Does your dog go nuts over peanut butter? It’s a favorite treat for many of our furry friends, but did you know that some peanut butter brands can actually be toxic for dogs? There is no denying that peanut butter is one of the most popular and versatile dog treats around. However, it might surprise you to learn that peanut butter can be dangerous to dogs – in more ways than one. Let’s discuss more about the best peanut butter for dogs, when it’s safe, and what kinds to avoid.
| Smooth | Chunky | Healthy Boost | Single Ingredient | With CBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 365 Organic | Teddie All Natural | Poochie Butter | Spread The Love | Honest Paws |
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| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Is Peanut Butter Safe For Dogs?
In general, peanut butter is safe for dogs, but not all peanut butters use the same ingredients. One of the most common questions pup owners have is, can dogs have peanut butter made for humans? It depends on the ingredients. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that dogs require xylitol-free peanut butter. Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in sugar-free chewing gum, toothpaste, chewable vitamins, baked goods, and some human peanut butter brands.
While safe for humans, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Please note that the same plant-derived substance as xylitol is also called “birch sugar” or “birch sap” in ingredient listings. When you’re searching for pet-safe peanut butter, pay attention to all of these ingredient names.
This is a bowl of xylitol. Looks like sugar, right?
Another problem for dogs with some human peanut butter is the sodium content. While our four-legged friends require some salt in their diet, too much can cause dehydration and even salt toxicity. Most dog food contains all the salt dogs need in their daily diet, so veterinarians recommend avoiding giving your pup salty human foods. Some human peanut butter brands contain salt levels that are too high for dogs if they eat too much.
Many human peanut butter products also contain unhealthy fats and artificial preservatives. When eaten regularly, these ingredients can lead to health problems down the road. So, whenever choosing peanut butter for your pup, read the ingredients carefully. Make sure you check the ingredient list on your family’s favorite spread in your pantry to ensure it’s safe before you share it with your dog.
One rule to stick to is that peanut butter is only safe in moderation; it should not be part of your pup’s daily diet. Only 10% of your pup’s daily calories should come from treats.
Is Peanut Butter Good For Dogs?
Dog-safe peanut butter is a nutritious treat for most pups when given in moderation. It’s rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber and a good source of vitamins E and B6, magnesium, iron, selenium, and niacin. Peanut butter can be a perfect way to give dogs those dreaded pills or other medicines, distract them when trimming nails, or entertain them when combined with certain toys.
Still, while xylitol-free peanut butter is safe for dogs, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy for all pups. Some dogs should avoid peanut butter or eat it very sparingly. The main concern is that it’s high in calories, added sugar, and fat, which can cause problems for some pups.
Peanut butter is generally not a good treat option for overweight or obese dogs and dogs with diabetes and pancreatitis. Although rare, some dogs can be allergic or have a food intolerance to peanuts. And even healthy dogs should eat peanut butter in moderation to avoid weight gain.
Check The Label – Other Questionable Ingredients
Just because your peanut butter is xylitol-free doesn’t mean it’s good for your dog. Many popular peanut butter brands contain sugar, preservatives, and other ingredients you probably don’t want your dog to eat. Most commonly:
- Sugar – Refers to sucrose, caramel, corn syrup molasses, and other forms. Some peanut butter brands add multiple types of sugar. While sugar may not be immediately harmful to dogs, it can lead to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.
- Mono and Diglycerides – While a 2006 study found no side effects in the blood work of Beagles, veterinarian Dr. Sara Ochoa said it’s not an ideal ingredient to feed dogs and may lead to obesity and heart problems.
- Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils – Refers to a wide range of different oils. The exact oils will vary from brand to brand. Peanut butter is already a high-fat treat without these extra oils.
While these ingredients might make the peanut butter more spreadable or last longer, they do not benefit your dog. If your xylitol-free peanut butter contains one or more of the above ingredients, you might want to switch to another brand.
Beware: “Natural” or “organic” peanut butter brands can also contain these unwanted extra ingredients.
Sure, it might be natural, but it contains ingredients like sugar and palm oil that are best avoided.
The ideal peanut butter for dogs should contain two ingredients at most:
- Peanuts
- Salt
If you have the time and a food processor, you can make easy homemade peanut butter for your pup.
Best Peanut Butter For Dogs
With help from our team of doggie taste-testers, a canine nutritionist, and our in-house veterinarian, we reviewed over 50 different kinds of peanut butter. These top picks hit the sweet spot between quality ingredients, price, availability, and taste.
Best Smooth Peanut Butter For Dogs: 365 Organic Unsweetened & Unsalted Review
365 Organic peanut butter is made from U.S.A.-grown, dry-roasted peanuts and nothing else. It’s full of nutty flavor and has no questionable ingredients. Keep in mind this one has natural oils that can separate, so be sure to mix it well so it isn’t runny.
Price
There is also a crunchy version available, but it does contain salt.
Be mindful that 365 Everyday Value makes a wide range of different peanut butters, all of which look very similar. However, many of these contain sugar and oils. Make sure you check the ingredients if you are grabbing a bottle from your local Whole Foods—it’s easy to confuse the jars.
The thick consistency makes this smooth peanut butter perfect for Kong toys and lick mats; it clumps together without dripping onto the floor.
Best Chunky Peanut Butter For Dogs: Teddie Super Chunky Review
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Some dogs may like the texture of crunchy peanut butter. For those pups, Teddie Super Chunky Peanut Butter is a good pick. Made in America from USA-grown peanuts, this organic peanut butter is as natural as it is delicious.
Price
- Check Amazon for availability for pack of 3
Best of all, crunchy peanut butter is perfectly safe for dogs to eat. The nuts are crushed small enough that they shouldn’t pose a choking hazard, even in small breeds like Chihuahuas.[6]
However, I did notice the occasional piece of nut come loose and make its way onto my floor. For this reason, if you are stuffing a dog toy, I recommend choosing smooth peanut butter instead.
Oh, and if you are looking for peanut butter to share with your dog, I can confirm that it’s just as delicious for humans.
While Teddie also makes an unsalted version, it’s considerably more expensive – even if you grab it from the shelf of your local Walmart. Even so, if we were to recommend an unsalted chunky peanut butter, it would be our top pick.
Best Healthy Boosting Peanut Butter For Dogs: Poochie Butter Review
Price
Wouldn’t it be great if your pup’s peanut butter treat could improve your pup’s health? That’s the idea behind Poochie Butter, a peanut butter designed just for dogs.
Poochie Butter has 6 natural ingredients that may provide health benefits to your pup. These are dry roasted peanuts, coconut oil, turmeric, parsley, ginger and Cassian cinnamon
Ingredients, including turmeric, may have anti-inflammatory properties[7] and coconut oil, which may help maintain healthy skin and coat.[8]
This peanut butter is slightly runnier than our other recommendations. While this made it significantly easier to spread, it came with a drawback: it isn’t suitable for stuffing dog toys.
I, unfortunately, discovered this when filling my pups Kong Extreme chew toy. The thinner consistency allowed it to slowly leak out over time.
I was able to get around this by putting the Poochie Butter in the fridge to harden it up. However, I can’t see this method working well in warm weather.
This one isn’t for sharing. It’s made just for dogs and does not taste good to the human palate.
Unfortunately, Poochie butter is expensive. But if you are looking for an all-natural peanut butter that is free from sweeteners, preservatives, and other nasties, Poochie Butter is worth checking out – especially if you are trying to introduce one of the health-boosting ingredients to your dog’s diet.
Best Single-Ingredient: Spread The Love Naked Organic Peanut Butter Review
Made in the USA with 100% dry-roasted USDA-certified organic peanuts, this creamy peanut butter is as natural and clean as it gets. Spread The Love is a family-owned company committed to minimal food processing and all-natural products. They make their peanut butter in small batches to ensure food safety and optimal nutritional content. Non-GMO and vegan with no salt or gluten, this spread is an excellent choice for your pup and your entire family.
Price
- 16-oz jar: $14.99 ($0.94 / Ounce)
Best With CBD: Honest Paws Calm CBD Peanut Butter For Dogs Review
Honest Paws is a leading manufacturer of pet CBD products, including oils, treats, topicals, and yes, even peanut butter for dogs. Infused with organic, full-spectrum CBD (cannabidiol), this peanut butter is a tasty treat with multiple health benefits, including easing anxiety and joint pain. It’s made in the USA with USDA organic hemp and non-GMO dry-roasted peanuts and third-party tested to ensure it’s free of any chemicals. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
The recommended amount is one tablespoon (5mg CBD) for dogs under 25 pounds and two tablespoons for dogs weighing 25-50 pounds. However, it’s not recommended for larger dogs to achieve effective CBD dosing due to the high calorie and fat content of peanut butter. CBD oil is a healthier option for large dogs.
Price
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- 15-oz jar: $29.95
In-Depth Honest Paws Review
Learn more about what Honest Paws offers besides peanut butter in our full review of Honest Paws.
Best Flavor Variety: Bark Bistro Buddy Budder Review
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Bark Bistro’s Buddy Budder is a lip-smacking favorite for pups and their owners. This all-natural, xylitol-free brand (made in the USA) comes in seven different recipes. It’s most basic offering, Ruff Ruff Raw, contains only dry-roasted unsalted peanuts and a dash of wildflower honey. With clean non-GMO ingredients and lower calories than many other peanut butters, it’s an excellent treat for your pup.
Other recipes start with those two main ingredients and add tasty and healthy boosters, such as air-dried pumpkin, organic bananas, chia seeds, a blend of antioxidant-rich berries, and much more. They even have bacon peanut butter.
Tip: Buddy Budder is a bit on the runny side, so you may want to refrigerate it for a thicker consistency.
Price
- 17-oz jar: $13.99 ($13.99 / lb)
Best For Gut Health: Dog For Dog DogsButter Review
Another dual-functional peanut spread made specifically for our furry friends, Dog For Dog’s DogsButter, is an excellent way to treat your pup while giving him a gut health boost. This peanut butter blend not only contains unsalted peanuts, blueberries, and honey, but it’s also fortified with six strains of canine-beneficial probiotics and the prebiotic inulin.
Dog probiotics can help decrease such digestive problems as diarrhea and flatulence, enhance the immune system, and reduce inflammation due to allergies or gut problems, among other health benefits. So, this peanut butter for dogs is a win-win on multiple fronts. It’s made in the USA, and we love that the company donates 5% of sales to provide food for animal shelters.
Price
Runner Up Peanut Butters for Dogs
The following are commonly bought natural peanut butters, that can make great peanut butters for dogs. However, they didn’t make our top picks due to availability, price, flavor, or texture.
- Adams Natural Creamy/Crunchy
- Adams Natural Organic Creamy/Crunchy
- Adams Natural Unsalted Creamy/Crunchy
- Crazy Richard’s Creamy/Crunchy
- Fix & Fogg Creamy/Crunchy
- Good & Gather Organic Stir Creamy/Crunchy
- Great value Organic Creamy/Crunchy
- Kirkland Signature Organic Creamy/Crunchy
- MaraNatha Organic Creamy/Crunchy
- Peanut Butter & Co Old Fashioned Smooth/Crunchy
- Smuckers Natural
- Smuckers Organic Creamy/Chunky
- Trader Joe’s Salted Creamy/Crunchy
- Trader Joe’s No Salt Creamy/Crunchy
- Woodstock Farms Unsalted
- Woodstock Farms Easy Spread
Note: Manufacturers may add, change, or remove ingredients without warning. Always read the label before buying the peanut butter you intend to feed your dog.
Unhealthy Peanut Butters To Avoid
The following commonly bought peanut butters are not recommended for dogs because they add sweeteners, preservatives, transfats, or other unnecessary ingredients.
- Adams No-Stir Creamy/Crunchy
- Amazon Brand (Happy Belly) Creamy/Crunchy
- DogsButter
- Great Value Creamy/Crunchy
- Good & Gather Creamy/Crunchy
- Jiff Creamy/Crunchy/Extra Crunchy
- Jiff Natural Creamy/Crunchy
- Jiff (Simply Jiff)
- Jiff (Reduced Fat)
- Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter
- Kong Real Peanut Butter
- MaraNatha No-Stir
- Peanut Butter & Co Smooth/Crunchy
- Peter Pan Original Creamy/Crunchy
- Peter Pan Natural Creamy/Crunchy
- Reeses Peanut Butter
- Skippy Creamy/Crunchy
- Skippy Natural Creamy/Crunchy
- Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy/Crunchy
- Smart Balance Naturalk Creamy/Crunchy
- Woodstock Farms Classic
Note: Manufacturers may add, change, or remove ingredients without warning. Always read the label before buying peanut butter you intend to feed your dog.
The Dangerous Peanut Butters (Contain Xylitol)
These are the peanut butters you cannot give your dog under any circumstances.
If you have a dog in your home, it’s best to swap over to one of the brands recommended above.
- Krush Nutrition’s “Nutty By Nature”
- Go Nuts, Co. Peanut Butter
- Nut’s ’N More
- P28 High Protein Peanut Spread
- Hank’s Protein Plus
Have you come across another peanut butter sold in the USA that contains xylitol? Let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list.
Best Dog Toys To Use With Peanut Better
It likely comes as no surprise for long-time dog owners that the original Kong toy is our recommendation for the best dog toy to put peanut butter in to entertain your pup. But that’s not your only option. If your pup is bored with Kong, we also have some other top picks.
Kong Classic Dog Toy Review
The Kong Classic Dog Toy lives up to its name. This durable rubber toy is a classic staple for pups who love to chew and play fetch. And when you add peanut butter into the hollow center, it’s an utter joy for our furry friends (and long-lasting entertainment to give us pup parents a break). Simply add dog-friendly peanut butter straight from the jar or Kong’s easy-squeeze tube of natural peanut butter. Freeze it for an added challenge.
Detailed Kong Review
Learn more about Kong’s different options and our personal experience in our full review of Kong dog toys & more.
LickiMat Soother Review
Although not technically a toy, lick mats, like the LickiMat Soother, are an excellent way to keep your dog occupied with a peanut butter smear or as a slow feeder for wet dog food. Lick mats can also help ease boredom and stress for anxiety-prone pups.
Our Firsthand Experience With LikiMat
We tried out the LickiMat in exchange for an honest review, and Lexie, our separation anxiety-prone King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, loves it. She licks until the mat is clean, then she falls asleep on top of it. The only downside is her long ears tend to get messy when they drag through the peanut butter. The mat washes clean, and it’s easy to store when not in use. Lexie seems to look forward to when we leave because she jumps when I get the LickiMat out.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Parent, Canine Journal Creative & Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we see most often about peanut butter and dogs. If I didn’t get to yours, let me know in the comments, and I’ll find you the answer!
How Much Peanut Butter Can I Give My Dog?
Because it’s high in calories and fat, it’s wise to keep peanut butter portions to a minimum to avoid weight gain. If your pup is nuts for peanut butter, you can give him 1/2 teaspoon for a small dog or 1 teaspoon for a medium or large dog twice per day.
Is JIF Peanut Butter Safe For Dogs?
JIF brand doesn’t make any of its peanut butter with xylitol; however, it does contain added salt. JIF’s regular creamy peanut butter has 140mg of salt per two-tablespoon serving and artificial preservatives, so it’s not a wise choice for regular snacks or to use when making homemade dog treats. Better choices are Simply JIF or JIF Natural, which have lower sodium levels.
Is Skippy Peanut Butter Safe For Dogs?
Skippy is another popular brand that doesn’t contain xylitol. But, like JIF, it’s not the healthiest option for your furry friend. Skippy’s regular creamy peanut butter contains 150mg of sodium per serving as well as hydrogenated vegetable oil and sugar, all of which aren’t ideal for your dog’s health. And Skippy Natural contains just as much salt.
Consider Pet Insurance
While some peanut butters are safe for your pup, not all are. The same goes for many other foods and substances they may come in contact with. Some can be harmful and cause your pup to get sick. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of emergency care, including poisoning. But you need to get your pup covered before an emergency happens. Learn more about what pet insurance is and what it covers in our expert-written guide.
What Other Human Foods Are Safe For Dogs?
Whether you were surprised or not that some human peanut butter brands are extremely dangerous for your pup, it’s important to educate yourself about other foods that are and aren’t safe for dogs to eat and drink and what to do if your dog eats a toxic food. While we can share some of our human foods with our dogs (usually in moderation), some are poisonous and life-threatening, even in small amounts. If you want to add a boost of flavor and nutrition to your pup’s bowl, consider fresh dog foods or freeze-dried toppers and meaty treats.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Danielle is a lifelong animal advocate and pet parent. She has over three decades of experience caring for dogs, including those with special medical and behavioral needs. Danielle has a particular passion for rescuing animals and has given several a loving home. She is a dedicated researcher committed to providing up-to-date, accurate, and relevant information to help other pet parents give their dogs the best life possible.
