Everyone loves a special treat once in a while- including your dog! Rich, salty, nutrient-dense, creamy, or crunchy, your dog will go nuts over peanut butter. It’s no surprise that peanut butter is a common ingredient in most dog treats.
Picky pup? This nutrient-dense magical spread will have your pup wagging its tail and doing the pre-snack dance in excitement. You can swirl a spoonful of peanut butter on your dog’s kibble to boost their appetite or distract Fido while bathing him or trimming his nails. But before sharing a spoonful of this nutty treat with your dog, you need to know this.
Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs?
Absolutely, yes. Peanut butter is safe for your canine companion. The nutty spread is an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, niacin, and vitamin B and E. When choosing peanut butter for your four-legged best friend, unsalted peanut butter is the best. High sodium is problematic to dogs. Same with peanut butter with artificial sweeteners like xylitol which is fatal to your pup.
Alternatively, you can whip up some homemade treats. This way, you know the ingredients used are safe for your dog (no additives or extra sugar), plus you can customize the recipes.
How Much Peanut Butter is Okay for Dogs?
Peanut butter is nutrient-dense, but too much healthy food can cause health issues. A tablespoon has about 100 calories, and most of it is fat. So, the calories can add up fast and lead to obesity and canine pancreatitis if you don’t watch the portions.
But, first, you need to seek your vet’s guidance, especially if your dog has pre-existing conditions such as food allergies or diabetes.
Note that treats should not exceed 10% of your pup’s diet. So, find out how many calories your dog should eat in a day, then spare ten percent for peanut butter. Start with a tiny lick or two and only offer more if your dog doesn’t show any adverse reaction.
½ a teaspoon is enough for small dogs and one teaspoon for your large dogs. Also, it’s a good idea to alternate your dog’s treats. If you’re scooping up a spoonful of peanut butter for Fido today, offer them dog-friendly veggies and fruits on other days.
Are Dogs Allergic to Peanut Butter?
Allergies are a common issue that dog owners have to deal with at some point. Although rare, some pups are allergic to peanuts. The reaction can be mild or severe and so if you notice any of these signs, let your vet know.
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Itchy skin
Can Peanut Butter Harm My Dog?
Not all peanut butter is good for your dog. Other than ensuring the peanut butter is unsalted, check for the presence of xylitol, a common sugar substitute. Xylitol is extremely dangerous to your pup as it causes hypoglycemia, a life-threatening condition.
Wrapping up
There are numerous “people foods” that we’d love to share with our pups, but some are much healthier and safer than others. The good thing is that peanut butter is one of the best treats you can give Fido, especially if he’s an ultra-picky eater.
It’s tasty and packed full of nutrients, plus your pup will happily devour it. Unsalted peanut butter is the best for Chewy, plus ensure your peanut butter doesn’t contain sugar substitutes like xylitol which is toxic to dogs.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Apples With Peanut Butter? [Benefits and Risks]
- Can Dogs Eat Crunchy Peanut Butter? Experts Weigh In
- Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter Cookies?