My dog

Schedules, units and retailers all change with this.

Can dogs eat it?

Can dogs eat peanut butter?

Only with care Yes, if it has no xylitol. Check the label for xylitol or birch sugar every time, and keep it small because it is high in fat.

Why

Plain peanut butter gives protein and fat, and most is safe for dogs (AKC). The danger is xylitol, a sweetener some brands use, which is toxic to dogs even in small amounts: it may be listed as birch sugar (PDSA, AKC). Peanut butter is also high in fat, and too much can lead to weight gain or pancreatitis. Unsalted is best.

Signs to watch for

If your dog ate peanut butter

If the jar lists xylitol or birch sugar, go to your vet now with the jar. If it was plain peanut butter, a large amount can still upset the stomach: call your vet if your dog vomits repeatedly or seems in pain.

If your dog has eaten something toxic

Call your vet or the nearest emergency vet now. Do not wait for signs, and do not make your dog sick unless a vet tells you to. Take the packet with you.

Australia: poison advice lines
  • Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738. Open 24/7. Its own home page says consultations with a Poisons Information Consultant are available from $75 AUD. Older pages still call it free: RSPCA Australia's knowledgebase (last updated December 2023) and the helpline's own 2019 launch news, so ask about the fee when you call.
United States: poison advice lines
United Kingdom: poison advice lines
  • Animal PoisonLine: 01202 509 000. Open 24 hours, run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service. £35 per call 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, £45 at all other times including bank holidays, paid by card (Amex not accepted). If your pet shows collapse, seizures or breathing difficulty, it says to contact your vet immediately instead.
Canada: poison advice lines
  • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Its own site says it is available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, 24/7. A USD 89 per incident fee applies, which includes follow-up consultations.
New Zealand: poison advice lines
  • Animal Poisons Helpline: 0800 869 738. Open 24/7, the same service as in Australia. New Zealand's National Poisons Centre says it is available to all New Zealand pet owners and that charges do apply; the amount for New Zealand callers is not stated.
  • National Poisons Centre (for people). New Zealand's National Poisons Centre handles human poisonings and says it is not expert in animal poisonings. For a pet, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline.

How to give it safely

Pick an unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol or birch sugar. A thin smear inside a stuffable toy is plenty, and count it within your dog's 10% treat allowance.

This is general guidance, your vet sets the actual schedule. Puppies, small dogs and dogs with a health condition can react to smaller amounts. Check with your own vet before changing what your dog eats.

Other foods people ask about

Almonds Only with care Best not. Almonds are not toxic like macadamias, but they are hard to digest, fatty, and can block the throat or gut. Cashews Only with care One or two plain, unsalted cashews will not hurt most dogs, but they are fatty, often salted, and mixed packs can hide macadamias. Hazelnuts Only with care Best avoided. Hazelnuts are not toxic, but they are fatty, a choking risk, and the hard shells can block the gut. Macadamia nuts No, toxic No. Macadamia nuts cause weakness, wobbliness, vomiting and a raised temperature in dogs. Call your vet if your dog eats any. Peanuts Only with care A few plain, unsalted, shelled peanuts will not hurt most dogs, but they are fatty and salted or flavoured ones are best avoided. Pecans No, toxic No. Pecans contain juglone and can carry toxic moulds, and like other nuts they are very fatty. Keep them away from your dog.

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Sources

Last reviewed 2026-09-29.