Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? 6 Things to Know

When it comes to cravings, dogs and people have a lot in common! Whether you’re cutting into a juicy steak, slicing a creamy piece of cheese, or smearing a rich dab of peanut butter on a piece of fruit, odds are your furry friend will be looking for a bite.

That last one might be especially tempting for pups who love salty-sweet combos—after all, who can resist peanut butter’s roasted nutty aroma? Let’s explore how to incorporate this snack into your dog’s treat time.

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

In general, dogs can eat peanut butter as long as it does not contain ingredients that can be harmful to them. Some varieties contain xylitol (an artificial sweetener commonly found in products like gum and candy), which is safe for humans but a toxic food for dogs. Check the label before giving your dog peanut butter to make sure it’s free from xylitol or other unhealthy ingredients like cocoa or added salt.

Some dogs are allergic to nuts, although this is uncommon and typically results in mild symptoms like itchy skin or wheezing. Consult your veterinarian for advice if you suspect your dog has nut allergies.

If your furry friend is allergy-free, they can enjoy a dog-friendly variety of creamy or crunchy peanut butter!

How Much Peanut Butter Can Dogs Have?

Moderation is key when it comes to rich foods like peanut butter. Pets should not receive more than 10% of their daily calories from treats, according to WebMD. Giving your dog too much peanut butter can lead to gastrointestinal upset and weight gain, so it’s best to limit this treat to an occasional scoop. Larger dogs can have a full teaspoon as a serving and smaller dogs should be limited to a half-teaspoon serving.

Is Peanut Butter Good for Dogs?

Peanut butter can be good for dogs when fed sparingly! In fact, it contains a variety of wholesome ingredients, including:

Fiber – Found in peanuts and other legumes, fiber supports healthy digestion and may lower cholesterol.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids – These fatty acids aid in growth, immune function, and skin & coat health.

Protein – This nutrient promotes strong bones, helps build muscle, and can even support a healthy immune system. 

Vitamin B6 – Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 helps produce new red blood cells and supports enzyme function.

Vitamin E – In addition to building cell membranes, vitamin E promotes healthy eyes and skin.

RELATED: Do Dogs Have Taste Buds? 7 Flavor Facts

Which Types of Peanut Butter Are Best for Dogs?

Natural peanut butter is your best option, as it is usually free from xylitol and other unhealthy ingredients. If you can find a single-ingredient variety that only contains peanuts, that’s even better! For those times you really want to go the extra mile for your dog, you can make peanut butter at home using shelled, unsalted peanuts and a food processor.

How Should You Give Your Dog Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is an incredibly versatile treat! Whether on its own or mixed with other tasty ingredients, here are a few fun ways to serve your pooch some PB:

🥄 Mix It with Kibble – Adding a bit of this gooey goodness to your dog’s food bowl is one of the easiest ways to treat them. It’s also a nice hack for getting picky eaters to gobble up their dinner! Remember: peanut butter is best served in moderation, so don’t mix it into your dog’s food every day.

🐶 Add PB to Stuffable Treat Toys – Treat time, meet chew time! Many dog treat toys feature openings or compartments that can be filled with peanut butter and other snacks for a longer-lasting chewing challenge. (Bonus: If you have a real PB fanatic, you can even indulge them with our treat toy that looks like a peanut, tastes like a peanut, and has an opening specifically designed to hold actual peanut butter!)

🦴 Stock Up on Peanut Butter Treats – Many peanut butter dog treats blend that iconic nutty flavor with wholesome ingredients for an irresistible (and healthy!) anytime reward. Look for highly digestible varieties with no artificial ingredients to give your dog a guilt-free snack you can both feel great about.

👨‍🍳 Make a Homemade Recipe – A little time and a few ingredients are all it takes to spoil your dog. From frozen dog treat recipes on a hot summer day to baked holiday treats, dogs can have peanut butter in a wide range of simple homemade snacks.

Can Dogs Have Other Nut Butters?

Giving your furry friend other nut butters can be an excellent way to change things up! Dogs without nut allergies can enjoy cashew butter, hazelnut butter, and almond butter as long as they don’t contain xylitol or other harmful ingredients. As with peanut butter, make sure you treat in moderation.

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