Does your pup suddenly appear in the kitchen when you twist open the crunchy peanut butter jar? Most parents can relate. Fido longingly points his puppy dog eyes at you, perhaps with a string of drool as you scoop a spoonful of crunchy peanut butter. How can you deny that face?
The nutritious treat is perfect for hiding your pup’s medication, distracting your dog while trimming their nails, or bathing them. You can even spread it inside their Kong toy or hollow bone for a long-lasting nutty treat.
Sweet and salty – crunchy peanut butter has a satisfying texture and delicious taste that will certainly appeal to most canine palates. But is it something that your dog should eat? Find out here.
Is Crunchy Peanut Butter Safe For Dogs?
Crunchy peanut butter is one of the best treats for our furry friends. Canine nutritionists agree that peanut butter is safe as an occasional treat. It is packed with healthy fats, proteins, fiber, vitamin B, niacin, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin E.
However, you must ensure it doesn’t contain sugar substitutes like xylitol which is lethal to canines. Also, rule out ingredients such as chocolate, palm oil, and added preservatives, as these can wreak havoc on Fido’s health.
Xylitol is more toxic to dogs even than dark chocolate. As little as 1.37 grams of xylitol in a 30-pound canine can trigger a rapid drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This causes seizures, rapid pulse, pale gums, disorientation, lack of coordination, and collapse.
If a dog of the same weight consumed 6.8 grams of xylitol, it could lead to liver damage and death. Your furry friend would have to consume 22 times more dark chocolate to experience similar toxicity.
Another ingredient to look out for is palm oil. Some chunky peanut butter brands use palm oil instead of hydrogenated oils because of its health benefits. But palm oil isn’t good for our furry friends since it can have a laxative effect and cause illness in pups.
Remember, moderation is key. Crunchy peanut butter is calorie-dense, and too much of it is never good. Also, discuss with your vet before adding crunchy peanut butter to your Fido’s diet.
What Crunchy Peanut Butter Has Xylitol?
It is essential you go through the ingredients list before feeding your dog crunchy peanut butter. This is because some known peanut butter brands contain xylitol, such as:
- Go Nuts Co. PB
- Krush Nutrition
- P28 High Protein Peanut Spread
- Nut’s No More
What Crunchy Peanut Butter Is Xylitol-Free?
The best crunchy peanut butter for dogs must be low in salt, sugar, fats, and xylitol-free. Here are our favorite crunchy peanut butter brands, and each one is safe to share with your canine companion.
- Teddie Super Chunky Peanut Butter
- Jif or Jiffy peanut butter
- Skippy
- Good & Gather
Can My Dog Choke On Crunchy Peanut Butter?
Because of choking concerns, most dog parents are concerned about feeding their dogs, especially puppies and small breeds, chunky peanut butter. Puppies and small breeds that wolf it down enthusiastically might not crash the chunks before swallowing and are at a greater risk of choking.
Fortunately, some brands ensure the peanuts are well grounded and are unlikely to cause choking. To further protect your fur baby, feed it peanut butter in small portions.
How Much Crunchy Peanut Butter Can My Dog Have?
As with all treats, you should limit the amount of crunchy peanut butter you’re feeding your dog. Let it not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake to avoid upsetting your canine’s nutritional balance.
Chunky peanut butter is high in fat, protein, and calories. Too much consumption can lead to weight gain, obesity, and other health complications like pancreatitis.
The exact amount of crunchy peanut butter to offer Fido will depend on your dog’s size, weight, health status and the calorie count in the crunchy spread. Nevertheless, the general rule is ½ tablespoon for small dogs and one for large dogs.
What If My Dog Overeats Crunchy Peanut Butter?
Did your dog swipe clean an entire jar of crunchy peanut butter while you weren’t looking? Don’t panic unless it contains toxic ingredients like xylitol and chocolate. Offer your dog plenty of water while you monitor him for signs of sickness such as:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Inappetence
- Weakness
At this point, you should reach out to your vet, who will advise on whether you should bring your pup into the clinic or monitor him at home. It may help to switch your fur baby’s diet to a bland meal such as boiled rice and chicken if your dog has a tummy upset.
Final Thoughts
Tasty and nutritious- crunchy peanut butter is one of the most irresistible treats, and our canine companions couldn’t agree more. The delicious spread is a nutrient powerhouse, and a tiny scoop won’t harm your four-legged best friend. But ensure you avoid crunchy peanut butter with xylitol, palm oil, and chocolate, as these can harm your dog.
If you’re worried about your hound choking on crunchy peanut butter, the good news is this is unlikely since, in some brands, the peanuts are crushed into small pieces. However, check the consistency and only offer a small amount, especially to puppies and small breeds of dogs.
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