Can Dogs Eat Butter?

Overview

Butter is a dairy product made from the fat and protein components of milk or cream. While not toxic to dogs, it is high in fat and can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other health issues if consumed in large quantities.

Butter is unsafe for dogs primarily due to its high fat content, which can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, many dogs are lactose intolerant, which can cause further digestive issues.

Benefits

There are no known health benefits to feeding butter to dogs that outweigh the risks.

Risks & Precautions

Butter is high in saturated fats and calories, which can contribute to obesity and pancreatitis in dogs. Dogs with lactose intolerance may experience diarrhea or other digestive issues. Consuming large amounts can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea due to the high fat content. It is important to avoid feeding butter to dogs with a history of pancreatitis or obesity. If given, it should be in very small amounts and only occasionally.

Serving Guidelines

Small dogs: a pea-sized amount, Medium dogs: a pea-sized amount, Large dogs: a pea-sized amount