Peanut butter is one of those magical treats that most dogs can’t resist. Whether you use it to sneak a pill past your pup’s watchful eye, stuff a Kong for a rainy-day boredom buster, or reward them with a spoonful of happiness, it’s an easy staple to keep in your pantry.
But not all peanut butters are created equal. Some are perfectly safe, while others can be downright dangerous. Let’s dive into what makes a good peanut butter for dogs, how much to give, its benefits, which dogs shouldn’t eat it, and which brands we love most.
TL;DR – Quick Takeaways
- • Topic: Finding the best peanut butter for dogs—safe, tasty, and free from harmful ingredients.
- • Key Rule: Never feed peanut butter with xylitol or excess sugar/salt.
- • Portion Tips: Small dogs = ½ tsp, medium = 1 tsp, large = 1 tbsp, a few times weekly.
- • Top Brands: Buddy Budder, Jif Natural, Mighty Paw Bark’n Butter, and more.
💡 Why it’s worth your scroll: Peanut butter can be a fun, enriching, and protein-packed treat for dogs—when you choose the right brand and feed it safely.
What to Look for in Dog-Safe Peanut Butter
When you’re scanning the label, keep these rules in mind:
✔ No Xylitol – This sugar substitute is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Always double-check the label.
✔ No Added Salt or Sugar – A little sugar isn’t usually dangerous, but the less the better. Too much salt can lead to health issues over time.
✔ No Artificial Sweeteners or Preservatives – Dogs don’t need fillers; keep it simple.
✔ Short Ingredient List – Ideally, just peanuts. Sometimes a bit of palm oil is added to keep it spreadable, which is generally fine in moderation.
Safe Ingredient Checklist
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Peanuts
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Peanut oil (in small amounts)
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Palm oil (optional, but avoid if your dog has sensitivities
How Much Peanut Butter Can Dogs Eat?
Even the best peanut butter should be given in moderation. It’s calorie-dense and high in fat, so think of it as a treat, not a dietary staple.
👉 Portion guidelines:
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Small dogs: ½ teaspoon a few times per week
-
Medium dogs: 1 teaspoon a few times per week
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Large dogs: up to 1 tablespoon a few times per week
Keep in mind that these are rough guidelines—adjust for your dog’s size, weight goals, and activity level.
Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs
Peanut butter isn’t just delicious—it can actually provide a few perks for your pup when given responsibly.
🐾 Great source of protein – A spoonful of peanut butter delivers a quick protein boost to help maintain muscle mass.
🐾 Healthy fats – Natural peanut butter contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support skin and coat health.
🐾 Enrichment and mental stimulation – Stuffing a Kong or spreading peanut butter on a lick mat can reduce boredom, ease anxiety, and provide long-lasting entertainment.
🐾 Makes medication easier – Few things disguise a pill better than a blob of peanut butter. It’s an easy, stress-free way to get your dog to take their meds.
🐾 Tasty training reward – Because it’s so high-value to most dogs, peanut butter can be used sparingly during training sessions for extra motivation.
Note: While it has nutritional benefits, peanut butter should always remain an occasional treat, not a daily staple.
Using Peanut Butter for Enrichment
One of the best things about peanut butter is how versatile it is for enrichment.
🐾 Kong Toys: Stuff a Kong with peanut butter and freeze it for a long-lasting treat. Bonus points if you layer it with kibble or chopped carrots.
🐾 Lick Mats: Spread a thin layer over a lick mat to keep your dog busy and reduce stress.
🐾 Training Treats: Smear a little on a spoon or use squeeze packs for high-value rewards.
When Peanut Butter Isn’t a Good Idea
Even though it’s safe for most dogs, there are situations where peanut butter may not be the best choice.
🚫 Dogs with diabetes – Peanut butter can cause spikes in blood sugar, especially varieties with added sugar. If your dog has diabetes, consult your vet before offering any.
🚫 Overweight dogs – Because it’s high in calories and fat, peanut butter can contribute to weight gain if overfed. For pups on a weight management plan, stick to very small amounts or consider healthier alternatives like mashed pumpkin.
🚫 Dogs with pancreatitis or sensitive stomachs – The high fat content can worsen flare-ups or trigger digestive upset. In these cases, it’s best avoided unless your vet gives the okay.
🚫 Allergic dogs – Peanut allergies are rare but possible in dogs. Signs include itching, swelling, or gastrointestinal upset after eating. If you notice any reaction, stop immediately and talk to your vet.
Best Peanut Butter Brands for Dogs
Here are our top picks, tested and loved by dog parents everywhere.
1. BUDDY BUDDER by The Bark Bistro Company (Best Overall)
This dog-specific peanut butter is made with just peanuts and natural ingredients—no sugar, salt, or artificial additives. It’s smooth, spreadable, and designed with pups in mind. A great everyday choice if you want a worry-free option.
Made just for dogs, Buddy Budder keeps things simple with peanuts and natural oils—no sugar, no salt, no worries. It’s creamy, spreadable, and perfect for stuffing Kongs, hiding pills, or just spoiling your pup. A safe, everyday option designed with your dog’s health (and taste buds) in mind.
2. Jif Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread (Best Store-Bought PB)
If you’re grabbing something at the grocery store, Jif Natural is one of the safest big-name options. Its ingredient list is short, and it doesn’t contain xylitol. It does have a touch of sugar and palm oil, so keep portions modest, but overall it’s a reliable and affordable pick.
Looking for a dog-safe peanut butter at your local grocery store? Jif Natural is a reliable pick. With a short ingredient list and no xylitol, it’s safe to share in moderation. It does contain a touch of sugar and palm oil, so keep portions small, but it’s tasty and affordable.
3. BUDDY BUDDER 6-Pack Mixed Flavor Squeeze Pack (Best Variety)
Want to mix things up? These squeeze packs come in fun flavors like banana or pumpkin, making them perfect for picky pups. The packaging also makes them super convenient for travel or mess-free training sessions.
If your pup loves variety, Buddy Budder Squeeze Packs are a game-changer. With flavors like banana and pumpkin, these travel-ready packs make enrichment fun and mess-free. Just squeeze onto a lick mat, use during training, or bring along on adventures. Healthy, safe, and designed to keep tails wagging.
4. Mighty Paw Bark’n Butter Peanut Butter for Dogs
Made with minimal ingredients and designed specifically for dogs, Mighty Paw’s Bark’n Butter is a great choice if you like supporting pet-focused brands. It’s creamy, easy to spread, and comes in a jar that’s perfect for Kong-stuffing.
Crafted with minimal, dog-focused ingredients, Mighty Paw Bark’n Butter is creamy, spreadable, and made for enrichment. It’s a trusted option for pet parents who want a brand that prioritizes canine health and safety. Perfect for stuffing toys, rewarding training, or sneaking pills, it’s a pantry staple for dog lovers.
5. KONG Easy Treat Peanut Butter Paste (Best Allergy-Friendly PB Alternative)
This isn’t technically peanut butter—it’s a peanut butter-flavored paste. But it’s worth mentioning for dog parents with peanut allergies who still want to give their dogs the PB experience. It comes in a pressurized can that makes stuffing Kongs quick and mess-free.
Not technically peanut butter, but still worth a mention! KONG Easy Treat is a peanut butter-flavored paste that makes stuffing toys quick and mess-free. It’s especially great for dog parents with peanut allergies who want their pups to enjoy the PB experience without handling the real thing.
🥜 Best Peanut Butter for Dogs – Quick Comparison
| Brand | Ingredients | Texture | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buddy Budder | Peanuts, natural oils (no salt/sugar) | Smooth, creamy | Everyday use, Kong-stuffing |
| Jif Natural | Peanuts, palm oil, small sugar | Classic creamy spread | Budget-friendly grocery option |
| Buddy Budder Squeeze Packs | Peanuts + dog-safe flavors | Squeezable, portable | Training, travel, variety-loving pups |
| Mighty Paw Bark’n Butter | Minimal, dog-focused formula | Easy to spread | Pet-focused buyers, Kong-stuffers |
| KONG Easy Treat (Paste) | Peanut butter-flavored paste (not true PB) | Pressurized can, soft paste | Owners with peanut allergies, quick stuffing |
✅ All options are xylitol-free and dog-safe when fed in moderation.
Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes You’ll Love
One of the best things about peanut butter is how easily it works into homemade dog treats. From no-bake snacks to festive holiday goodies, these recipes let you spoil your pup with safe, wholesome ingredients—and most of them take just minutes to make.
🍌 Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats – A classic combo that dogs adore! These treats are simple, healthy, and full of flavor.
🎄 Holiday Dog Treat Recipe – Perfect for special occasions, these festive cookies let your pup join in on the seasonal fun.
❄️ Frozen Pumpkin Hypoallergenic Treats – Great for sensitive pups, these cool treats combine pumpkin and peanut butter for a refreshing, dog-safe snack.
🥥 Coconut & Peanut Butter Bones – Hypoallergenic and delicious, these crunchy bones are ideal for dogs with common food sensitivities.
🍯 No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats – Quick and easy, these require no oven time—just mix, chill, and serve.
🥜 Peanut Butter No-Bake Bites – Another no-bake winner, these little bites are perfect for training rewards or quick snacks.
👉 Whether you’re looking for a special holiday treat or an everyday snack, these peanut butter-based recipes are sure to become favorites in your household.
Final Thoughts
Peanut butter can be one of the most versatile and rewarding treats in your dog’s life—as long as you pick a safe option and use it in moderation. Whether you stick with a dog-specific brand like Buddy Budder or grab a grocery store staple like Jif Natural, just remember: always check the label for xylitol, and keep servings small.
Your pup will thank you with wagging tails, slobbery kisses, and a very clean Kong toy. 🐶
