Peanut butter is a common household item. Many people enjoy this treat on a daily basis, from traditional PB&J sandwiches to spreading that delicious creamy nut butter onto crackers for a healthy snack. Is it, however, safe to share this delectable treat with our four-legged family members? Today, we’ll see if it’s safe to feed peanut butter to our four-legged friends.
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Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is a great source of protein and contains healthy fats for your dog. Choose an all-natural, unsalted and unsweetened peanut butter. Spread some peanut butter on your dog’s Kong toy or bone to keep them distracted for hours. Because peanut butter is high in fat, it should only be given in moderation or it can cause gastrointestinal issues or pancreatitis.
Any peanut butter made with the sugar substitute, xylitol, should be avoided because it is toxic to dogs.
Health Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs
Just like us, dogs need certain fats, vitamins, and proteins. Peanut butter is an excellent source for some of those, including protein, healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and, of course, protein.
How to Feed Peanut Butter to Dogs
One of the most convenient ways to feed your dog peanut butter is straight from a spoon! Who doesn’t enjoy making that lip-smacking sound as they savor this delectable treat?
There are, however, other ways to incorporate peanut butter into their treat routine. One option is to buy dog treats with peanut butter baked in, or you can search the internet for recipes to make your own healthy peanut butter treats for them!
Another popular option is to purchase interactive toys that allow dogs to hunt for treats. This allows them to fulfill their natural hunting instincts while also providing healthy stimulation, which is ideal for hyperactive, sometimes anxious dogs.
And, of course, there’s the tried-and-true ‘hide the pills in the peanut butter’ trick for getting your pet to take their medication if it’s a struggle.
Why Can Peanut Butter Be Bad For Dogs?
In some cases, peanut butter is not the best option for your pet. The most important thing to remember before reaching for that peanut butter jar is to check the ingredient list to ensure it is xylitol-free. While peanut butter is not toxic to dogs, xylitol is, and many cases of xylitol toxicity have occurred, including death.
Another thing to think about is the amount of peanut butter you’re distributing. While it is safe to give your canine companion a peanut butter snack, you should be mindful of how much you give them. As you may be aware, a dog’s diet and calorie intake differ greatly from that of humans. While an extra scoop or two of peanut butter may not have a significant impact on us, it can cause weight gain and even digestive issues in your pet.
A general rule of thumb is to use no more than tsp. for small dogs and 1 tsp. for medium to large dogs twice a day. Furthermore, if your pet is on a low-fat or low-sodium diet, you should use it even less (if at all).
What Foods Can You Give to Your Dog Instead of Peanut Butter?
If your dog is on a diet because they need to lose weight or have a health issue that necessitates low-sodium options, you can try using low-fat cream cheese. You can also experiment with other nut butters, such as cashew, and seed butters, such as pumpkin and sunflower seed butter.
Are Dogs Allergic to Peanut Butter?
When you feed your dog peanut butter, he or she may not tolerate it well. While a peanut butter allergy isn’t as severe or life-threatening in dogs as it is in humans, it can still cause discomfort. Red, irritated skin and an increase in licking or scratching at themselves are two signs to look for.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Peanut Butter
In general, there is nothing to be concerned about if your dog consumes peanut butter. If it irritates them due to an allergy, you can always contact your veterinarian for advice.
However, if they consume xylitol-containing peanut butter, you should contact your veterinarian right away. If not treated properly, xylitol toxicity can result in liver damage, seizures, or death.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter – Our Verdict!
Peanut butter is a tasty treat that you and Fido can share as long as you restrict the amount.
