Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
In moderation, and only if it's 100% peanuts: no salt, no sugar and, above all, no xylitol (also listed as “birch sugar”), which can be deadly for dogs.
What it gives your dog
Peanut butter is one of dogs' favorite treats and very handy for stuffing toys or hiding pills. It has the same makeup as peanuts: protein, vitamin E and a lot of fat, with about 590 kcal per 100 g. One teaspoon (5 g) is about 30 kcal, which for a small dog already takes up a good chunk of their extras for the day.
The big danger is xylitol. Some “sugar-free”, “reduced sugar”, “protein” or “diabetic-friendly” nut butters use it as a sweetener, and in dogs it causes a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure. It can appear on the label as xylitol, “birch sugar” or, on European products, E967. Read the ingredient list every time, because recipes change. Ideally it should say just “peanuts” or “roasted peanuts”.
How to serve it
- Only 100% peanuts, with no salt or sugar
- Check that it has no xylitol, birch sugar or E967
- Spread inside a stuffable toy or on a lick mat
- As an ingredient in homemade treats, in small amounts
How much can they eat?
Small dog (under 10 kg / 22 lb): half a teaspoon (2-3 g, about 15 kcal). Medium (10-25 kg / 22-55 lb): one teaspoon (5 g). Large (over 25 kg / 55 lb): 1-2 teaspoons. Not every day if your dog is overweight; always within the 10% for extras.
Risks
- Xylitol (birch sugar, E967): hypoglycemia and liver failure
- Fat and calories: weight gain and risk of pancreatitis
- Added salt and sugar
- Chocolate versions
Frequently asked questions
What kind of peanut butter can dogs eat?
One that contains only peanuts, or roasted peanuts, with no salt, sugar, palm oil or sweeteners. Always check the label for xylitol or birch sugar, because they're toxic to dogs even in small amounts. “Reduced sugar” or “sugar-free” spreads are the riskiest.
How much peanut butter can a dog have?
As a guide, half a teaspoon for a small dog, one for a medium dog and one or two for a large one. It's very high in calories: a teaspoon has about 30 kcal. Use it to stuff toys or as an occasional treat, and subtract those calories from their food if you give it often.
How do I know if peanut butter has xylitol?
Read the ingredient list, not just the front of the jar. Look for “xylitol”, “birch sugar” or, on European products, “E967”. Be wary of jars labeled “sugar-free”, “reduced sugar”, “keto” or “protein”. If in doubt, don't give it: a single-ingredient peanut butter removes all doubt.
General information reviewed against veterinary sources. If your dog has eaten something that worries you, call your vet or a 24-hour emergency vet right away, without waiting for symptoms.