How Much Peanut Butter Is Safe for Dogs? Canine Treat Limits

Whether you want to use it to give your dog medication, distract them during a bath, or top off an enrichment toy, peanut butter can be an excellent treat. But how much peanut butter can a dog have?

Peanut butter is high in calories and fat, so it should be given in small amounts. Little dogs can have up to ½ a teaspoon twice a day, while medium and large dogs can have up to 1 teaspoon twice a day (although less is more, so to speak).

Keep reading for more information on giving peanut butter to dogs.

Daily Peanut Butter Intake for Dogs

With up to 100 calories per tablespoon, peanut butter is very calorie-dense, and many of those calories come from fat, so you should avoid giving your dog peanut butter every single day unless it’s the only way you can give them a daily medication.

However, peanut butter makes an excellent high-value treat for occasional use, like spreading it on the wall to distract your pup during bath time or for giving a medication your dog only needs once in a while rather than every day.

Keep in mind that fewer than 10% of your dog’s daily calories should come from treats, including peanut butter, so remember that a little bit of peanut butter can go a long way.

In general, small dogs should have no more than ½ teaspoon of peanut butter up to twice a day, while medium and large dogs should have no more than 1 teaspoon of peanut butter up to twice a day.

If your dog is obese or has pancreatitis, diabetes, a sensitive stomach, a special diet, or any other health issues, you should talk to your vet before giving your pup any peanut butter.

Nutrient Balance

Since peanut butter doesn’t provide a balanced source of nutrients, you shouldn’t give it to skinny dogs in an attempt to help them gain weight. You should instead choose a complete and balanced high-protein and nutrient-rich diet like We Feed Raw. Underweight dogs need plenty of protein to gain muscle mass rather than fat, so a raw diet is a better option for helping dogs gain weight safely than high-fat peanut butter.

Potential Risks of Peanut Butter

While peanut butter is a tasty treat for many dogs, it isn’t right for all dogs, and not all types of peanut butter are safe to share with dogs. Here are some things to watch out for when sharing peanut butter with your dog.

Xylitol

Commonly found in “keto” or “sugar-free” varieties of peanut butter, xylitol is an artificial sweetener that’s highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Also sometimes called birch sugar, xylitol can be deadly for dogs, so always read every ingredient on the label before sharing peanut butter with your pup.

Other Ingredients

Peanut butter may also contain other potentially harmful ingredients like chocolate or high levels of sugar or salt. Natural peanut butter is generally going to be your best bet if you want to share it with your dog. Also, small dogs might choke on the peanut pieces in chunky peanut butter, so smooth options are the better choice.

Peanut Allergies

While dogs are less likely to suffer from life-threatening anaphylaxis as a result of peanut allergies, some dogs can be allergic to peanuts and peanut butter. Symptoms of food allergies in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, itching, and greasy fur. Stop giving your dog peanut butter if you notice any of those symptoms after feeding the treat to your dog.

Additionally, if you have any family members who are allergic to peanuts, your dog’s breath and mouth could transfer the allergen to them, so you should avoid feeding peanut butter to a dog who comes in contact with people who have severe peanut allergies.

Safe Uses of Peanut Butter

While you can just feed your dog peanut butter from a spoon, this high-calorie treat is better fed under the specific circumstances listed below.

Medication Administration

A dab of peanut butter can help most dogs swallow their medication, even if they’ve figured out how to split open pill pockets, cheese, and other methods of hiding pills. First, give your dog a little bit of peanut butter just to see if they like it. Then shove the medication into the peanut butter and your dog will (hopefully) lick it all up, pill and all.

Bath Time

Many dogs hate bath time. You can make the experience a little more rewarding by smearing peanut butter on the wall of the shower or tub to keep your pup busy licking it off while you wash your dog.

Playtime and Mental Stimulation

Lick mats, puzzle toys, and other slow feeders provide excellent enrichment for dogs. While peanut butter is too calorie-dense to fill a whole Kong or lick mat with it, you can use peanut butter to seal off a Kong filled with kibble or add an additional tasty treat to a lick mat smeared with We Feed Raw. Freezing the enrichment toy for a few hours before giving it to your dog provides even more physical and mental stimulation, making it great for highly active dogs who may not get enough exercise during the day.

Better Than Peanut Butter: We Feed Raw

If you’re looking for something you can stuff into enrichment toys, We Feed Raw is a better option than high-fat and calorie-dense peanut butter. Our meals are complete and balanced for dogs of all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies, so it’s perfect for stuffing into Kongs, lick mats, and other puzzle feeders, then freezing for excellent enrichment you can divide up into several meals throughout the day.

At We Feed Raw, we use a cold-pressure process to inactivate potential pathogens, making our food safe for your dog and your family.

Take our quiz now to start your dog on their personalized meal plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much peanut butter can a dog have a day?

Small dogs should eat no more than ½ to 1 teaspoon of peanut butter per day, while medium and large dogs should have no more than 1-2 teaspoons per day.

How much peanut butter can a large dog have?

A large dog can have as much as 1-2 teaspoons of peanut butter. However, they ideally should not have peanut butter every day because it’s extremely high in fat.

How much peanut butter can a dog have per day?

A small dog can have up to 1 teaspoon of peanut butter per day, while a large dog can have up to 2 teaspoons of peanut butter per day. Peanut butter is best used as an occasional treat, however, rather than something you give your dog daily.

Enhance Your Dog’s Health With Raw Dog Food

Ready to enhance your furry friend's health and lifestyle while indulging their taste buds? Look no further than We Feed Raw! While peanut butter might be a tasty occasional treat, it's not the best option for your dog's daily diet, especially due to its high fat content and potential risks.

We Feed Raw offers a superior alternative with balanced, protein-rich, nutrient-dense meals that are perfect for helping your dog maintain a healthy weight, gain muscle, and stay energized. Our meals are tailor-made to suit all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies, ensuring that your dog is receiving optimal nutrition at every meal.

Our ready-to-serve meals can also serve as the ideal stuffing for enrichment toys, bringing joy and mental stimulation to your dog's day without the excess calories. The cold-pressure process we employ guarantees the safety of our meals for both your dog and your family, making We Feed Raw the clear choice for conscientious pet owners.

Why settle for less when you can provide the best for your beloved companion? Take the first step towards a happier, healthier dog by taking our quick quiz on WeFeedRaw.com to create a personalized meal plan that your dog will absolutely love. Choose We Feed Raw for a thriving, satisfied pup with every bite!