Can dogs eat peanut butter?

You’ve seen the videos – you know lots of dogs go bonkers for peanut butter. It makes a great training treat too. But before you grab a jar and a spoon, it’s important to know that not all peanut butter is safe to give your dog. Here’s what you need to know.

Good news peanut butter fans!

The short answer is a resounding “yes” – there’s just a couple of things to keep in mind, and remember to always check the ingredients. Some peanut butters contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol. This ingredient is safe for us but toxic to our dogs. Xylitol isn’t just in peanut butter – look out for it in things like yoghurt and toothpaste too.

And as with all things, peanut butter is something that should be shared with your pooch in moderation. It can be very high in fat so make sure you’re not over-feeding them by keeping track of your dog’s daily calories.

What if my dog eats peanut butter with xylitol?

If your dog eats any peanut butter that contains xylitol, contact your vet – even if it was just a nibble of your PB on toast. It’s best to be on the safe side when it comes to xylitol poisoning.

What are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning

The symptoms of xylitol poisoning normally appear within half an hour of your dog eating something that contains xylitol. They include:

• Vomiting
• Muscle weakness
• Trouble walking
• Seizures
• Liver failure

Is xylitol-free peanut butter healthy for dogs?

Xylitol-free peanut butter is fine to feed your dog from time to time, as part of a balanced diet. The nutritional benefits of peanut butter for dogs include:

• High protein content – including a high level of the amino acid arginine, which supports your dog’s heart, lungs, kidneys and immune system.
• Contains flavonoids – which help control blood sugar and support your dog’s immune system.
• Energy-rich – great for pups who need lots of fuel to grow.

Moderation is key, because peanut butter has some not-so-healthy features too:

• High in calories – too much can lead to weight gain, especially for older dogs who don’t need the extra energy to fuel their growth.
• Added salt and sugar – both can be detrimental to your dog’s health, so avoid brands that include them.
• Unhealthy accompaniments – skip the classic PB&J as jam contains too much sugar for dogs.

As long as you read the jar carefully, peanut butter can be a delicious treat for your dog, and a great way to motivate them during training.