Dogs go wild for peanut butter. It’s perfect for stuffing toys, hiding pills, and rewarding good behavior, which is why it shows up in everything from biscuits and chews to training treats and homemade recipes.
But even with all that popularity, peanut butter isn’t always risk-free. More pet parents, along with the holistic vets they trust, are starting to ask an important question: Are peanut butter dog treats really safe? The concern comes down to aflatoxins, mold toxins that can sometimes end up in peanut-based ingredients.
In this post, we’ll explain what aflatoxins are, why they matter, how to choose safer treats, and what CocoTherapy does to make sure your dog gets all the flavor without the worry.
What Are Aflatoxins, and Why Are They a Concern?
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by molds such as Aspergillus flavus. These molds thrive in warm, humid environments and often grow on crops like corn, tree nuts, and peanuts.
Peanuts are especially high-risk because of how they’re grown and stored. Research shows full-fat peanut products often carry more aflatoxins than powdered or defatted peanut flour, so swapping out the extra oil is one easy way to lower the risk.
Aflatoxins are heat-stable, so baking or cooking won’t destroy them. That makes them particularly concerning in processed foods like pet treats.
In pets, aflatoxin exposure has been linked to liver damage, immune suppression, and, in serious cases, organ failure or death. Dogs are especially vulnerable because of their smaller size and the potential for repeated exposure through daily treats or enrichment toys.
That lick of peanut butter might seem small, but over time, it adds up.
FDA Guidelines: What’s Considered “Safe” in Pet Treats?
To safeguard animal health, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has established a maximum allowable limit for aflatoxins in pet foods and treats, which is set at 20 parts per billion (ppb).
This guideline is based on what's considered safe for healthy adult animals. However, puppies, senior pets, and dogs with existing health issues may be more sensitive to even lower levels of aflatoxins, requiring extra caution when it comes to their food.
Now, 20 parts per billion might sound tiny, and it is. To put it in perspective:
- 20 ppb is like 20 drops of water in a swimming pool with a billion drops
- Or 20 seconds out of 31 years
Despite the small numbers, aflatoxins are extremely potent. And as we've mentioned, they don’t just disappear in the oven. If they’re in the ingredients, they’re likely in the finished product too. That’s why testing isn’t just a nice extra. It’s essential.
Why It’s a Bigger Issue in Dog Treats Than You Might Think
Peanut butter is used in countless commercial dog treats. You’ll find it in cookies, biscuits, soft chews, training bits, and even frozen treats. But not all peanut butter is high quality, and not every company takes proper safety steps.
Many brands use full-fat, commodity-grade peanut butter that’s cheaper but often not tested for aflatoxins. And even when testing happens, the results aren’t always shared. Without transparency, you’re left guessing what your dog’s actually eating.
This becomes an even bigger deal when you think about how dogs consume treats. Small dogs have less body weight, so toxins hit harder. If you’re using peanut butter treats for training, enrichment, or daily snacks, exposure builds up. Dogs with sensitive systems, like seniors or those with chronic health issues, may be even more vulnerable to long-term effects.
Peanut butter treats aren’t just a “once in a while” indulgence anymore. They’re part of many dogs’ daily routines, and that’s where the risk creeps in.
What Pet Parents Should Look for in Peanut Butter Treats
Peanut butter treats can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, but only if you choose wisely. Here’s what to look for to keep your pup safe and healthy:
Look for Organic and Human-Grade Ingredients
Organic ingredients are grown without harmful pesticides or chemicals. That’s a big plus, especially with peanuts, which are prone to mold contamination during storage. Human-grade also means higher safety and cleanliness standards than basic “animal feed” grade.
Ask About Aflatoxin Testing
Don’t be shy about asking treat companies how they test their products. If they can’t tell you or give vague answers, that’s a red flag. You deserve to know if the company screens for aflatoxins, how often they test, and whether they check ingredients and finished products. If it feels like pulling teeth to get an answer, move on.
Avoid Vague Marketing Claims
Labels like “natural” or “premium” sound great but don’t actually tell you much. They aren’t regulated terms, so any company can slap them on a package. Instead, look for details about ingredient sourcing, quality control, and food safety protocols. If it’s just buzzwords and no backup, it’s probably all bark and no bite.
Don’t Rely on Grocery-Store Peanut Butter
We know it’s tempting to share a spoonful of your own peanut butter or whip up homemade treats. But most grocery-store brands don’t test for aflatoxins, and some even contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. What’s safe for humans isn’t always safe for dogs, especially if they’re getting it every day. Stick to peanut-based products made for pets and ask about their testing process if it’s not clear.
How CocoTherapy Prioritizes Peanut Butter Safety
At CocoTherapy, we’ve heard the concerns about aflatoxins in peanut butter, and we totally get it. That’s why we created our Coco-Charms Peanut Butter Banana Blondie Organic Training Treats with safety baked right in. Pun intended.
We started by choosing USDA-certified organic, human-grade defatted peanut flour instead of full-fat peanut butter. Full-fat peanuts can hang on to more aflatoxins, so using defatted peanut flour gives us a head start on safety – even though we still test every single batch to be sure.
And we don’t just test once. We test twice. First, we screen the peanut flour before it even goes into the oven. Then, we test the finished treats after baking to confirm that they’re just as safe as they are tasty.
It’s a simple step, but one that most brands skip. We don’t believe in crossing our fingers and hoping for the best. We verify it. Visit the Coco-Charms Peanut Butter Banana Blondie page to see the latest batch test.
Because we bake in small batches, we’re able to pay close attention to every run. No conveyor belts stretching down factory lines. No mystery ingredients. Just the same high standards we’d want for our own pets.
Each treat is crunchy, bite-sized, and only 1 calorie, which makes them perfect for training or everyday rewards. They’re made with organic bananas, completely free from grains, wheat, corn, soy, dairy, and artificial preservatives. Just clean, wholesome ingredients your dog will love, and you can feel good about.
When you open a bag of Coco-Charms, you’re not just giving your dog a treat. You’re giving them something that’s been carefully crafted with quality, safety, and love in every bite.
Can Peanut Butter Treats Be Safe for Dogs?
Yes. When they’re made thoughtfully and tested thoroughly. Aflatoxins are a serious risk, but one that can be managed with clean ingredients and strict quality control.
At CocoTherapy, we don’t just want treats to be tasty. We want them to be trustworthy. That’s why we test twice and use only defatted, organic peanut flour that meets the highest standards. No shortcuts. No guessing.
Because your dog deserves more than just a good treat. They deserve one that’s safe, wholesome, and made with their health in mind.
Want to make their tail wag without worry? We’ve got you covered. Grab a bag of our brand-new Peanut Butter Flavored Coco-Charms and see the difference for yourself.
