What ingredient is bad for dogs in peanut butter

What Kind of Peanut Butter is Safe for Dogs?

For the most part, peanut butter can be awesome for dogs and most dogs LOVE it!

Peanut butter is great as an occasional "high value" treat, its useful for hiding pills, and it can even be used to distract your dog while giving them a bath or trimming their nails.

While most peanut butter brands are safe for dogs, not all peanut butters are safe.

Do Not Give Your Dog This Type of Peanut Butter

Its no longer easy to say whether its safe to give even a small amount of peanut butter to your dog. And there's a one-word answer as to why... Xylitol!

Xylitol is an increasingly common sugar-replacement sweetener in hundreds of products, including some brands of peanut butter. It's an all-natural sugar substitute thats fine for people, but its extremely poisonous to dogs and poisons thousands of dogs each year. We at Preventive Vet are happy to report that there has been an increase in awareness about xylitol both in peanut butter and in the more than 700 other products xylitol is found in and we have been able to influence some companies to change their labeling and warning practices.

Why Xylitol Is Dangerous to Dogs

Xylitol is a sweetener that's gaining in popularity because of its dental benefits for people and its suitability as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes. Yet thousands of dogs are accidentally poisoned by xylitol every year.

In fact, the toxic dose of xylitol in dogs is even less than chocolate! For example, as little as 1.37 grams of xylitol can cause a rapid drop in a dogs blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and result in staggering, disorientation, collapse, and seizures in a 30-pound dog*.

If a dog of the same size ingested 6.8 grams, it could be enough to cause a debilitating and likely deadly destruction of the dogs liver cells. Now consider that it would take about 22 times more (150 grams) of dark chocolate to result in the same level of severe toxicity.

Brands of Peanut Butter That Contain Xylitol and Are Not Safe for Dogs

There are still four known peanut/nut butter brands that contain xylitol (down from five brands), and more may spring up so please read labels carefully.

When selecting a peanut butter or peanut-flavored spread, keep these xylitol-containing brands far away from your dog:

• Go Nuts, Co.
• Krush Nutrition (appears to no longer be in production)
• Nuts 'N More
• P28

The increasing popularity of xylitol as an ingredient in a growing number of products including gums, mints, chewable vitamins, ice creams, common supplements, and many others highlights the importance of reading ingredient labels, as well as the danger of assuming that what's safe for you, or even your kids, is also safe for your pets.

See our list of over 700 products that contain xylitol many will surprise you!

What Type of Peanut Butter is Best for Dogs?

Generally speaking, any peanut butter that doesnt contain xylitol (or chocolate) should be fine for a dog. It can be a good source of protein and healthy fat for your dog in moderation, of course. However, some peanut butters are healthier than others.

A lot of peanut butter you find on the shelves has good qualities when it comes to your dog, but probably contains preservatives and extra sugar that arent great. Your best bet is to find peanut butter (or other nut butter) that is low on or completely free of additives.

This peanut butter made by Crazy Richard's (or this one by CB's Nuts) lists just one ingredient: peanuts. If your grocery store has a natural foods section, look for a peanut grinder so you can take home one ingredient peanut butter.

Crazy Richard's All Natural Creamy Peanut ButterCB's Nuts Organic Peanut Butter

And read labels and ingredient lists carefully don't assume that "all-natural" or "no artificial sweeteners" on the front label means it'll be safe for your dog. Xylitol is technically an "all-natural" sweetener!

If you have a decent blender or food processor, you can easily make your own peanut and nut butter at home! It will be healthier for your dog and they wont know the difference.

Note: While almonds, and just about any nut, can cause digestive upset, including pancreatitis, in dogs, contrary to what you may have read elsewhere on the Internet, regular (sweet) almonds, the type that are most common are not toxic to dogs.

Now, bitter almonds, which can sometimes be found in health food stores, can certainly be toxic. So be sure to stick with sweet almonds when making this almond butter recipe and your dog (and you) should be just fine.

How Much Peanut Butter is OK for Dogs?

A little bit of xylitol-free peanut butter for your dog will likely be perfectly fine overdo it though, and you can give your dog a nasty (as well as painful and expensive) case of pancreatitis and/or contribute to obesity.

So you need to be careful how much peanut butter you give your dog or any treat for that matter. The rule of thumb is to give no more than 10% of your dogs daily calories in treats.

The exact amount of peanut butter will vary from dog to dog and from peanut butter to peanut butter (check the caloric count on the label). Generally speaking, small dogs should get no more than about 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter per day and larger dogs should get no more than about 1 tablespoon. You can find a more detailed breakdown in Is Peanut Butter Good for Dogs?

PRO TIP: In dogs with chronic pancreatitis or those at increased risk for developing acute or chronic pancreatitis like Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers even a very small amount of a high-fat treat like peanut butter may be enough to bring on or worsen their pancreatitis and should be avoided completely.

Creamy or Crunchy Peanut Butter for Dogs?

You may have read that crunchy peanut butter can be a choking hazard for dogs. This is pretty unlikely unless youre giving a very small dog a very large amount of crunchy peanut butter.

But as you learned in the section above, even a decent-sized dog should only be allowed about a tablespoon of peanut butter per day, so its unlikely youll give enough at any one time to present a choking hazard.

So go ahead and give your dog whichever peanut butter creamy, crunchy, super crunchy, or any other variation you have. Creamy peanut butter tends to be easier to smear if you plan to use it to distract your dog during a bath (you can smear peanut butter on the bathtub or shower wall to distract your pooch) or while trimming their nails (you can smear peanut butter on a plate so your dog will be so busy licking that they wont notice or care that you're cutting their nails).

Is Peanut Butter and Jelly OK for Dogs?

Peanut butter is one thing, but jelly should be off-limits to your dog. Why? First, theres a lot of sugar in jam, jelly, and preserves if youre already giving your dog peanut butter, adding extra sugar will further increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. Second, some jelly contains dog-dangerous xylitol. Third, some types of jelly are made from fruits that you shouldnt give your dog.

For example, while strawberry jelly may not be toxic to dogs, grape jelly can be. Grapes are poisonous to some dogs and can cause acute kidney failure. The same goes for raisins and currants.

Either way, it's best to hold the jelly and jam when it comes to treating your dog.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Peanuts?

Unlike some humans, dogs do not appear to have an allergic reaction to peanuts. Im not aware of any documented cases of allergic or anaphylactic reactions to peanuts in dogs, nor to other nuts or seeds for that matter. But that doesnt completely rule out the possibility.

So, if its your dogs first (or second) time having peanut butter, or another nut butter, and youre concerned, give them just a small amount to start (like a lick off the tip of your finger) and keep an eye on them.

Concerning signs to watch for are listed below. As long as you dont see any of these signs within about an hour, youre likely OK.

• Signs of an acute allergic reaction (severe) in dogs:
  • Hives or small areas of swelling on their body
  • Swelling around their eyes and/or muzzle
  • Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Collapse
  • Severe itchiness
• Signs of a chronic food allergy (mild to moderate) in dogs:
  • Chronic/recurrent ear infections
  • Thin fur coat
  • Chronic itchiness and/or chewing of their paws
  • Recurrent problems with impacted anal glands

Companies That Have Removed Xylitol From Their Products

We will continue to reach out to companies that use xylitol to discuss this dog hazard and try to get formula changes or, at least, increased awareness on their product packaging and websites.

Below is a summary of the successes so far in getting brands to remove xylitol from their products or do a better job of notifying pet owners about the potential dangers.

Update (August 2023):We have reached out for verification but it seems as though No Cow has stopped manufacturing their Fluffbutter spreads.

Update (April 2018): The list of peanut and nut butters that contain xylitol is back UP TO FIVE!

On April 12, 2018, we received a xylitol product alert submission from a pet lover who brought a company called No Cow (previously called D's Naturals) to our attention. Their Fluffbutter spreads contain xylitol so please be sure to keep them far away from your dogs and help spread the word.

Update (August 2017): The list of peanut and nut butters that contain xylitol is now DOWN TO FOUR!

On August 3, 2017, we received a message from Hank Capasso, of Hanks Protein Plus Nut Spreads, announcing that he had taken the wonderful step of removing xylitol from his companys peanut and other nut butters.

I have always been an animal lover, never to the extent of being an advocate for the rights of animals, until recently, Hank wrote in the closing of that letter. In doing my research and in making myself open to their rights, it only makes sense. Why put them in danger, and why would we hurt the ones that we love?

We have checked their labels to confirm that their nut butters no longer contain xylitol and have removed them from our list of xylitol-containing products. Wed like to extend our sincerest thanks to Hank and the rest of the team at Hanks Protein Plus Nut Spreads for taking this fantastic step toward protecting dogs from the dangers of xylitol.

Update (August 2015): We have been in discussions with Nuts N More and they have agreed to take some good initial steps to improve awareness of the hazard that xylitol poses to dogs. They have added a new warning about the dangers of xylitol to dogs in the "What Is Xylitol?" section of their FAQ page (though note that there truly is no maybe about it, xylitol IS dangerous to dogs).

4 Dog Safe Peanut Butter Brands That Are Xylitol-Free

Dogs love peanut butter. Peanut butter is the holy grail of Kong toy stuffing, pill hiding, and lick mat spreading dog treats. Pop those babies in the freezer to make it last longer and most dogs are in heaven licking away until theres nothing left.

But not all peanut butter is created equal. As a dog owner, its vital that you buy the right peanut butter that is safe for your pooch to eat.

Read on to learn which brands get the OK, what to look for in dog-safe peanut butter, as well as the dangers of consuming the wrong one.

What to Look for in Dog-Safe Peanut Butter Brands

Natural peanut butter without added sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol is going to be your best bet. Make sure the label says no added salt or unsalted.

If it includes preservatives, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and added sugar, its best to not share with your dog.

Dog-safe peanut butter shouldnt contain more than two ingredients: peanuts and salt.

Xylitol is an especially dangerous ingredient that is sometimes called birch sugar, so its important to be on the lookout for both of these terms in the ingredient list.

Dangers of Xylitol/Birch Sugar

Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in a lot of sugar-free chewing gums, candies, and more. Never buy sugar-free peanut butter as xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.

Dogs who ingest foods that contain xylitol can suffer from:

• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• seizures
• liver failure
• death

Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has eaten something with xylitol in it, as it can be absorbed quite rapidly.

Safe Brands of Peanut Butter for Dogs

Dog Lab, a reputable company that reviews pet products by surveying dog owners, consulting veterinarians, canine nutritionists, and animal behaviorists, tested over 50 kinds of peanut butter in order to find the healthiest one for dogs.

Their top choice as the best peanut butter for dogs is Whole Foods 365 brand smooth peanut butter. 365 Everyday Value Organic Peanut Butter is one of the safest because it only has one ingredient: peanuts!

Less is more. Theres no extra salt, sugar, additives, or anything unpronounceable. Just 100% natural creamy peanut butter.

Another great budget alternative that is the same as 365 is Trader Joes No Salt Peanut Butter.

For texture lovers, the best crunchy peanut butter they chose for humans and their furry friends was Teddie Super Chunky Peanut Butter.

They also recommend Poochie Peanut Butter, a brand of peanut butter developed especially for dogs. This type of peanut butter contains health-boosting natural ingredients like turmeric, flaxseed, parsley, and ginger.

Plus, 10% of their profits are donated to animal shelters. Win-win!

For a full list of 16 tested, safe peanut butter treats for dogs, visit DogLab.com

Dog Safe Peanut Butter Brands

1. Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Organic Peanut Butter
2. Trader Joes Peanut Butter (No Salt)
3. Teddie Super Chunky Peanut Butter
4. Poochie Dog Peanut Butter

A gentle reminder

While peanut butter contains a fair amount of healthy fats, its important to give it to your dog in moderation. High-fat diets and extra calories can lead to obesity and life-threatening pancreatitis. Too much peanut butter, even if its a brand thats safe for dogs, can still be detrimental to your dogs health.

Peanut Butter Brands to NEVER Feed Your Dog

The following brands are common grocery store shelf staples but contain added transfats, sweeteners, and other unnecessary ingredients. Pet owners should not share these peanut butters with their dog.

• Skippy peanut butter
• Peter Pan brand PB
• Jif peanut butter
• Nuts n More
• Krush Nutrition
• Go Nuts Co
• Amazon brand/Happy Belly PB

A peanut butter product being xylitol-free doesnt always mean its dog-friendly. Some peanut butters labeled as natural, like Skippy Natural or Jif Natural peanut butter spread, are xylitol-free but are still not recommended due to additives like corn syrup and trans fats.

Dog Lab also notes a couple of peanut butters created by pet brands that are not ideal. These include Kong Real Peanut Butter, which contains sugar and hydrogenated vegetable oil, and DogButter, which contains palm oil.

DIY Peanut Butter

Want to make your own homemade peanut butter? Its a lot easier than you think!

All you need is peanuts and a food processor.

Simply add peanuts (preferably unsalted) to a food processor and process for up to 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth.

Making your own peanut butter is a great option for a healthy treat because you know exactly whats in it.

Peanut Butter Alternatives for Dogs

It might be hard to believe, but its entirely possible for a dog not to like peanut butter. Lucky for them, there are plenty of nut butter alternatives to try (not to mention nut-free licking options).

Almond butter, sunflower seed butter, and cashew butter are safe alternatives for dogs who have peanut allergies or simply dont like peanuts.

These nutty butters, however, have very high fat content and should be given in moderation. Remember that dog food treats and snacks should only make up 10% of your dogs diet. The majority of your pups nutrients should come from its kibble.

Healthy peanut butter alternatives that can be stuffed into treat stuffers and arent derived from nuts include:

• Low-fat plain Greek yogurt
• Cream cheese
• Pumpkin puree
• Green beans
• Watermelon
• Baby food

Nuts to Avoid

The following nuts are either unhealthy or toxic to dogs.

• hazelnuts
• macadamia nuts
• pecans
• walnuts
• pistachios

Best Dog Toys for Treat Stuffing

The following treat stuffers and toys are great to use peanut butter, yogurt, and the like.

$10.99

The treat stuffing Peanut Stuffer is a durable nylon chew that occupies even some of the strongest chewers. This treat stuffer may look and feel like a peanut but is allergen-free. This chew toy is perfect to stuff with peanut butter or dog treats. It can even be played with after all treats are gone.ALLERGEN FREE PEANUT BUTTER FLAVOR: An added flavor that dogs love without the mess and irritants!UNIQUE

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$15.99

The Orbee-Tuff Guru by Planet Dog is a durable interactive dog toy featuring five different openings to hide treats. Once treats are buried in the openings, your pup will have to chew, squeeze and work to release them. Fill each opening with something different or load it up with your dogs favorite treat. Works great with kibble, bully sticks, carrots, apples, peanut butter, or any of your dogs favorite

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$19.99 $18.99

The Dog Tornado level 2 interactive dog puzzle from Nina Ottosson is the ideal toy for bored dogs and will keep them occupied for hours! This intermediate level toy features three tiers with twelve compartments for dog snacks or kibble. This mentally stimulating and entertaining dog game encourages your pup to spin the interactive puzzle tiers to reveal the rewards three bone shaped covers can be used

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$16.99 $10.99

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Smart interactive dog puzzle is a fun way to get your dog excited about problem solving games! This level 1 dog puzzle toy features nine treat hiding compartments that can be filled with your pups favorite treats and covered with nine dog bones that release the tasty scent of treats through the top hole. Place on the ground and watch your dog use his noggin as he

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