Which Brands of Peanut Butter Have No Xylitol?

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the ASPCA, xylitol, a common sugar substitute, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar. Many pet owners mistakenly believe all peanut butter is safe, so it is crucial to know which brands of peanut butter have no xylitol to avoid accidental poisoning.

Quick Summary

This guide lists commercial and natural peanut butter brands confirmed to be xylitol-free, explains why xylitol is dangerous for dogs, and provides tips for safely choosing treats for your pet. It emphasizes the importance of checking ingredients to ensure the product is safe.

Key Points

Xylitol is Extremely Toxic for Dogs: This sugar substitute, common in 'sugar-free' products, can cause a sudden, life-threatening drop in a dog's blood sugar.
Check Labels for Safety: Always read the ingredients list on peanut butter, and look out for hidden names for xylitol, such as 'birch sugar' or 'sugar alcohol'.
Major Brands are Generally Xylitol-Free: Standard varieties of popular brands like Jif, Skippy, and Smucker's do not contain xylitol, though some contain unhealthy additives.
Natural Brands are Often Healthier: Brands like Whole Foods 365 and Adams 100% Natural often have simpler recipes with fewer additives, making them safer and healthier options.
Avoid 'Sugar-Free' Products: Peanut butters explicitly labeled as 'sugar-free' or 'diet' are more likely to contain xylitol and should be avoided for pets.
Know the Symptoms of Poisoning: Watch for vomiting, weakness, staggering, collapse, and seizures, and seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol.

Why Xylitol is a Hidden Danger for Dogs

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener in many sugar-free products, including certain brands of chewing gum, mints, and baked goods. While safe for human consumption, a dog's body absorbs xylitol rapidly, prompting a massive release of insulin. This causes a swift and dangerous drop in blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Even small amounts can pose a severe threat, with symptoms appearing in as little as 10 to 60 minutes. In severe cases, xylitol can also lead to liver failure.

Common Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning

Recognizing the signs of xylitol poisoning is critical for a dog's survival. Symptoms can vary depending on the amount ingested but often include:

Vomiting
Lethargy or weakness
Staggering, incoordination, or difficulty walking
Collapse
Seizures
Tremors

If you suspect your dog has eaten a product containing xylitol, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

Commercial Peanut Butter Brands Without Xylitol

Fortunately, most major, widely available brands of peanut butter in standard varieties do not contain xylitol. These brands often use traditional sweeteners or none at all. However, it's vital to read the label every time you buy, as manufacturers can change ingredients. Popular options include:

Jif: All Jif peanut butter products, including their natural and reduced-fat versions, are xylitol-free. While safe from xylitol, some varieties contain added sugar and oils that are not ideal for regular feeding.
Skippy: Skippy confirms that its peanut butter products do not contain xylitol. As with Jif, the 'natural' versions of Skippy are xylitol-free but may contain other additives to check for.
Smucker's: The standard and natural versions of Smucker's peanut butter are free of xylitol. Their 'natural' version is often a cleaner option for pet owners.
Peter Pan: Peter Pan peanut butter also does not contain xylitol.

Natural & Specialty Brands to Consider

For pet owners seeking fewer additives, several natural brands offer simpler, safer options. The best choices are those with minimal ingredients, often just peanuts and salt.

365 by Whole Foods Market: Their Organic Creamy Peanut Butter (unsweetened and unsalted) is a top choice for being just 100% peanuts.
Adams 100% Natural Peanut Butter: Known for its simple recipe of roasted peanuts and a dash of salt, Adams is a reliable, xylitol-free option.
Trader Joe's Peanut Butter: Many of their peanut butter products, such as the unsalted variety, are made with 100% peanuts, making them safe for dogs.

Comparison of Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter Brands


Brand	Ingredients	Added Sugar?	Added Oil?	Best For	Check Label?
Jif	Peanuts, Sugar, Molasses, Hydrogenated Oils, Salt, etc.	Yes	Yes	Occasional treat for healthy dogs.	Yes, always.
Skippy	Peanuts, Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Salt, etc.	Yes	Yes	Occasional treat, less healthy.	Yes, always.
Smucker's Natural	Peanuts, Salt	No	No	Minimalist treat, healthier option.	Yes, to be sure.
365 Organic (Unsalted)	Peanuts	No	No	Healthiest, safest option.	No (typically consistent).
Adams 100% Natural	Peanuts, Salt	No	No	Great natural option.	Yes, to be sure.
Trader Joe's (No Salt)	Peanuts	No	No	Minimalist treat, healthier option.	Yes, to be sure.

How to Check for Xylitol

Reading labels is the single most important step for ensuring your peanut butter is xylitol-free. Beyond just 'xylitol', it can be listed under several other names:

Birch sugar
Birch bark extract
Wood sugar
E967 (a European food code)

Also, be cautious of any product labeled "sugar-free" or "low-sugar" in the store. These are the items most likely to contain alternative sweeteners like xylitol. Always check the ingredient list on the back, not just the front-facing label.

Conclusion

While many popular peanut butter brands like Jif, Skippy, and Smucker's do not contain xylitol in their standard varieties, vigilance is key. The safest options for dogs are natural peanut butters containing only peanuts, and sometimes salt. For pet owners looking for the healthiest choice, minimal-ingredient products like Whole Foods 365 Organic or Adams 100% Natural are recommended. Always check the ingredient list for any mention of xylitol or its alternative names before feeding it to your dog. By staying informed, you can ensure a safe and tasty treat for your furry companion.

Visit the FDA website for more information on xylitol toxicity in dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most conventional brands like Jif, Skippy, Smucker's, and Peter Pan do not contain xylitol and are safe in moderation. Healthier options with fewer additives include Whole Foods 365 Organic (unsweetened) and Adams 100% Natural.

Yes, Jif confirms that its entire product line of peanut butter does not contain xylitol. However, some varieties do contain added sugar and oils, which are not ideal for regular canine consumption.

Initial symptoms can include vomiting, lethargy, and a lack of coordination. These symptoms can appear rapidly, often within 10 to 60 minutes after ingestion.

If you suspect your dog has eaten xylitol, seek immediate emergency veterinary attention. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires prompt treatment. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Always check the ingredients list. Look for 'xylitol' and also its alternative names like 'birch sugar,' 'wood sugar,' or the food code 'E967'. Be especially cautious with products labeled 'sugar-free'.

Not always. While many natural brands are safer, the term 'natural' isn't regulated to prevent all additives. Some 'natural' peanut butters may still contain sugar or palm oil. Always read the ingredient label to be sure.

According to the FDA, xylitol does not seem to be as dangerous for cats, partly because they lack a taste for sweets. However, it's best to avoid feeding them peanut butter, especially if it contains unhealthy additives. Xylitol toxicity in ferrets has been documented.