Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

Dogs can eat peanut butter, and they absolutely love it! Peanut butter is a tasty dog treat that’s high in both protein and healthy fats, both of which are important for your dog’s development. It’s also a great training reward and your best ally when it comes to giving your dog pills or tablets they won’t take any other way!

I already wrote about how dogs can eat peanuts, but I mentioned that nuts aren’t a typical dog-friendly snack—but nut butters are. How so?

Well, peanut butter is easy to digest. It’s already processed, so there’s no risk of choking or issues with digestion. Plus, it serves a completely different purpose!

What kind of peanut butter can dogs eat?

Always go for the simplest option! Check the label and pick one with just a few ingredients.

You can also visit your favorite organic food store and find peanut butter made with only peanuts and nothing else. While it may be a bit pricey, it’s worth it for the simplicity. Whatever you choose, make sure the main ingredient is peanuts. A little salt and some sugar are fine, but avoid any peanut butter that contains sugar substitutes like xylitol—this is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues.

It’s also a good idea to avoid peanut butter with artificial flavors, extra oils, colors, or added ingredients like chocolate chunks. Stick to plain and safe options!

Can dogs eat crunchy peanut butter?

If your dog loves a bit of texture, good news—crunchy (chunky) peanut butter is perfectly safe! Whether you choose creamy or chunky, peanut butter can be a great snack for your dog. Just remember to give it in moderation. Too much of a good thing can lead to weight gain or upset stomach!

How much peanut butter can I give my dog?

Peanut butter is a treat, not a meal, so don’t give your dog too much. A good rule of thumb is to keep treats, including peanut butter, to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For most dogs, this means just a spoonful or less.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend giving your dog a spoonful of peanut butter every day. Keep it as an occasional treat—maybe once a week.

Small dogs should have even smaller portions, while larger dogs might enjoy a slightly bigger serving. If you’re using peanut butter as a training reward or spreading it on LickiMats, stick to tiny amounts. Just a little is enough to keep your dog motivated without adding too many extra calories!

Can peanut butter cause weight gain?

Yes, peanut butter can cause weight gain because it’s high in calories and fat. If you give your dog their regular serving of food and frequently add peanut butter as a treat, they can gain weight quickly.

Even though peanut butter has healthy fats and protein, eating too much can lead to obesity and other health issues. Fatty foods can also increase the risk of serious health issues like pancreatitis, which is linked to diets high in fats and carbohydrates.

Peanut butter should be treated as a special snack for a good boy or girl—and that’s it!

What are safe peanut butter brands?

Any peanut butter with just a few simple ingredients is a safe choice for your dog!

When picking peanut butter, it’s important to read the label carefully. Watch out for sugar substitutes like xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.

Dogs can safely eat Jif and Skippy peanut butter because they don’t contain xylitol. However, these brands often include added sugars and oils, which aren’t ideal for your dog’s health. That said, if you’re only giving your dog a spoonful once a week, these are fine as an occasional treat.

For an even better option, choose peanut butter made with only peanuts or peanuts and a small amount of salt. Brands like Crazy Richard’s 100% Peanuts and Teddie All Natural have simple ingredient lists that are perfect for dogs.

There are also specialty peanut butter designed specifically for dogs, like Poochie Butter, which includes healthy add-ons like flaxseed and oatmeal.

Peanut butter treats and what not to share

While dogs can eat peanut butter, not all peanut butter-based snacks are safe to share. Let’s break it down:

Can dogs eat peanut butter and jelly?

While plain peanut butter is a great snack for dogs, peanut butter and jelly isn’t the best choice. Jelly isn’t toxic to dogs, but most jellies are pure sugar, and some might contain artificial sweeteners. Always read the label before sharing.

If your dog sneaks a bite of your peanut butter and jelly, it’s not the end of the world. There’s nothing toxic, and dogs can eat bread, but don’t give it to them intentionally!

What about whey-enriched peanut butter?

Dogs shouldn’t have whey-enriched peanut butter or protein butter, especially those made for humans. I talked about this when I analyzed whether dogs can eat almond butter, where I found that many of these products include artificial sweeteners like xylitol, aspartame, or maltitol. All of these are bad for dogs, and xylitol, in particular, is extremely toxic.

Even I feel queasy after eating some of these sweeteners, so imagine how awful they’d be for your dog’s sensitive stomach!

Are peanut butter treats like Reese’s cups safe?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat Reese’s cups or other Halloween candies. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and the other ingredients—like sugar, vegetable fat, and carbs—are just junk calories that provide no benefit to their health. Keep these treats off-limits!

Safe ways to use peanut butter for your dog

Peanut butter is an amazing training tool! Use it as a reward for good behavior or for teaching your dog new tricks.

It’s also a great way to hide medication. If your dog takes pills or supplements, peanut butter can make the process easier. However, if they need medication daily, avoid using peanut butter too often, as it can contribute to weight gain.

Another fun option is using LickiMats or stuffing a Kong toy with peanut butter. These can keep your dog entertained while also rewarding them. Personally, I prefer washable toys because Ricco and I tend to make a mess—and my poor carpet suffers every time!

Homemade peanut butter treats

Here are a few simple homemade peanut butter recipes to try:

• Frozen peanut butter and yogurt treats: Mix peanut butter with plain, unsweetened yogurt and freeze it in silicone molds for a cool snack. This makes a great treat since dogs can eat yogurt, and it’s like a protein-packed ice cream!
• Peanut butter and banana bites: Mash a ripe banana with peanut butter and spoon it onto parchment paper to freeze.
• Peanut butter dog biscuits: Combine peanut butter, whole wheat flour, and water to create dough. Cut into shapes and bake them for crunchy treats.

Let me know if you have other ideas for sharing the peanut butter love with your dog!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat honey peanut butter?

Yes, dogs can eat honey peanut butter as long as it doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like xylitol or artificial sweeteners. Honey is okay for dogs in tiny amounts, but I wouldn’t overdo it since it’s not as gentle on their stomach as regular peanut butter. While honey isn’t bad for dogs, it’s still sugar! Also, double-check the label to ensure it’s not “honey-flavored” peanut butter, as those can contain artificial flavors.

Can dogs eat palm oil in peanut butter?

Dogs can eat peanut butter that contains palm oil, but it’s not the healthiest option. While palm oil itself isn’t toxic to dogs, it can be hard for them to digest and may cause an upset stomach in some cases. If possible, stick to peanut butter made with simple ingredients (only peanuts and some salt).

Can dogs eat peanut butter and apples?

Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter and apples! This is a healthy, dog-friendly combination that’s both tasty and nutritious. Apples are great for dogs because they’re rich in fiber and vitamins, and peanut butter is rich in both protein and healthy fats.