Can Dogs Eat Almond Butter?
While almond butter isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s not the best nut butter choice for your canine friend. Though it contains beneficial nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats, peanut butter is generally a safer and more digestible option. However, if you choose to give almond butter, there are important safety guidelines to follow.
CRITICAL WARNING As with all nut butters, never feed your dog almond butter containing xylitol (also listed as “birch sugar” or “wood sugar”). Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can be fatal even in small amounts. Always check the ingredients list carefully.
How to feed almond butter to your dog
If you choose to give almond butter:
- Use only plain, unsalted almond butter
- Always check ingredients for xylitol
- Start with tiny amounts to test tolerance
- Suitable uses include:
- Occasional treat
- Medication concealment
- Kong toy filling
- Training reward (sparingly)
Warnings and Considerations
Several important risks to keep in mind:
- Higher fat content than peanut butter
- More likely to cause digestive upset
- Choking hazard if given in large amounts
- Potential for nut allergies
- Raw almonds and almond shells are dangerous for dogs
- Some dogs may have difficulty digesting tree nuts
Portion Guidelines
Almond butter should be given very sparingly:
- Small dogs: no more than 1/4 teaspoon occasionally
- Medium dogs: no more than 1/2 teaspoon occasionally
- Large dogs: no more than 1 teaspoon occasionally
Use even less when first introducing it to your dog’s diet.
Good to know: While almond butter isn’t harmful in small amounts, peanut butter is generally a better choice for dogs. It’s more digestible and typically causes fewer stomach issues. If your dog has any history of pancreatitis, kidney problems, or obesity, avoid almond butter altogether. Always monitor your dog after introducing any new food, and stop giving it if you notice any digestive issues or unusual behavior.
If you suspect your dog has consumed almond butter containing xylitol, seek immediate veterinary care. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, collapse, and seizures.
