Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? Is It Good for Them? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts

Written by: Sarah Psaradelis

Last Updated on August 28, 2024 by Dogster Team

peanut butter

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? Is It Good for Them? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts

VET APPROVED

Dr. Alice Athow-Frost Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Alice Athow-Frost

BVM BVS MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

If you are a dog owner, you are probably aware of how often peanut butter is recommended for dogs to eat. Many dogs find the taste of peanut butter irresistible, so it has multiple uses aside from being a tasty treat. Since peanut butter has become so popular for dogs to eat, you probably can’t help but wonder if it is good for them.

Surely something so highly recommended can’t be bad for dogs, right? Well, peanut butter is generally safe for dogs to eat and could be good for them in moderation. However, that is only if the peanut butter contains no harmful ingredients and is specifically formulated for dogs.

Keep reading to discover whether peanut butter is good for dogs and other noteworthy facts about feeding it.

dogster paw divider

The 4 Reasons the Peanut Butter Is Good for Dogs to Eat

Peanut butter is more than just mashed peanuts in a jar—it’s a blend of healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins. These nutrients have dietary benefits that naturally make them good for dogs to eat.

Not all types of peanut butter are created equal, and some have dangerous ingredients that are not good for dogs. It is best to only feed dog-specific peanut butter and avoid the ones formulated for human consumption.

So, what makes peanut butter good for dogs?

peanut butter, oil, health
Image Credit: Rigby40, Pixabay

1. High in Plant-Based Proteins

For starters, peanut butter is a rich source of plant-based protein and essential amino acids. Dogs benefit from both animal-based and plant-based proteins in their diet. Peanut butter is particularly rich in the essential amino acids phenylalanine and lysine, amongst others.  Phenylalanine is needed for the production of thyroid hormones, and leucine is required for muscle protein synthesis.


2. Healthy Fats

Peanut butter is full of healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. It contains polyunsaturated fats such as linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid is not only essential for dogs since they cannot make it on their own, but it also benefits their skin and coat health.

Although the fat in peanut butter is healthy, it still should be fed sparingly as it’s packed with calories. It’s important to offer peanut butter to your dog in moderation, as the calories in treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s total calories per day.

Peanut Butter
Image Credit: stevepb, Pixabay

3. Source of B Vitamins

Peanut butter is an excellent source of niacin or vitamin B3. Niacin is an important vitamin for dogs and has a role in enzyme and skin barrier function.


4. Multiple Uses

The nutrients in peanut butter are not its only benefits for dogs. Peanut butter has multiple uses for dogs aside from being a tasty snack. Some dog owners use peanut butter to get their dogs to take certain medications. Most dogs won’t resist eating medication if it is covered with peanut butter. Also, peanut butter can be used to encourage dogs to chew their toys or to keep them distracted while being groomed.

dogster paw divider

Dangers of Feeding Peanut Butter to Dogs

Despite dog-specific peanut butter being safe for dogs to eat, it’s important to know the dangers of certain regular peanut butter. Before you rush to give your dog peanut butter, be sure to check the ingredients on the label. Some seemingly innocent ingredients can be deadly for our dogs.

spoonful-of-peanut-butter
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Xylitol

Although many brands of peanut butter do not contain xylitol, there are several that do. Xylitol is typically used as a sugar substitute for humans, and it is extremely toxic for dogs. Even the smallest amounts of xylitol in peanut butter can put your dog’s health at risk.

Signs your dog has ingested xylitol may include:

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Liver failure
  • Seizures
  • Death

Too Salty

Most peanut butter for humans has added salt, which is not good for your dog in excessive amounts. Dogs should be offered unsalted peanut butter, ideally. Most dogs don’t prefer the taste of salty foods, so feeding them unsalted peanut butter won’t be less of a treat.

peanut butter
Image Credit: inewsfoto, Shutterstock

Feeding Peanut Butter to Dogs Safely

If you feel inclined to feed peanut butter to your dog, ensure that it is specifically formulated for dogs to eat, or that you check the ingredients thoroughly to ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol or extra salt or sugar. Opting for peanut butter sold specifically for dogs can take away the risk of buying the wrong type.

Dog-specific peanut butter, such as the popular Bark Bistro Buddy Butter, is free from harmful ingredients that put your dog’s health at risk. They contain no xylitol or added salt, sugar, or oils. Plus, it has been formulated to fit the dietary requirements of dogs rather than humans.

You should not feed peanut butter to your dog too often and ideally no more than a tablespoon for medium to large dog breeds. Smaller dog breeds should not eat more than a teaspoon of peanut butter at a time.

If your dog has eaten the wrong kind or too much peanut butter, we recommend contacting a vet.

PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can <b>talk to a vet online</b> and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price! </p> <div class="su-button-center"><a href=https://www.dogster.com/dog-nutrition/"https://pangovet.com/?utm_source=dogster&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=dog_eat_drink%22 class="su-button su-button-style-default" style="color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#FF6600;border-color:#cc5200;border-radius:9px;-moz-border-radius:9px;-webkit-border-radius:9px" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="color:#FFFFFF;padding:0px 24px;font-size:18px;line-height:36px;border-color:#ff944d;border-radius:9px;-moz-border-radius:9px;-webkit-border-radius:9px;text-shadow:none;-moz-text-shadow:none;-webkit-text-shadow:none"> Click to Speak With a Vet</span></a></div></div></div>"}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":513,"3":{"1":0},"12":0}">

💛 🐶 Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
PangoVet

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

dogster paw divider

Conclusion

Peanut butter is generally good for dogs when fed sparingly and in moderation. Aside from being safe if it is xylitol-free and unsalted, peanut butter has dietary benefits for dogs. Peanut butter is rich in healthy fats and essential plant-based proteins.

As with most treats, peanut butter should only be offered in addition to your dog’s complete, balanced diet as it is a treat food.

See also: 


Featured Image Credit: Towfiqu barbhuiya, Unsplash

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

PangoVet Image Speak With A Vet Online

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Dogster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.