Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs?

Yes—as long as it does not contain xylitol (birch sugar), which is toxic to dogs. If you choose to give your dog peanut butter, it should be unsweetened, with no added salt or artificial ingredients.

Is Peanut Butter Good for Dogs?

While peanut butter is widely used in a variety of dog treats, supplements, and even specialized dog peanut butters, the real question is: Should dogs eat peanut butter at all?

The answer leans towards no. While it’s not necessarily harmful in small amounts, it’s not a particularly healthy addition to their diet either.

Why Peanut Butter May Not Be the Best Choice for Dogs

High-Calorie & Fat Content → Canine Obesity Risk

Obesity in dogs is a growing problem. A 2.5-year study conducted by Banfield reported that 31.6% of dogs were overweight, which the authors acknowledge is likely an underestimate. In another study conducted by the association for pet obesity prevent they found that 59% of dogs were classified as overweight or suffering from obesity.

Peanut Butter is around 52% Fat, 22% Protein, and 17% Carbohydrates, which makes peanut butter extremely calorie-dense, meaning even a small amount can add up quickly.

Peanut Butter Calories Per Serving

Serving Size	Calories (Atwater Factors)
¼ Tsp	8.75 kcal
½ Tsp	17.5 kcal
1 Tsp	35 kcal
½ Tbsp	52.5 kcal
1 Tbsp	105 kcal

To put this into perspective, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter equals about:

Caloric Comparison: Peanut Butter vs. Dog Food

Food Brand	Equivalent Portion to 1 Tbsp PB
Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (Turkey & Oatmeal)	0.220 cups
Farmina Lamb & Blueberry (Adult Medium & Maxi)	0.246 cups
Honest Kitchen Grain Free Beef Clusters	0.246 cups
Nature’s Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast	0.258 cups
Primal Beef Patties	0.252 patties
Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Frozen Raw Patties	0.294 patties

Covering a lick mat, filling a toppl or any other enrichment toy = more than an entire extra meal’s worth of calories!

Poor Omega 6 to Omega 3 Ratio → Increases Inflammation

A balanced Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio is critical for dogs because:

• Omega 6 fatty acids promote inflammation.
• Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) resolve inflammation.

Most experts agree the ideal ratio is below 10:1, with some recommending 5:1 or lower.

One of the flaws with using the 6 to 3 ratio is that its often reported as a total. A 5 to 1 Ratio almost entirely made up of ALA (Flaxseed, Chia Seed etc.) is very different than a 5 to 1 Ratio that includes moderate amounts of EPA and DHA from Marine sources.

But peanut butter has a staggering:

• Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio of 438:1

Adding peanut butter to your dog’s diet can drastically throw off this balance, especially if their food already has a higher omega-6 content.

Effect of 1 Tbsp of Peanut Butter on Omega 6:3 Ratio

Food Brand	Original Ratio	New Ratio (After 1 Tbsp PB)
Raised Right Pork	3.59:1	6.03:1

🔹 If your dog’s food already has a mid-to-high ratio, adding peanut butter significantly worsens it.

Excess Copper Content

Peanut butter is high in copper, and studies suggest that many dog foods already contain excessive levels of copper. Since there’s no current maximum limit for copper in pet food, avoiding high-copper treats like peanut butter is a smart choice.

Should You Give Your Dog Peanut Butter?

If given at all, peanut butter should be very limited and used sparingly.

Best to Avoid Peanut Butter If Your Dog Is:

• Overweight or prone to obesity (e.g., Labradors)
• Has hip dysplasia or arthritis
• Regularly takes medication (due to calorie and inflammation concerns)

Healthier Alternatives for Hiding Pills:

Alternative	Benefits
Freeze-dried sardines	Rich in omega-3s, great for inflammation
Canned food	Soft, easy to mix with medication
Baby food	Make sure it’s free of added sugars & onions
Canned pumpkin	Low-calorie, source of fiber
Ground meat	Tasty and easy to hide pills
Hard-boiled egg pieces	Protein-rich and easy to digest

Final Thoughts

Peanut butter isn’t toxic (unless it contains xylitol), but it’s not the best choice for your dog. There are far healthier, lower-calorie, and less inflammatory alternatives that provide better nutritional value.

If you do choose to give peanut butter, keep portions extremely small and infrequent!