Skip to content

No, dogs should not eat Nutter Butters. While non-toxic, Nutter Butters have no nutritional value for your dog and are best avoided. Excessive or regular consumption of such sugary treats can be very harmful to your dog in the long term.

caution icon
caution

Caution: This food is generally considered risky by the veterinary community. Dogs should not eat this food and should be monitored for adverse effects.

Food Safety Best avoided
Nutritional Issues Loaded with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavoring
Potential Risks Diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, weight gain
Symptoms Vomiting, diarrhea, and other tummy issues
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

What Makes Nutter Butters Unsafe?

The ingredients make them a highly unhealthy treat for your dog. Some common ingredients in Nutter Butters are:

  • Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is safe for dogs in moderation.
  • Wheat Flour: Some dogs may experience adverse effects due to gluten.
  • Sugar: Excessive consumption of sugary treats can be harmful to your dog and can result in some diseases as well.
  • Palm Oil: It is found in many commercial dog food products and is considered safe. However, excessive amounts of palm oil in products can be harmful.

TIP: If your dog sneaks a bite, they will keep wanting more. So, it is best not to offer your dog this treat even if they have been a good dog. Make a homemade peanut butter treat instead.

Peanut Butter Biscuity: A Nutter Butter Alternative

You can make your own homemade peanut butter biscuits to use as a treat for your pup. Scout out some natural peanut butter with no added sugar or preservatives. Beware of sugar-free or fat-free options that might contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to your pup.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup all-natural peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons applesauce or mashed banana
  • 1 egg
  • 1/8 cup water

Recipe

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Combine the ingredients into a ball of dough (adding more water if it’s too dry)
  3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until 1/4 inch thick and cut into bite sized pieces
  4. Spread out the cookies onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake for 15 min or until golden brown.

Once the biscuits are cooled you can serve them to your fur baby as is or drizzle on a bit more peanut butter on top. They store well in the freezer and can be defrosted 1-2 at a time so you’re not tempted to give them to your good boy or girl all at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All natural peanut butter with no extra additives such as sugar or xylitol can be given to dogs in moderation.

  • If your dog eats one Nutter Butter, it is unlikely to harm them unless your dog is gluten intolerant.

  • If your dog has gotten sick after eating Nutter Butter, they must have eaten one too many. Try finding out what variant your dog has eaten and the ingredients. If they continue being sick, contact your vet immediately.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.