If you like peanut butter, dogs should like it as well, right? Can dogs eat peanut butter? This is one of the most popular questions asked by most pet parents. Peanut butter is rich in plant-based protein and antioxidants. In this article, we tell you whether peanut butter is safe and good for your dog.
Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs?
Yes. But, you must tread with precaution. Before serving your dog peanut butter, ensure it doesn't contain xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that's fatal to dogs if consumed even in the tiniest amount.
The safest and healthiest peanut butter for your dog is homemade peanut butter or dog-friendly peanut butter.
Dogs with kidney issues shouldn't eat peanut butter. The salt can lead to dangerous sodium levels and complicate an already serious situation. Also, overweight and dogs on a special diet shouldn't eat peanut butter.
Health Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs
Is peanut butter good for dogs? Absolutely, so long as it's xylitol-free. The health benefits of peanut butter for your dog are:
Strengthening Immune System
Peanut butter contains vitamins like manganese, copper, selenium, niacin, and vitamin E which are good for boosting your dog's immune system.
Brain Health
Peanut butter is rich in vitamins B and E, protein, fiber, and healthy fats that support your dog's brain health. These essential vitamins also boost their cognitive ability.
Risks and Concerns
While your dog can eat peanut butter, you must proceed carefully. The risks and concerns of feeding your dog peanut butter include:
Xylitol
Xylitol is poisonous to dogs. Although it's used as an artificial sweetener in products, it can result in xylitol poisoning when consumed by dogs. Xylitol is so toxic to dogs that the tiniest amount of consumption is fatal. It also causes chronic liver damage.
Xylitol poisoning results in a condition known as hypoglycemia. This is where blood sugar levels are reduced to fatal levels. The effect of xylitol poisoning happens between 10-60 minutes of consumption. Your dog's life depends on how fast you get to the vet. A little delay and your dog could die.
Signs of xylitol poisoning include seizures, lack of coordination, confusion, lethargy, and weakness.
High-fat Content and Obesity Risks
Peanut butter contains high-fat content and extra calories which are dangerous for your dog if consumed in large quantities. The sugar in peanut butter poses an obesity risk too.
Allergies and Digestive Upset in Some Dogs
Before giving your dog new food, always consult your vet. Some dogs will have an allergic reaction when they eat peanut butter. Symptoms of peanut butter allergy are skin swelling, itchy skin, coughing, and trouble breathing.
Other dogs will have a digestive upset when they eat peanut butter. Common signs of digestive upset are vomiting and diarrhea.
When you notice these symptoms, discontinue serving peanut butter.
How Much Peanut Butter Is Safe for Dogs?
The key to peanut butter is moderation. The recommended quantity is ½ a tablespoon for small dogs and 1 teaspoon for large dogs. You should always keep in mind that treats should form only 10% of your dog's diet.
Peanut butter contains excess fat and if your dog consumes it in large quantities, it can lead to health complications like pancreatitis.
Best Types of Peanut Butter for Dogs
The best peanut butter on dogs are:
Organic Peanut Butter
This is made from natural ingredients with no additional flavors or additives.
Homemade Peanut Butter
The best thing about homemade peanut butter is that you get to control the ingredients. For homemade peanut butter, you just need unsalted, roasted peanuts and some coconut oil.
Dog-friendly Peanut Butter
This butter is specially designed for dogs and their needs. Some of the popular brands are Skippy and Smucker's peanut butter.
Fun Ways to Serve Peanut Butter to Dogs
You've probably used peanut butter to give medicine to your dog. But, there are other fun ways you can serve peanut butter. These include:
Using Peanut Butter in Puzzle Toys and Treats
To make the food enjoyable and keep your dog mentally stimulated at the same time, you can use peanut butter in puzzle toys. You can hide the butter in the toys and let your dog solve the mystery of finding it.
Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes
To make homemade peanut butter, put your peanuts in the food processor and blend. You can add coconut oil till it gets to your desired creamy consistency. You can get creative with your homemade peanut butter by adding pumpkin puree or mashed bananas.
Training Tool and Positive Reinforcement
During training, you can use peanut butter to reward your dog. Also, when they respond positively to your commands, you can give them a peanut butter treat to keep them motivated.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat peanut butter? Yes. However, you must ensure that it doesn't contain xylitol. Xylitol is harmful to dogs and can result in xylitol poisoning when consumed. When serving, serve in small quantities. Excessive consumption of peanut butter will result in complications like obesity for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat peanuts?
Yes, but in small quantities. The peanuts must be unsalted, unflavoured, and shouldn't contain any coatings like chocolate.
What quantity of peanut butter is excess for a dog?
More than 10% of the daily serving is excess for your dog.
Can dogs eat cheese and peanut butter together?
No. Cheese causes digestive issues for dogs. Also, most dogs are lactose intolerant.
