There's no question that dogs love the peanute butter, but you may have wondered if it's actually good (or bad) for them. Although it's an ingredient in a lot of commercial dog treats, the answer may surprise you. Here's the lowdown on peanut butter for dogs, as well as some safe alternative human foods dogs can eat.
Many brands of peanut butter contain added ingredients that are unhealthy and even harmful for dogs. Some peanut butters include an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which is extremely toxic to pets.
Often, peanut butter contains added sugar that can contribute to weight gain. Peanut butter also typically contains added salt that makes it high in sodium, and certain fats, such as palm oil. Pet parents should check with their veterinarian to ensure that peanut butter is acceptable for their pet, especially those pets with health conditions.
While there are reasons to be cautious about feeding this sticky treat to your dog, the news isn't all bad. Natural peanut butter is a great source of protein, B and E vitamins, and healthy monounsaturated fats, says the AKC. There are a lot of commercial treats with peanut butter that can be fun for your pet. But as with all treats, they should be limited to 10% of daily calories so not to upset nutritional balance. If your dog is crazy about peanut butter, they can eat it in moderation as long as you're careful to check the ingredients and run it by your veterinarian first. Look for all-natural, unsalted peanut butter that lists peanuts as the only ingredient.
You could also make peanut butter at home by simply grinding peanuts in a food processor. If you choose to go this route, be sure to source your peanuts from a reputable source. Peanuts found in nature can sometimes have a fungus on them called Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, the fungus that produces the aflatoxins (cancer producing toxins) says The National Cancer Institute. This is why in the U.S. the FDA inspects foods like peanuts and peanut butter for human consumption to reduce the risk for people.
Remember that too much of a good thing isn't good for your pup. Between the high fat and calorie content and the threat of aflatoxins, it's best to limit even natural or homemade peanut butter to an occasional treat.
Although it's rare, some dogs can develop peanut allergies. While anaphylactic shock and difficulty breathing can occur in dogs with peanut allergies, this type of reaction is most commonly found as a result of being bitten or stung by an insect or from a reaction to medication. Sometimes allergies will result in facial swelling or skin reactions. If you notice these symptoms after giving peanut butter to your dog, stop feeding them peanut butter immediately and consult your vet, who can help determine whether your dog is allergic to peanuts or something else. This is also why it is always a good idea to consult your vet before feeding your dog anything. Since peanut allergies can be serious in children and adults, those individuals need to be careful to avoid contact with pets that may have consumed peanut butter. The risk that peanut residue can end up on their fur is also another real risk for people with severe peanut allergies.
Here are a few fun ways to give your dog one of the yummiest human foods dogs can eat:
Can dogs eat peanut butter? As long as peanuts are the only ingredient, your peanut butter-loving pooch doesn't have to forgo it entirely. Alternating the occasional lick of peanut butter with healthy treats will keep them satisfied.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Low calories for less active small & mini dogs
Fewer calories for less active dogs, who prefer smaller kibble
Learn tips for identifying an aggressive dog, causes of aggression, and training methods to alleviate aggression toward an owner, other people & other dogs
Learn about snake bites on dogs, including clinical symptoms to look for, what to do if you think your dog was bitten, and treatment & prevention options.
Discover twenty-five dog-friendly hiking trails across the United States, and helpful tips for safe & fun hiking with dogs no matter where you two end up.
Discover the best tips & tricks for removing pee stains and odor from carpet, including stains that are recent vs. those that have set in for some time.
Teething is a part of a puppy's life. Use these 3 tips to help your puppy through this difficult time and protect your household from teething incidents.
Learn important information about Leptospirosis in dogs, including what it is, how its diagnosed, common symptoms & treatments, and prevention tips.
It's common for dogs to eat faster than humans, but learn why exactly some dogs might eat too fast and any health issues that can come up because of it.
Learn about choosing the right dog food to help ensure your adult dog will receive the correct balance of nutrition.
Does shaming your dog have a positive effect, or are you just encouraging more bad behavior? Learn more about how he interprets feelings of guilt & shame.
Learn the benefits of starting to train your puppy at an early age, preventing a wide variety of problems and promoting good behavior.
Nutrition is one of the most important components of keeping your dog healthy, so choosing a well-balanced dog food full of nutrients is key. Learn more.
Learn why dogs roll in poop and other stinky things, what you can do to stop this behavior, and how to clean them up when they do.
Learn common causes of red eyes in dogs, from normal allergies to more serious health concerns, and treatment options your vet might suggest to help.
Check out these helpful tips on how to housebreak your puppy and feel confident in leaving him alone while you're at work.
Learn the underlying reasons why your dog is vomiting, helping you understand when to be concerned that a larger health issue is at play.
Learn the reasons behind your dog's sneezing (both common and uncommon) and excessive situations when you should consider taking them to the vet.
Understand what causes ear infections in your dog and what you can do to help prevent and treat them in the future.
Learn about potential health issues that can occur if your dog eats a dead bird, such as bacterial & parasite issues, and signs that can indicate sickness.
Why do dogs sniff each other's butts? In short: It's their most effective option for a meet and greet. Learn more about this common dog behavior.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool