Peanut Butter is generally considered safe for both dogs and cats. As with any food or plant, moderation is sensible and individual animals may react differently. Only if xylitol-free - always check label.
Plain peanut butter is safe for dogs and a popular treat, but check the label every time. A few brands contain xylitol, sometimes listed as birch sugar, which is highly toxic to dogs. Choose an unsalted brand with no added sugar or sweeteners. Peanut butter is high in fat and calories, so keep portions small: about a teaspoon for a small dog and a tablespoon for a large one. Cats can have a small lick, but it gives them nothing nutritionally, and its sticky texture can be hard for them to swallow.
If the peanut butter contained xylitol: vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, trembling or collapse, usually within an hour. Too much ordinary peanut butter can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and in some dogs pancreatitis, which shows as belly pain, a hunched posture and lethargy.
Check the ingredients first. If they include xylitol or birch sugar, go to a vet straight away. If it's plain peanut butter and your pet ate a lot, watch for stomach upset, and call your vet if vomiting continues or your pet seems to be in pain.
Data sourced from public ASPCA lists. For general guidance only. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. · Privacy Policy