What brands of peanut butter are xylitol free?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Xylitol is a highly toxic sweetener for dogs, which can cause a rapid and life-threatening drop in blood sugar. For this reason, knowing what brands of peanut butter are xylitol free is crucial for pet owners, especially since this ingredient has appeared in some specialty and sugar-free varieties.

Quick Summary

Essential guide for pet owners on identifying xylitol-free peanut butter brands. Covers ingredient checking, safe brands, and recognizing hidden dangers to protect dogs.

Key Points

Xylitol is toxic to dogs: This low-calorie sweetener can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and severe liver damage in canines.
Mainstream brands are generally safe: Jif, Skippy, and Smucker's do not typically use xylitol, but always check the label.
Avoid specialty and sugar-free options: Brands like Nuts 'n More, Krush Nutrition, and P28 have been known to contain xylitol and must be avoided.
Read the ingredients carefully: Xylitol may also be listed as "sugar alcohol," "birch sugar," or "birch bark extract".
Natural labels can be misleading: Some "natural" peanut butters are xylitol-free but may contain unhealthy additives like sugar, salt, and palm oil.
Check every jar: Manufacturers can change recipes, so reading the label every time is the only way to be certain about the ingredients.
Single-ingredient products are safest: The safest peanut butters are those with only one or two ingredients, such as peanuts and salt.

Why Is Xylitol Dangerous for Dogs?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener in many human foods, including gum, baked goods, and some specialty nut butters. While harmless to humans, it is extremely toxic to dogs. When a dog ingests xylitol, it is rapidly absorbed into their bloodstream, causing a powerful release of insulin from the pancreas. This sudden insulin surge leads to a rapid and profound drop in blood sugar levels, a condition called hypoglycemia, which can occur within 10 to 60 minutes. In severe cases, xylitol can also cause liver failure, which is often fatal. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, and seizures. Due to the increasing use of xylitol in a wider variety of products, pet owners must be vigilant and check all food labels carefully before offering any to their canine companions.

Safe and Unsafe Brands of Peanut Butter

Identifying safe peanut butter requires careful label-reading, as some brands pose a significant risk to pets. The key is to look for products with minimal ingredients, ideally just peanuts, and to avoid any that list xylitol or related sugar alcohols.

Xylitol-Free Brands (Generally Safe)

Most major, mainstream peanut butter brands do not contain xylitol. These are widely considered safe for dogs in moderation, provided they do not have other harmful additives. Always check the ingredients list, as recipes can change over time.

Jif: Their standard products are xylitol-free, though some 'natural' varieties may contain extra sugars and oils not ideal for pets.
Skippy: Similarly, Skippy confirmed that its products do not contain xylitol. Check ingredient lists for less healthy additives.
Smucker's Natural: The natural varieties often contain only peanuts and salt, making them a safe choice.
Peter Pan: The traditional varieties are generally xylitol-free.
Crazy Richard's: Many of their products contain only one ingredient—peanuts—making them an excellent option.
Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value: The organic peanut butter from Whole Foods often has only one ingredient: organic roasted peanuts.
Trader Joe's: Their natural, no-salt-added peanut butter is a simple and safe choice.

Peanut Butter Brands Containing Xylitol (Avoid)

A number of specialty and high-protein brands have used xylitol to reduce sugar content. These brands should be avoided entirely for pets.

Nuts 'n More: Specifically mentioned for containing xylitol.
Krush Nutrition: Contains xylitol in its products.
P28 Foods: Has been reported to use xylitol in its spreads.
Go Nuts, Co.: Also listed as a brand that may contain xylitol.

Natural Labels Can Be Misleading

The term "natural" on a label does not guarantee safety for pets. Some "natural" spreads, while xylitol-free, may include additives like corn syrup, sugar, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and salt, which are not ideal for a dog's health. Opt for brands that truly have a simple ingredient list.

How to Spot Xylitol on a Label

To ensure your pet's safety, you must read the ingredient label every time you purchase a new jar of peanut butter. Xylitol may not always be listed explicitly under that name.

Check the ingredients list: Look for the word "xylitol" near the top or middle of the ingredients list.
Look for alternative names: Xylitol can be disguised under different names. Common synonyms include "sugar alcohol," "birch sugar," and "birch bark extract".
Scan for keywords: Be wary of products advertised as "sugar-free," "low sugar," or "sweetened naturally," as these are common clues that a sweetener like xylitol might be present.

Compare Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter Brands


Brand	Key Features	Ingredients	Pet-Safe?
Jif (Standard)	Creamy, smooth texture	Peanuts, sugar, oils, salt	Yes (xylitol-free)
Skippy (Standard)	Creamy or crunchy options	Peanuts, sugar, oils, salt	Yes (xylitol-free)
Whole Foods 365	Organic, single ingredient	Organic Roasted Peanuts	Yes (ideal)
Crazy Richard's	Minimalist, single ingredient	Peanuts	Yes (ideal)
Trader Joe's (No Salt)	Natural, no added salt	Peanuts	Yes (ideal)
Nuts 'n More	High-protein spread	Contains xylitol	NO - TOXIC

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Xylitol

If you suspect your dog has ingested a product containing xylitol, act quickly.

Do not wait for symptoms. Immediately contact your veterinarian, a 24-hour emergency animal hospital, or a pet poison helpline.
Collect packaging: Bring the product packaging with you to the vet so they can determine the amount ingested and the potential toxicity level.
Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance. It can be dangerous and is not recommended.
Monitor for symptoms while you prepare for transport. Look for lethargy, vomiting, or loss of coordination.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Pet's Safety

While peanut butter is a popular treat for pets, it is vital to prioritize safety by ensuring it is completely free of xylitol. With many safe, mainstream, and all-natural options available, pet owners have no shortage of choices. The most important step is developing the habit of reading ingredient labels every time you buy, as a manufacturer's recipe can change unexpectedly. By choosing simple, xylitol-free peanut butter, you can offer your dog a delicious treat without risking their health. For more general pet food safety guidelines, you can consult with resources like the ASPCA.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, major brands like Jif, Skippy, Smucker's, and Peter Pan typically do not contain xylitol, making them safe for dogs in moderation. However, always check the label for any recipe changes, especially for their "natural" versions.

Besides "xylitol," be aware of alternative names such as "sugar alcohol," "birch sugar," "birch bark extract," and "wood sugar" when checking ingredient lists.

If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline immediately. Symptoms can appear quickly, and prompt medical attention is crucial.

Yes, some peanut butters labeled "natural" may be xylitol-free but can still contain unhealthy additives like sugar, excess salt, and palm oil, which are not ideal for a dog's health. Always read the full ingredient list.

Look for peanut butters that contain only one or two ingredients: peanuts and maybe salt. The fewer the ingredients listed, the safer the product generally is for your pet.

In dogs, xylitol is absorbed quickly and causes a potent release of insulin, which leads to a severe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and can cause liver damage. Humans process xylitol differently without this reaction.

While xylitol-free peanut butter is safe in moderation, it is still high in fat and calories. It should only be given as an occasional treat to prevent weight gain and other issues.