Can dogs eat peanut butter? In most cases, they can — but with a few caveats. Here’s everything you should know before giving your dog peanut butter.

What Peanut Butter is Safe for Dogs?

Dogs can safely eat most peanut butter. However, it’s very important to always check the ingredient label first, and never give your dog peanut butter that contains xylitol. This artificial sweetener is toxic to dogs, and can be found in many packaged foods besides peanut butter — including some yogurts, ice creams, baked goods, and sugar-free diet foods. Even a small amount of xylitol can be fatal for dogs — so, if you suspect that your pup has consumed xylitol, contact your vet immediately. 

After you’ve checked the peanut butter ingredient label and made sure that it is xylitol-free, be sure to also make sure that the peanut butter is free of added sugars, and doesn’t contain artificial ingredients. These things aren’t good for your dog’s health, and should be avoided. All-natural, unsweetened peanut butter is best.

Once you’ve found the right peanut butter for your pup, it’s safe to feed your dog peanut butter as a treat, in moderation. Many dogs love the taste of peanut butter, and the sticky texture gives them an engaging challenge. Smearing peanut butter on Kongs and chews can help keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated, while also satisfying their taste buds.

Peanut Butter Brands That Contain Xylitol

There are so many peanut butter brands out there, and many options are safe for your dog to consume. However, avoid these brands which are known to contain xylitol:

• Nuts 'N More
• P28 The Original High Protein Peanut Spread
• Go Nuts

Although awareness is increasing about the importance of examining food labels for xylitol, not enough people know to look out for it. The Paws Off Act of 2021 would have required food labels to declare when xylitol is included in a product and note that it is toxic to dogs — but unfortunately, it wasn’t passed. Until then, it’s on us as pup parents to always check ingredient labels for things that may be toxic or harmful to our dogs, and make sure that we keep our best pals safe.

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs

When given in moderation, there are many benefits of peanut butter for dogs. It’s a fantastic source of plant-based protein, good fats, and antioxidants — and it can help support your pup’s  immune system and brain health. Learn more about the health benefits of peanut butter for dogs in the following sections.

Immune System Support

Peanut butter contains a number of vitamins and minerals — including niacin, copper, manganese, vitamin E, and selenium. These essential nutrients work together to help support your dog’s immune system and overall health. To get the most of these immune-boosting benefits, it’s important to feed your dog all-natural peanut butter without any added sugar. 

Brain Health Support

Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins B and E, and fiber. These nutrients have been shown to support overall brain function in dogs, and can help improve their cognitive abilities. 

Although peanut butter is packed with health benefits for your pup, it should still be given as a treat. Feed your dog peanut butter in moderation, alongside a complete and balanced dog food to support their optimal health.

How Much Peanut Butter Can Dogs Eat?

Yes, peanut butter is rich in natural fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein — but too much of a good thing can lead to obesity and other health complications like pancreatitis. 

There are two things you can do to determine how much peanut butter you can safely feed your dog. The first one is to ask your vet about it. This is especially important for dogs with conditions like diabetes or food sensitivities, who may have different dietary requirements than other pups.

The second thing you can do is follow the “10% rule.” In general, treats of any kind should not make up more than 10% of your dog's diet. The majority of your dog’s calories and nutrients should come from a high-quality kibble or wet food, like Jinx.

How to Serve Peanut Butter for Dogs

There are many tasty and fun ways to serve your dog peanut butter. For one, you can use it as filling in puzzle toys to mentally stimulate your pup and turn treat time into a game. 

You can also spread a thin layer of peanut butter on a lick mat for extended enjoyment while bathing your pup, or freeze small dollops of peanut butter for a refreshing, crunchy snack. 

We also love dipping or drizzling peanut butter over dog-friendly fruits and veggies — peanut butter and banana is a classic combination that your furry friend will love!

Can All Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

While xylitol-free peanut butter makes a safe and nutritious treat for most pups, some dogs should avoid all peanut butter due to certain health concerns. If your canine pal has any of the following conditions, please avoid feeding them peanut butter:

• Overweight: Peanut butter is high in fat, so it’s not ideal for dogs who need to lose a few pounds. For a low-calorie treat alternative, try dog-friendly fruits and veggies or our Jinx Tiny Treats.
• Kidney problems: Peanut butter can have a high salt content, so it isn't suitable for dogs with kidney issues.
• Food sensitivities and special diets: If your dog has food sensitivities or has been put on a special diet to keep them healthy, it's best not to deviate from their usual food.

FAQs

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Peanut Butter?

Just like us humans, dogs can be allergic to peanut butter. While it's not a common allergen for dogs, it's certainly possible. 

Because of this, it’s best to start small when feeding your dog peanut butter. Give them a tiny amount at first, and watch out for any itching, swelling, or gastrointestinal issues. If you see any of these symptoms in your pup, call your vet immediately.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?

When given in moderation, peanuts make a safe and nutritious snack for your canine friend. Just be sure to buy plain, unsalted, and unflavored peanuts, and avoid any ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate.

Can Dogs Eat Crunchy Peanut Butter?

Crunchy peanut butter is just as safe for your dog as the creamy variety — but be sure to follow the same safety precautions discussed throughout this article. Always check the ingredient label to make sure that the peanut butter does not xylitol, and opt for unsweetened and natural varieties.

While crunchy peanut butter doesn’t present a choking hazard for most dogs, pup parents of very small dogs may want to opt for creamy peanut butter instead. It’s always better to play it safe!

Oh, and a pro tip: Crunchy peanut butter hides pills better than creamy peanut butter, so it can be a helpful tool when giving your dog medicine. 

Key Takeaways: Is Peanut Butter Good For Dogs?

In most cases, peanut butter makes a safe and nutritious treat for dogs. And even better, it’s a certified tail wagger — most pups can’t resist the taste and creamy texture!

However, before feeding your dog peanut butter, it’s very important to always read the ingredient label. Make sure to never feed your little buddy peanut butter that contains xylitol — which is toxic for dogs and can be fatal if ingested. Opt for natural peanut butter without any added sugar or artificial ingredients, and only give your dog peanut butter in moderation. Your pup will love the taste, and you’ll love the health benefits that come from the protein, vitamins, and minerals!

At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.