When you open the peanut butter jar, does your dog appear in the kitchen? Keep in mind that you have company.
Dogs go absolutely nuts for peanut butter, a treat that is given to them by their owners on a regular basis. For a longer-lasting reward, it can be spread inside hollow bones and toys, while for a more immediate one, it can be licked straight from a spoon or a finger.
Before you let your dog lick the peanut butter from the jar, there are a few health considerations you should be aware of.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is high in protein, healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin, and is generally considered safe for dogs to eat.
Unsalted peanut butter, peanut butter formulated for dogs, or homemade peanut butter are all better options than store-bought varieties because they lack the added sugar and other additives that make commercial varieties unhealthy for dogs.
How Much Peanut Butter Can Dogs Eat?
Although peanut butter has many health benefits due to its high protein and healthy fat content, eating too much of it can cause weight gain and even serious conditions like pancreatitis. How much peanut butter you should give your dog on a regular basis can be determined in two ways.
Getting in touch with your vet for guidance is the first and safest step you can take. Owners of dogs with health problems like diabetes or food sensitivities will find this information particularly useful.
The 10% rule is a second viable option. Dog treats are fine, but they shouldn’t account for more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Simply keep track of how much food your dog consumes on a daily basis, and keep in mind that it may be beneficial to alternate between peanut butter and healthier treats, such as dog-friendly fruits and vegetables.
Xylitol & Other Cautions About Peanut Butter
Peanut butter comes in a variety of brands, and many of them have unhealthy or even toxic additives that should be avoided. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters, is highly poisonous to animals.
Sugary peanut butter is a common problem, as it can cause you to gain weight. Peanut butter is high in sodium because of the added salt and in some cases palm oil and other fats.
Pet owners, especially those with pets that have health conditions, should check with their veterinarian to make sure that peanut butter is safe for their pet.
Peanut Allergies in Dogs
Rarely, some dogs can develop an allergy to peanuts.
Although anaphylaxis and respiratory distress can occur in dogs with peanut allergies, these reactions are more typically the result of an insect bite or sting, or an adverse reaction to medication. Facial swelling and other skin reactions are common allergy symptoms.
Whether or not your dog is allergic to peanuts can be determined by a trip to the vet if you notice any of these signs after feeding them peanut butter.
This is why you should always check with your vet before giving your dog anything new. People of any age who have ever suffered from anaphylaxis from peanuts should stay away from pets that have recently eaten peanut butter.
Those with severe peanut allergies run the risk of having peanut residue on their fur.
Ways to Treat Your Pooch With Peanut Butter
For some creative ideas on how to treat your dog to one of the most delectable human foods he or she can eat, read on!
- To ensure that your dog takes his medication, disguise the pills in natural peanut butter if he is resistant to taking them.
- Fill a treat toy with peanut butter to give your dog hours of fun while they lick to their heart’s content.
Conclusion
Will a dog like peanut butter? Your peanut-loving dog need not go without peanut butter so long as peanuts are the only ingredient. Healthy treats interspersed with peanut butter will keep them from getting too hungry.