Benefits and risks
Benefits
- Not toxic
- A small lick is unlikely to cause harm
- No nutritional benefit for dogs
Risks
- High fat can trigger pancreatitis, especially in small breeds and dogs with a history of it
- Salted butter adds sodium
- Butter on food may come with garlic or onion
If you choose to share
- Do not use butter as a treat or food topper
- Cook dog-safe foods plain
- Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount
My dog ate butter. What should I do?
A small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy dog. Remove any remaining food, offer fresh water and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, a painful belly or lethargy over the next 24-48 hours. Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount, is small, young or has health problems (such as pancreatitis), or if the food contained onion, garlic, chocolate or xylitol.
Safer treats to give instead
These are safe for dogs in treat-size amounts:
Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.
Butter and dogs: FAQ
Can dogs have butter?
Butter is not toxic to dogs, but it is almost pure fat and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and, in some dogs, pancreatitis. A lick is harmless; a stick is a reason to call your vet.
My dog ate a stick of butter. What should I do?
Call your vet. Expect vomiting or diarrhea; a large fat load can also trigger pancreatitis 1-4 days later. Watch for a painful belly, repeated vomiting or lethargy.
Can puppies eat butter?
No. Puppies are smaller and more vulnerable than adults, so it is best avoided entirely.
More "can dogs eat" guides
Browse lists: human foods dogs can eat Β· foods dogs can't eat
Sources
This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.