Can dogs eat peanut butter?

Only with precautions. Plain peanut butter is a favorite training treat and is safe in moderation — the catch is xylitol: some sugar-free brands use it, and xylitol poisons dogs at tiny doses. Read the ingredient list every single time. High fat also makes peanut butter a pancreatitis risk for dogs that get heaping daily spoonfuls.

Watch for xylitol signs if toxic brand: vomiting, incoordination, collapse; weight gain with overuse. Symptoms may appear within hours; when in doubt, call your vet.

Assess how much was eaten and whether seeds, pits, shells or seasoning were included. Small plain amounts usually need monitoring only; large or seasoned amounts warrant a call to your vet.