Is peanut butter good for dogs? Yes, if given conservatively as part of a balanced diet, peanut butter can offer a few nutritional–and enjoyable–benefits for dogs.

Niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, and vitamin B6 are all found in peanuts. Vitamin E is important for immune health, as is magnesium, which can also help target inflammation in the body.

B vitamins, vitamin E, and magnesium may have beneficial effects on cognitive function, which is especially important for senior dogs age 7 and up.

Even without added salt and sugar, the naturally savory taste of peanut butter may entice your pup to take their pills since it can mask the scent and taste of some medications.

Peanut butter is a great plant-based source of protein and healthy fats. If your dog has a protein allergy, it’s possible that even some plant-based proteins may cause issues but in general, peanut butter allergies in dogs are thankfully very uncommon. 

Discuss any specific dietary concerns with your veterinarian; they’ll help recommend the best diet and treats and advise if peanut butter is safe for your dog. 

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener and popular alternative to sugar in some peanut butters––it’s also extremely toxic to your dog. Even tiny amounts of xylitol have the potential to induce a swift insulin release in canines, resulting in decreased blood sugar levels and potential life-threatening issues. In high levels, liver damage and failure. It's crucial to note that this substance might also be listed as birch sugar on food labels, so be vigilant when shopping for peanut butters.

Is peanut butter safe for dogs? Yes, when you avoid certain ingredients like salt, sugar, and other additives. The best peanut butter for dogs will be made without salt, sugar, oils, preservatives, mix-ins (e.g., jam, chocolate chips, cinnamon), xylitol or other sweeteners. The best peanut butter should be super basic and as close to its natural state as possible!

How much peanut butter can a dog have on a daily basis? The answer depends on your dog’s body weight. But remember, peanut butter should be given as a special occasion treat.

An average medium-size dog can have a total of 2 teaspoons of peanut butter per day, split into two 1-teaspoon servings. 

A small dog can have 1 teaspoon of peanut butter per day, split into two ½-teaspoon servings.

Not all peanut butter is created equal! You might be strolling through the nut butter section in your local grocery store wondering things like, “Is Jif peanut butter safe for dogs?” First, that’s a hard NO on processed peanut butters like Jif. Many peanut butters have added sugar and salt, meaning they’re not suitable for your pet.

How about chunky or smooth––which one is the best peanut butter for dogs? That all depends on your pup’s palate! Smooth and crunchy peanut butter are both considered safe from your pooch, as long as you follow the recommended serving size for their weight. Keep in mind that chunky peanut butter might be more difficult for small dogs (with small mouths) and senior dogs (with delicate teeth and gums) to eat than smooth peanut butter.

There’s no “best brand” of peanut butter for your dog. Instead, focus on brands that stick to simple, pure ingredients––that means 100% raw or dry-roasted peanuts, and that’s it.

Feeding peanut butter to your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. A spoonful of peanut butter is a great way for your pet to enjoy the savory flavor of peanuts. Another idea is adding a dab of peanut butter to a bite-size carrot, or smearing a bit onto a lick mat or puzzle mat for a fun playtime snack. 

You can also take advantage of store-bought dog multivitamin supplements made with peanut butter, dog fiber supplements made with peanut butter, or other quality soft chews that can be given daily to your dog. Just be sure the supplements you choose are free of sugars and other fillers, which have no nutritional value for your pet and can cause more harm than good. 

If you’re looking for a simple peanut butter dog treats recipe to make at home, it just takes a few ingredients:

• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp water 

*Note: If your dog is following a grain-free diet, go ahead and swap the whole wheat flour for an all-purpose gluten-free flour.

Preheat your oven to 350°.

Combine the peanut butter, flour, eggs, and pumpkin. Blend in a medium mixing bowl, adding water 1 tsp at a time until your batter becomes smooth, somewhat dry, and stiff. 

Use a floured rolling pin to roll your dough to ½ inch thick. Don’t worry about the shape! 

Choose what shape you’d like for your peanut butter dog treats–dog bone, circle, square, etc.–and then use your cookie cutter to cut out each treat.Transfer to a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. 

Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, keeping an eye on the color of the treats. You’re looking for a golden brown that’s not too dark––then you know they’re done! Transfer to a cooling rack. Don’t feed them to your pup until they’re completely cool! Store the leftovers in an airtight container for 5-7 days.

How much peanut butter can a dog have? As long as you’re following the serving size recommendations listed above, peanut butter is safe for your dog to eat every day. However, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian about any special treats and they’ll tell you if peanut butter is a safe snacking option for your pooch. 

Bark if you love peanut butter! This ingredient is one of the most beloved foods for a reason, and most dogs adore the flavor. So if your dog is clear to enjoy it, go ahead and add peanut butter to the rotation for a tasty and nutritious treat!