Can Dogs Eat Peanut butter?
Short answer: yes, plain peanut butter is safe for dogs, as long as the label has no xylitol (also called birch sugar). Xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Peanut butter is very high in calories: one teaspoon is about 31 kcal.
Why peanut butter can be good for dogs
- Protein and healthy fats; most dogs love it, which makes it useful for pills and chew toys.
- Great for stuffing toys and lick mats to keep dogs busy.
Risks of peanut butter for dogs
- Xylitol: always read the ingredients list. Some "sugar-free" or "keto" peanut butters contain it.
- Calories: about 590 kcal per 100 g, so it adds up fast.
- Salt and added sugar in some brands.
- Peanut allergies are possible but uncommon in dogs.
How to serve it
- Choose unsalted, no-sugar-added peanut butter with only peanuts (and maybe salt).
- Measure it: a teaspoon, not a spoonful from the jar.
- Smear a thin layer on a lick mat or inside a chew toy and freeze it.
How much per day by dog weight
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories. For a spayed or neutered adult dog that budget is shown below, with how many teaspoons (about 31 kcal each) fit in it if they are the only treat that day.
| Dog's weight | Daily treat budget | Teaspoons per day |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | 35 kcal | up to 1.1 teaspoons |
| 20 lb | 59 kcal | up to 1.9 teaspoons |
| 30 lb | 79 kcal | up to 2.6 teaspoons |
| 50 lb | 116 kcal | up to 3 teaspoons |
| 70 lb | 150 kcal | up to 4 teaspoons |
| 90 lb | 181 kcal | up to 5 teaspoons |
Start with one or two pieces the first time and watch for an upset stomach. Your own dog's budget is in the dog food calculator (it shows a "treats budget" line).
Check any other food
Not sure about something else in your kitchen? The can dogs eat it checker lists 98 foods as safe, careful or toxic, with the reason for each.
If your dog ate something toxic, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center; American Kennel Club food guides; USDA FoodData Central (calories); treat budget from the RER formula used in WSAVA feeding guidance (10% rule).
Try the can dogs eat it? food checker
Enter your own numbers below, or open the full can dogs eat it? food checker with the formula and more examples.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your pet may differ: ask your vet. Terms
Frequently asked questions
Which peanut butter is safe for dogs?
Plain peanut butter with no xylitol (birch sugar), ideally unsalted and with no added sugar. Read the ingredients every time you buy a new brand.
How much peanut butter can a dog have?
About 1 teaspoon a day for a 10 to 20 lb dog and up to about 1 tablespoon for a large dog, if it is the only treat.
What happens if a dog eats xylitol?
Blood sugar can crash within 30 to 60 minutes, causing weakness and seizures, and liver failure can follow. Call your vet or a poison hotline immediately.
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