As dog owners around the world know, dogs love peanut butter! Many vets use it as a suggested additive to convince your pooch to take his medicine. Often, owners add peanut butter to dog toys to give their dog some entertainment throughout the day.
In recent years, it has come to light that many peanut butter brands contain an ingredient called xylitol. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and will cause significant issues even in small amounts. Surely, no dog owner would knowingly subject their dogs to these toxins. However, your dog loves a peanut butter treat now and then. How are you to be certain that you are keeping him safe from harm?
Jif Peanut Butter is one of the leading names in the peanut butter industry. According to the official Jif website, Jif Peanut Butter does not contain any xylitol. Although, the company does not claim to be safe for dogs. They only recommend you speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog Jif Peanut Butter.
Below, we will break down all the details of xylitol, peanut butter, and what is safe to feed your dog.
Does Jif Peanut Butter Contain Xylitol?
Jif Peanut Butter does not contain xylitol. Jif has many varieties of peanut butter and all of them are clear of xylitol.
There are four major brands that add xylitol to their peanut butter. The four brands are:
The FDA advises to always check the label before feeding your dog peanut butter.
Is Jif Peanut butter safe for dogs?
Let’s start with the generic concept of peanut butter. Is peanut butter safe for your dog? The short answer is yes, in moderation. Peanut is a wonderful treat for your dog in a kong or on a lick mat. However, it is just that — a treat. Peanut butter is high in fat.
Too much fat in your dog’s diet will cause weight issues and put him at a higher risk of pancreatitis. There are some breeds that are naturally prone to pancreatitis. Before adding peanut butter to your dog’s diet (even as a treat), speak with your veterinarian.
The official Jif website lists some frequently asked questions. This question is one of the highest ones on the list. However, the company does not make any claims to being safe for dogs.
One thing is certain, Jif is at least safe for your dog from the xylitol standpoint. Jif does not contain any xylitol.
While Jif is safe from xylitol, it is not all natural. Even their “natural” recipe contains added sweeteners. There is added sugar and oils in all varieties of Jif Peanut Butter. Both ingredients are unhealthy for your dog.
Jif Peanut Butter is safe for your dog, but it has other ingredients that should be avoided. If you want to feed your dog peanut butter as a treat or pill hider, it is advised to find a different brand of peanut butter.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener derived from the birch tree. According to the veterinarian medicine department at NC State University, manufacturers add xylitol to gum, candy, and cookies. While it looks and tastes like sugar, it may cause mild intestinal issues. Furthermore, it is very poisonous to dogs.
Manufacturers are now adding xylitol to toothpaste, jellies, energy drinks, and beauty products. Be wary of products claiming to be sugar-free, especially if they seem like something that would need a sweetener.
Even though xylitol is toxic for your dog, Carolyn Pierini (a clinical laboratory specialist) states that xylitol is a significant change in the dental industry. Manufacturers have added it to many toothpastes and mouthwashes. It adds sweetness and even inhibits plaque.
The product lot code range we shared reflects the first seven digits of the lot code, which can be found near the Best If Used By date. As reminder, the impacted products are 1274425 – 2140425. The last three numbers of the Product Code must be 425 in order to be included in the recall. If the last three numbers of the Product Code are 006, the product was produced at our Memphis facility, which was not impacted by the recall.
We place a “Best If Used By” date on every jar. On most jars, the “Best If Used By” date is printed in white ink on the back of the jar under the universal product barcode (UPC). In some instances, the date will be printed in black ink directly on the plastic jar above the label.
The Peanut Institute is a non-profit organization that supports nutrition research and develops educational programs to encourage healthful lifestyles. The J. M. Smucker Company (the parent company of the Jif brand) has been a partner with The Peanut Institute for over 22 years and has pledged more than $1 million dollars to the organization since 1996.
If your UPC matches one from the listing on our recall page and your product code is between the range shared, your product is impacted by the recall. Please know, we’re committed to reimbursing consumers fairly based on the information provided to us. We would ask you to visit https://www.jif.com/contact-us and immediately dispose of the product.
It is possible that recent concerns around coronavirus are impacting the availability of our products where you shop. Please know that we are committed to supplying our products to all our retail partners, and our teams are working to minimize any disruption. We also recommend looking to purchase online to have our products delivered to you.
FAQ
Does Jif Creamy peanut butter contain xylitol?
What happens if dogs have Jif peanut butter?
Which peanut butter is safe for dogs?
Is creamy peanut butter good for dogs?