Gooey Guidelines: Peanut Butter for Dogs

Let’s face it: your dog will do just about anything for peanut butter. They’d take your grandma to the grocery store, file your taxes and write an opera if they had the driver's license, freaky math skills and an ear for a chorus.

So what's the scoop on peanut butter for dogs? Can dogs eat peanut butter? And if so, how can you serve them this delectable treat safely?

Nutritious and delicious: Peanut butter packs some nutritious punch (note: we do not condone nutritional violence, not even if the nutrition really deserves it). It’s a source of protein, fiber, fatty acids, rich in vitamins B and E, and minerals like magnesium. And since peanut butter tastes like, well, peanut butter, you can use it as a high value reward for training and behavior reinforcement.

A tasty tactic: What peanut butter can’t provide (think antibiotics or antifungals), you can encase in peanut butter to ensure the medicine goes down. It’s also the perfect distraction for all your thankless dog deeds such as grooming. Whatever you need, you can count on peanut butter to help you get the job done.

Can dogs eat peanut butter?

In the case of peanut butter, there can be too much of a good thing. Because peanut butter is high in fat, you’ll want to start with small amounts. Also remember the 10% rule: treats should make no more than 10% of your dogs daily caloric intake. This helps them steer clear of unwanted weight gain and the possibility of pancreatitis.

Sweeteners? Keep it real: It’s also important to avoid low-fat or reduced-sugar peanut butters because they can contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is toxic for dogs. And while it’s true that peanut butter goes with just about anything, it doesn’t pair well with grapes. Not even grape jelly. Those vine guys are also not safe for dogs. Stick to plain delicious peanut butter, made with peanuts and nothing else.

Peanut butter for my cat is meh: While not necessarily bad for a cat, other than a possible choking hazard (which… actually, that’s quite bad), cats don’t need plants in their diet, so peanut butter won’t do a lot for them. It’s like that time you ate shaving cream. What, just us?

Anyway, it may look delicious, it may smell delightful, it may even come in different flavors, but it’s not really going to help you refuel (we learned that one the hard way). Our guidelines about xylitol and the risks associated with weight gain also apply to your feline friends.

A shameless plug

We wouldn’t be doing our job if we talked up all this peanut butter and didn’t mention Fruitables' peanut butter dog treats. Fruitables® Biggies™ Peanut Butter and Banana dog treats combine real peanut butter with healthy fruit to give your dog a bit of a boost in their day. Fruitables Spreads™ Peanut Butter Banana dog butter is the spreadable, loveable treat your dog never knew they needed.