Choosing the Best Peanut Butter: What Peanut Butter Is Made Without Xylitol?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

While xylitol is a sugar alcohol considered safe for humans and used in many "sugar-free" products, it is highly toxic and potentially lethal to dogs. Because some nut butters now contain this artificial sweetener, knowing what peanut butter is made without xylitol is critical for pet owners and those prioritizing whole-food ingredients.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer natural peanut butter without xylitol, typically containing only peanuts and salt. Shoppers should always check ingredient lists, as this sweetener can appear under different names like "birch sugar". This ingredient can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs, making vigilance essential for pet owners.

Key Points

Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs: Even a small amount of this sugar alcohol can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure in canines.
Always read the ingredient list carefully: Xylitol is often found in "sugar-free" peanut butters and can be listed under alternative names like "birch sugar".
Opt for natural peanut butter with minimal ingredients: The safest choices typically list only peanuts, or peanuts and a small amount of salt, and are free of added sugars or oils.
Several brands offer xylitol-free options: Popular examples include Crazy Richard's, Whole Foods 365, and Teddie All Natural.
Making your own peanut butter is the safest option: Homemade peanut butter allows for complete control over ingredients, ensuring no harmful additives are included.
Check for hidden ingredients in processed butters: Beyond xylitol, other harmful additives like hydrogenated oils and excessive sugar can be found in some processed peanut butters.
Never assume a product is safe: Always verify the ingredients on any product before giving it to your pet, especially if the packaging mentions "sugar-free" or "low sugar".
Consult a veterinarian for further guidance: If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Why Xylitol is a Critical Concern in Peanut Butter

For most people, peanut butter is a pantry staple enjoyed for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits, which include healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins. However, the increasing use of artificial sweeteners in food production has introduced a dangerous element for pet-owning households: xylitol. As a sugar alcohol, xylitol mimics sugar's taste with fewer calories, making it an attractive additive for a variety of human foods, including some nut butters.

Unlike in humans, where xylitol is processed without a significant insulin spike, in dogs it triggers a rapid and potent release of insulin. This causes a sudden and severe drop in blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia, which can occur within minutes of ingestion. In higher doses, xylitol can also cause liver failure. Even a small amount of peanut butter containing xylitol can be life-threatening for a dog, emphasizing the importance of reading labels carefully.

The Importance of Reading Food Labels

To ensure the peanut butter you purchase is xylitol-free, especially if you plan to share it with a canine companion, reading the ingredient label is non-negotiable. Xylitol is not always listed prominently and can be disguised under other names. Awareness and vigilance are your best defenses against accidental poisoning.

Ingredient List: Always scan the ingredient list for the word "xylitol." Remember that manufacturers may also use alternative names for the sweetener.
Other Names for Xylitol: Be on the lookout for names such as "birch sugar," "birch bark extract," or generically as "sugar alcohols".
"Sugar-Free" Claim: The term "sugar-free" is a major red flag for pet owners. If you see this on a peanut butter jar, assume it may contain xylitol or another sugar substitute and check the label meticulously.

List of Peanut Butter Brands Without Xylitol

Many brands continue to produce natural peanut butter without this dangerous additive. Look for products with the shortest, simplest ingredient list possible—ideally just peanuts, or peanuts and salt.

Commonly Found Xylitol-Free Brands:

Crazy Richard's Peanut Butter
Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Organic Peanut Butter
Teddie All Natural Peanut Butter
Once Again Unsweetened Creamy Peanut Butter
MaraNatha Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
Spread The Love Organic Peanut Butter
Jif Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter (original variety)

Healthy Alternatives and Homemade Options

For those who prefer maximum control over their ingredients or want a fresher product, making homemade peanut butter is an excellent option. You can also explore other natural nut and seed butters, ensuring they contain no additives.

To make your own peanut butter, you will need:

Dry roasted, unsalted peanuts.
A food processor or high-speed blender.

Simply process the peanuts until they reach your desired consistency. You can add a pinch of salt to taste. It's a simple, cost-effective way to guarantee a xylitol-free product.

Comparison of Xylitol-Free Peanut Butters


Brand	Key Features	Ingredients (Typical)	Best For	Considerations
Crazy Richard's	100% peanuts	Peanuts	Purity and no additives.	Can separate, requiring stirring.
Whole Foods 365 Organic	Organic, simple ingredients.	Peanuts, salt (some varieties).	Value and organic sourcing.	Availability depends on the store.
Teddie All Natural	All-natural recipe.	Peanuts, salt (some varieties).	Chunky or smooth texture.	Classic, reliable option.
Smucker's Natural	Widely available, natural.	Peanuts, salt.	Convenience and accessibility.	Ensure it is the "Natural" version.
Homemade	Full ingredient control, freshest.	Peanuts (and salt, optional).	Ingredient-conscious consumers, pets.	Time-consuming to prepare.

Conclusion

Knowing what peanut butter is made without xylitol is an essential part of responsible pet ownership and a smart nutritional habit. Xylitol's severe toxicity to dogs makes it a critical ingredient to avoid, even if it is considered harmless to humans. By carefully reading labels, opting for natural brands with minimal ingredients, or making your own, you can ensure a safer and healthier snack for both you and your four-legged family members. The extra minute spent checking the ingredient list is a small investment in your pet's well-being and a testament to making informed dietary choices. For more on reading food labels for your pets, consider consulting a source like the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

If a dog ingests xylitol, it can cause a rapid and massive release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) within minutes to an hour. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, liver failure, and even death.

The easiest way is to look for brands with the shortest ingredient list, ideally stating only "peanuts" or "peanuts and salt." You should also avoid any product labeled "sugar-free".

The original varieties of Jif and Skippy peanut butter do not contain xylitol. However, always check the label, especially for any "natural" or specialty versions, to be certain.

Yes, homemade peanut butter is one of the safest options for dogs. By making it yourself with only peanuts and optional salt, you have full control over the ingredients and can be sure it is xylitol-free.

If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, it is a medical emergency. Contact a veterinarian, emergency animal hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Yes. Beyond xylitol, watch for other additives like excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy trans fats found in hydrogenated oils. Natural is always the best option for your pet.

Safe alternatives for dogs include plain pumpkin puree, apple slices (without seeds), and specially formulated dog peanut butters that are explicitly labeled xylitol-free.

The toxic dose of xylitol for dogs can be very small. For hypoglycemia, it can be as little as 0.075 - 0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight. The dose for liver failure is higher, but both are dangerous.