What Peanut Butter Has Xylitol in It and How to Identify It

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, xylitol poisoning in dogs is a growing concern, with reports linked to everyday human products like peanut butter. This makes it critical for pet owners to know exactly which brands pose a risk to their canine companions.

Quick Summary

Certain peanut butter products, particularly low-sugar or high-protein varieties, may contain the sugar substitute xylitol, which is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Knowing which brands use this ingredient is crucial for pet safety.

Key Points

Check Labels Thoroughly: Always read the ingredient list for any peanut butter before giving it to your dog, especially for products marked 'sugar-free' or 'low-sugar'.
Recognize Xylitol Aliases: Xylitol may be listed under other names like birch sugar, wood sugar, or simply 'sugar alcohol,' so be vigilant for these terms.
Avoid Specific Brands: Be cautious with specialty or high-protein nut butters, as brands such as Nuts 'N More, Krush Nutrition, and P28 have been known to use xylitol.
Opt for Safe Alternatives: Choose all-natural peanut butters with minimal ingredients, ideally just peanuts and salt, from trusted brands like Jif, Skippy, or Smucker's.
Act Fast in Emergencies: If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, seek immediate veterinary care, as the substance is highly toxic and can cause rapid, life-threatening drops in blood sugar.

Why Xylitol is a Danger to Your Dog

For humans, xylitol is a safe, low-calorie sugar substitute. For dogs, however, it is a potent toxin. After a dog consumes xylitol, the substance is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, triggering a sudden, powerful release of insulin from the pancreas. This causes a drastic drop in blood sugar levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia, which can occur within 10 to 60 minutes of ingestion. In severe cases, high doses of xylitol can also cause acute liver failure, a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning

If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, watch for these signs:

Vomiting
Decreased activity or lethargy
Weakness or staggering
Lack of coordination or collapse
Seizures

Peanut Butter Brands That Contain Xylitol

While major mainstream brands like Jif, Skippy, and Smuckers do not use xylitol in their regular formulas, the sweetener is more commonly found in specialty, low-calorie, or high-protein nut butter products. The following brands have been reported to contain xylitol, so it is essential to check labels, even if the brand has been considered safe in the past:

Nuts 'N More: A brand known for high-protein nut butters, Nuts 'N More has previously acknowledged using xylitol and added a warning to their FAQ page.
Krush Nutrition: This brand produced a product called "Nutty By Nature" that was known to contain xylitol. Some reports suggest the brand may no longer be in business.
P28 Foods: Some of their formulated high-protein peanut spreads have included xylitol.
No Cow (formerly D's Naturals): This brand, particularly its D's Naturals products, has been listed among those containing xylitol.
Go Nuts, Co.: This company has also been cited for using xylitol in its products, though it also appears to be out of business.

How to Check for Xylitol on a Product Label

Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients on the label, but xylitol can be tricky to spot. It might not be called out in large print, and may go by different names. To ensure your peanut butter is safe for your dog, follow these steps:

Look at the Ingredient List: Always read the fine print on the ingredient panel, especially for products advertised as "sugar-free" or "low-sugar".
Check for Aliases: Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol, so check for these alternative names:
- Birch sugar
- Birch bark extract
- Wood sugar
- Sugar alcohol
Cross-Reference the Brand: If you are still unsure about a specialty brand, do a quick online search for the brand name and the term "xylitol" to see if others have reported its presence.

Safe Peanut Butter Alternatives for Dogs

For the ultimate safety, choose all-natural peanut butter that contains only peanuts, or peanuts and a small amount of salt. Here are some popular, widely available brands considered safe for dogs based on their ingredients (though always check your specific jar):

Crazy Richard's 100% Peanuts: This brand is known for its simple ingredient list.
Teddie Super Chunky: A plain, unsalted option that is safe for dogs.
Adam's 100% Natural Peanut Butter: A reliable choice with a minimal ingredient list.
Smucker's Natural Creamy Peanut Butter: A popular option with a simple formula.
Trader Joe's Peanut Butter (No Salt): A basic option with no added sweeteners.
Poochie Butter: A specialty peanut butter formulated specifically for dogs.

Comparison of Safe vs. Xylitol-Containing Peanut Butter


Feature	Safe for Dogs (e.g., Jif Natural, Smucker's Natural)	Contains Xylitol (e.g., Nuts 'N More, P28)
Primary Sweetener	No added sugar, uses natural peanut sweetness	Xylitol (birch sugar, sugar alcohol)
Ingredient List	Peanuts, salt (optional)	Peanuts, xylitol, whey protein, other additives
Best for Pets?	Yes, in moderation.	NO, extremely toxic.
Flavor Profile	Classic peanut flavor	Often includes specialty flavors and high protein
Labeling	Clearly states "natural," no xylitol listed	May not prominently feature xylitol warning

What to Do in an Emergency

If you suspect your dog has eaten a product containing xylitol, act immediately. This is a medical emergency that requires urgent veterinary attention. The sooner treatment begins, the better the prognosis. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Be prepared to provide information about the product and the amount ingested if known.

Conclusion

The potential presence of xylitol in some peanut butter brands makes checking ingredient labels a critical step for pet owners. By understanding which products contain this toxic substance and choosing safe, all-natural alternatives, you can ensure that a treat meant to be a delight doesn't turn into a life-threatening mistake. Always read the label carefully and err on the side of caution when sharing human foods with your pets. For more information on xylitol toxicity in dogs, you can reference the official guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that, when ingested by dogs, can cause a sudden and severe drop in their blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and potentially liver failure.

Most mainstream peanut butter brands like Jif, Skippy, and Smuckers are xylitol-free, but it is always safest to choose an all-natural version with only peanuts as the ingredient. Always double-check the label.

Read the ingredient list carefully, especially on "sugar-free" or "low-sugar" products. Look for "xylitol," "birch sugar," "wood sugar," or "sugar alcohol" listed on the label.

Immediately contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

Yes, some brands like Poochie Butter are specifically formulated for dogs and are guaranteed to be free of xylitol and other harmful additives.

While cats are generally not as affected, xylitol is also toxic to some animals like rabbits and ferrets. It is always best to keep xylitol-containing products away from all pets.

No. Even very small amounts of xylitol can cause severe health issues in dogs. It is never safe to give a dog any product containing xylitol.