Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Peanut butter for dogs – a harmless treat or a forbidden food? Furthermore, is peanut butter good for dogs? And can puppies have peanut butter? In short, the answer is: Yes. Dogs can eat peanut butter, but only in moderation as a treat.
We asked pet expert Rory the Vet for the full brief. See what he has to say below.
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet.
Follow him on Instagram
MEET RORY THE VET
We’ve partnered up with animal whisperer and renowned veterinarian, Dr Rory Cowlam, to share his wisdom when it comes to all things furry. And boy, does this man know his stuff.
Starting with his degree from the Royal Veterinary College, Rory has since co-starred in the CBBC’s series The Pet Factor, shared his knowledge on the likes of Blue Peter and written all about it in his book, Secret Life of a Vet..
Follow him on Instagram
Is peanut butter safe for dogs to eat?
Peanuts are generally safe for dogs to eat. I love using peanut butter when I need to command a dog ‘s attention or as a distraction. This works especially well if you plaster it inside a treat toy or on a lickimat. I also smear it on the end of my bath whenever my pooch Nala needs a bath!
But beware, peanuts are both high in fats and calories. You must be careful that you don’t give your furry friend too much. It’s also imperative that you check if the peanut butter contains an ingredient called Xylitol before you feed it to your dog. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. I am confident that most manufacturers in the UK now use alternative sweeteners, but you must always review the label’s listed ingredients regardless and avoid using if it does.
What to consider before feeding your dog peanut butter
Besides the listed ingredients, there are a few more things you will need to evaluate before you feed your pooch peanut butter.
Feed it as a special treat
Peanut butter should never be fed to your dog on a regular basis. It should be considered an occasional special treat, used in appropriate circumstances. For instance, as a form of distraction during an experience your dog doesn’t enjoy, such as a trip to the vet or an extra-long soak in the bath after a muddy walk.
For advice on your dog’s feeding needs, visit here
Pay attention to portion control
The next thing you must consider before feeding your friend peanut butter is the amount. As mentioned earlier, peanuts are high in calories - too much peanut butter could affect your dog‘s weight. I would recommend feeding your dog portion sizes based on their size. For small dogs, feed no more than a teaspoon that day, medium dogs, no more than two teaspoons that day and large dogs, no more than a tablespoon that day. If you end up going over this amount, cut down your dog‘s food portions to accommodate for these calories.
You can find more information about caring for your dog’s weight here
Be aware of health issues
We’ve touched on the potential weight gain risks that come with feeding your dog peanut butter. There are a few other health related issues that could be harmful to your pet if not properly moderated. Your dog should never be fed peanut butter if they suffer from the following:
- Kidney problems, due to the high salt content in peanut butter.
- Sensitivities. If your dog is sensitive to certain foods or has been put on a specific diet, it is best to avoid peanut butter. (particularly if they have existing pancreatic issues or problems digesting high fat foods)
I would recommend consulting your vet if you have any further queries or concerns.
Be aware of health issues
When all is said and done, feeding your pooch treats that have been made specifically for dogs is the preferred option here! And there are plenty of tasty options out there to choose from, including Lily’s Kitchen's Breaktime Biscuits, which is made with peanut butter. Tuck in, doggos!
TIP: Smear your dog‘s favourite Lily’s Kitchen wet recipe into a lickimat for an effective treat.
The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.