Can dogs eat peanut butter?

Why

Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, but it is very high in calories which can lead to weight gain. The biggest risk comes from xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs, so you must avoid any product containing it.

If you do feed it

• Choose a variety with no added salt, sugar, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
• Limit treats to no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake to prevent obesity.
• Start with a very small amount to ensure your dog does not have an allergic reaction.
• Always supervise your dog while they eat to prevent choking on the sticky texture.

Watch out for

• Xylitol (often listed as birch sugar or E967)
• Salted or honey-roasted varieties with high sodium
• Chocolate-flavored peanut butter
• Chunks with whole nuts that pose a choking hazard

Better choices