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Does your dog magically appear in the kitchen every time you open up the peanut butter jar? You are not alone. Many dog owners give their dogs peanut butter from time to time, and this nutty treat does indeed drive dogs nuts. It can be spread inside hollow bones and treat toys for a long-lasting treat, or just licked from a spoon or finger as a quick reward. From a health perspective, however, there are a few peanut butter facts you need to be aware of before you let your pup clean out that empty peanut butter jar.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Most peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat, and in moderation peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin. The healthiest option is unsalted peanut butter, dog-specific peanut butter, or homemade peanut butter. High sodium levels can be problematic for dogs, so as an added bonus, homemade peanut butters do not contain extra sugar and other additives.
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How Much Peanut Butter Can Dogs Eat?
Peanut butter is rich in natural fats 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 figure out how much peanut butter to feed your dog on a regular basis. The first and most reliable option is to call your veterinarian and ask his or her advice. This is especially important for owners of dogs with conditions such as diabetes or with food sensitivity issues.
The second option is the 10 percent rule. In general, treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet. Simply measure how much food your dog gets daily, and remember that it might be a good idea to alternate between peanut butter and healthier treats, such as dog friendly fruits or vegetables.
Health Alert: Xylitol
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Most peanut butter is safe for dogs, but some can be deadly. Recently, some peanut butter manufacturers switched to using the sweetener xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free products like chewing gum, toothpaste, breath mints, chewable vitamins and baked goods. It is safe for people, but toxic to dogs.
Xylitol consumption causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, which results in an equally rapid and profound decrease in blood sugar levels. and can be life threatening if left untreated. This condition, scientifically known as hypoglycemia, can occur as quickly as 10-to-60 minutes after eating xylitol.
Xylitol poisoning is easy to avoid. All owners need to do is check the label of the peanut butter and any other product they plan on feeding to their dogs for xylitol, and keep xylitol products out of their dogs’ reach. If you think your dog has eaten xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately, and keep an eye out for symptoms of xylitol poisoning, such as weakness, collapse, staggering, lack of coordination, and seizures.
Don’t keep your pup in suspense any longer. Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter as long as it is fed in moderation and does not contain xylitol, so get out that pet-safe peanut butter jar and share the good news.
FAQs
' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products. Xylitol is the only ingredient in peanut butter that's bad for dogs.
Which brand of peanut butter is safe for dogs? ›
Their top choice as the best peanut butter for dogs is Whole Foods' 365 brand smooth peanut butter. 365 Everyday Value Organic Peanut Butter is one of the safest because it only has one ingredient: peanuts! Less is more. There's no extra salt, sugar, additives, or anything unpronounceable.
Is jif peanut butter ok for dogs? ›
Peanut butter brands you may have in your cupboard, like Skippy or Jif, can be safe for dogs to eat but should only be given sparingly. These brands tend to have added salt and sugar, which can upset a dog's stomach. It is best to buy peanut butter with only peanuts on its ingredients list.
Can you use human peanut butter for dogs? ›
Dogs can eat – and many really enjoy – peanut butter. But beware, some peanut butter brands contain an ingredient called xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and even eating small amounts can be fatal. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is often used in foods to keep the product sugar-free.
Does Jif peanut butter contain xylitol? ›
Jif® peanut butter products do not contain the ingredient xylitol.
What brand of peanut butter has xylitol? ›
Peanut butter brands that contain xylitol include Go Nuts, Co., Krush Nutrition, Nuts 'N More, P28 Foods, and No Cow (formerly D's Naturals). Peanut butter that doesn't contain xylitol is absolutely safe for dogs and a healthy treat—just be sure to read the label!
Can dogs have all types of peanut butter? ›
Short Summary. It is safe for dogs to consume peanut butter in moderation, as long as it is of the organic/natural variety. It is important to choose unsalted, natural peanut butter without added ingredients and sugar substitutes such as xylitol, which can be toxic.
Can dogs have bananas? ›
Bananas are safe for dogs, but moderation is key. Bananas are high in sugar, so too much of it can put your dog at risk of developing medical conditions. You should give your dog only a few thin slices of banana once in a while. At least 90% of your dog's food should be regular dog food.
How much peanut butter can I give my dog? ›
If given as a treat, your dog will find a small amount to be just as thrilling as a large amount. As a starting point, it is reasonable to limit peanut butter offerings to: ½ teaspoon for a small dog, twice per day. 1 teaspoon for a medium or large dog, twice per day as a maximum amount.
How do I make sure peanut butter is safe for my dog? ›
' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products. Xylitol is the only ingredient in peanut butter that's bad for dogs.
Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or other large amount of cheese, they may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell.
What fruit can't dogs eat? ›
What Fruits Can Dogs Not Eat
- Grapes and Raisins: These seemingly innocent fruits can be incredibly dangerous for dogs. ...
- Avocados: ...
- Unripe Tomatoes: ...
- Rhubarb: ...
- Potatoes: ...
- Broccoli: ...
- Onions, Chives, and Garlic: ...
- Corn on the Cob:
And always, no xylitol! In addition, just because a peanut butter is xylitol-free, it isn't necessarily healthy for your dog. Popular store brands like Jif, Skippy, Smuckers, and Peter Pan are all xylitol-free, but they can contain sugar, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients for your dog.
What brands of peanut butter are pet safe? ›
Safe Peanut Butter Brands for Dogs
- Crazy Richard's All-Natural Creamy Peanut Butter.
- CB's Nuts Organic Creamunchy Peanut Butter.
- Adams Natural Creamy Peanut Butter.
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Unsweetened Peanut Butter.
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Value Peanut Butter.
- Justin's Classic No-Stir Peanut Butter Spread.
Nope! Our Jif® Natural Creamy Peanut Butter does not need refrigerated after opening.
Does Walmart peanut butter have xylitol? ›
Great Value peanut butter does not contain xylitol, but it is still important to feed it to your dog in moderation and as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet.
Is Trader Joe's peanut butter safe for dogs? ›
Which Peanut Butter Brands are Safe for Dogs? Some brands that offer safe peanut butter free of xylitol are Dog Lab, Trader Joe's, and Teddie Super Chunky Peanut Butter. Opt for one of these if you want the best peanut butter for your dog.
Is Kraft peanut butter xylitol free? ›
It does not contain xylitol, an Artificial sweetener which is deadly for dogs. Peanut butter without chocolate.
Does Peter Pan peanut butter have xylitol in it? ›
Does Peter Pan Peanut Butter Contain Xylitol? There is no xylitol added to any Peter Pan products.
