |
| Sugar alcohols (on the nutrition panel) | May include xylitol. Check the ingredients |
| Just peanuts, or peanuts and a little salt | A good sign |
Recipes change, so check the label every time you buy, even for a brand you've used before.
Other foods that can contain xylitol
Peanut butter gets the attention, but most xylitol poisonings come from other products. Keep these out of your dog's reach:
- Sugar-free chewing gum and breath mints
- Sugar-free sweets, chocolate and jelly
- Some "low sugar" or "diabetic" baked goods, cakes and muffins
- Some sweeteners sold in bags for baking
- Some toothpastes and mouthwashes, so never use human toothpaste on your dog
- Some chewable vitamins and liquid medicines for people
Handbags, coat pockets and bedside tables are where dogs most often find gum and mints. If you're not sure whether something contains xylitol, assume it might and call your vet.
Salt, sugar and palm oil
Even without xylitol, not all peanut butter is equal.
- Salt: a lick of lightly salted peanut butter won't hurt a healthy dog, but unsalted is better, especially for dogs with heart or kidney problems.
- Sugar and syrups: add calories your dog doesn't need.
- Palm oil and other added oils: add even more fat to an already fatty food.
- Flavoured spreads: chocolate peanut butter is a no, because chocolate is toxic to dogs. Avoid honey-roasted and flavoured versions too.
The best choice is a jar with one ingredient: peanuts. Peanut butters made for dogs are another option.
How much peanut butter can my dog eat?
Peanut butter is very high in fat and calories. One tablespoon contains about 95 calories. Too much can cause weight gain, and a rich serving can upset the stomach. In some dogs, a lot of fat at once can contribute to pancreatitis.
Vets often follow the 10% rule: treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. A 10 kg dog's whole treat allowance is about 50 calories, roughly half a tablespoon.
As a rough guide for a healthy adult dog:
- Small dogs: up to half a teaspoon
- Medium dogs: up to a teaspoon
- Large dogs: up to a tablespoon
That's for the day, not each time. Spread it thin on a lick mat or inside a toy, and it lasts much longer than off a spoon.
Lick mats and stuffed toys
Peanut butter really shines as an enrichment treat:
- Lick mats: spread a thin layer for a calming activity during baths, nail trims or storms.
- Stuffed chew toys: mix with plain yogurt or mashed banana, fill the toy and freeze it overnight for a longer-lasting challenge.
- Pill pockets: a small dab can hide a tablet, but check with your vet first that the medicine can be given with food.
- Homemade biscuits: peanut butter, oats and grated apple, baked into small bites.
Count all of these towards the daily allowance. Not sure about another food? Try the Dog Food Checker.
FAQ
How do I know if peanut butter has xylitol?
Read the full ingredients list, not just the front of the jar. Look for xylitol, birch sugar, birch bark extract or E967. If in doubt, choose another brand.
Can puppies eat peanut butter?
Yes, a small lick of plain, xylitol-free peanut butter is fine for most puppies. Keep it tiny, because it's rich and their stomachs are sensitive.
Is crunchy peanut butter OK for dogs?
Smooth is the safer choice, especially for small dogs. Crunchy versions are usually fine for larger dogs if the ingredients are plain.
My dog ate peanut butter with xylitol. What should I do?
Treat it as an emergency. Call your vet, an emergency vet or an animal poison hotline straight away, and don't wait for symptoms.
Can dogs be allergic to peanuts?
It's possible but uncommon. If your dog gets itchy skin, swelling, vomiting or diarrhoea after peanut butter, stop giving it and ask your vet.
This article is general information, not a replacement for advice from your vet.
