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Every dog owner has probably wondered at some point, can dogs eat peanut butter? This question isn’t just out of curiosity but stems from a genuine concern for the well-being of our furry friends. Peanut butter is a household staple, adored for its rich, creamy texture and delectable flavor. It’s not uncommon for pet parents to notice their dog’s eyes light up at the mere opening of a peanut butter jar.
This creamy spread has been touted as a favorite treat for dogs, often used as a tool for administering medications or just as a special snack. But how safe is it? In this article, we will delve into the intricate relationship between dogs and peanut butter, exploring the nutritional benefits, potential risks, and offering guidelines for feeding this popular treat to your beloved pet.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Yes, they can eat it in moderation as you may know already. All foods should be given to a dog in moderation. Too much of anything can be bad. Peanut butter is ideal if you have to give a pill to your dog or you want to distract him from something. For instance, many dog owners have been giving peanut butter to distract their pets while giving them a bath. It does work well and it is a trick you may want to learn.
The best thing here is that dogs love peanut butter. Most of them will enjoy it every single day if they can and they can eat massive amounts. But, there is a different side of the story, the one you need to understand before you go to your fridge and feed your pet with peanut butter.
Avoid Peanut Butter With Xylitol
Some peanut butter will contain Xylitol. This is a huge problem and something you must avoid at all costs. It is extremely dangerous to dogs and you must not feed them with the food containing it. Not all peanut butter products include Xylitol but some do.
Xylitol is actually a sweetener and it has been very common in the food industry. It is perfectly safe for humans so you don’t have to worry about it. In general, over 700 products contain Xylitol and all of these are bad for your pet! One of the reasons why it is used is the fact that even people with diabetes can consume it and there won’t be any issues. It doesn’t have a negative effect on the teeth which is another perk.
Xylitol is more than just dangerous. Only 1.37 grams of it will cause the sugar levels in the blood of your pet to drop significantly. This will include staggering, your dog will be disoriented and he will even collapse. This will happen to a dog who has a weight of 30 pounds. A smaller dog is an even higher threat! Xylitol is more dangerous than chocolate so keep that in mind. 6.8 grams of Xylitol will kill the liver of your dog and we all know what this means.
In a nutshell, your dog should consume 22 more chocolate than Xylitol to end up with the same issues.
Not all peanut butter products will be free of Xylitol. Even if they are advertised as all-natural it doesn’t mean they are safe for dogs. Look at the label and try to see something like sugar alcohol. This means Xylitol and as such that brand should be avoided. Sadly, some brands will use words such as sugar-free or natural sweeteners which means the same thing.
The Best Peanut Butter For Your Dog
The best peanut butter for your dog is the one that doesn’t contain any amounts of this toxin Xylitol or chocolate. Keep in mind that we are referring to Xylitol as a toxin for dogs. It is safe for humans. You can ask your vet and see which brand is the best to use and which ones he recommends.
The best option of them all is to make peanut butter at home. There are a few massive advantages in this case scenario. First of all, you can be positive that it doesn’t contain Xylitol or anything else that can be dangerous to your dog. Secondly, you can save some money. Thirdly, you can even add ingredients and adapt peanut butter so your dog will love it even more. This may sound like a huge task and something you don’t want to do, but actually, it is simple and you will need a few minutes of your time. Of course, you should try first and see if your dog eats peanut butter. Most dogs like it, but not all.
The Ideal Amount of Peanut Butter For Dogs
Yes, there is an ideal amount of peanut butter your pet should and can consume. Give him too much peanut butter and he will end up with a pancreatic or something even worse.
The ideal amount of peanut butter is ½ of a tablespoon per day for all smaller dogs. If you have a large dog he can eat 1 tablespoon of peanut butter per day. Always make sure that this food doesn’t exceed 10% of the calorie intake of your pet per day. It is something you must remember and something all dog owners need to follow.
We can add that in general, larger dogs can eat more of the same food than smaller foods. This is something that is defined by the weight of a dog and something most dog owners already know.
Dogs Who Must NOT Eat Peanut Butter
Not all dogs can eat peanut butter. There are a few cases where this food is a big problem and must be avoided. The first type are all obese dogs. They must avoid peanut butter at all costs. You can feed them with chicken, ham, or even tuna which are more appealing and safer options.
The second type of dogs who must avoid peanut butter are those with kidney disease or issues. They must avoid it as well due to the fact peanut butter contains salt that can make their condition even worse.
All dogs who already have pancreatic or are at a higher risk of developing it must avoid peanut butter. Some breeds have predispositions of developing this condition such as Yorkshire Terriers. They must avoid peanut butter at all costs and you will need to find an option. This food can make their condition more problematic or it can cause all kinds of other issues.
Crunch and Creamy Peanut Butter
Some of you may believe that creamy or especially crunchy peanut butter can choke your pet and as such it must be avoided. This is not true. As a matter of fact, you can give it to your dog in the same amount as normal peanut butter. But, pay attention to the size of the portion.
You can choke your dog if you give him too much crunchy peanut butter. This is something that will not happen to most of you but it is worthy of mentioning. Always adapt the size of the foods to your dog size. Smaller dogs need smaller amounts while bigger ones can eat bigger pieces.
Jelly and Peanut Butter Issue
Another thing you should know is that jelly and peanut butter are not the same thing and products that mix these two are off-limits. Jelly can contain Xylitol, these can be made from ingredients dogs must not consume and they are loaded with all kinds of preservatives and artificial chemicals. In a nutshell, your dog must not consume jelly at any given moment.
Some jelly products are safe such as strawberry jelly. But grape jelly is a huge problem. Unless you are proficient with the matter, avoid jelly as food for your dog. It is not worthy and not something your pet will benefit from.
When Should You Use Peanut Butter?
There are a few cases when peanut butter is just ideal. The first case is when you are training your dog. He will enjoy peanut butter and he will likely obey your command. In general, peanut butter is a common treat used in this case and the one that is recommended by professional trainers. Of course, this applies only to dogs who love peanut butter.
Some dog owners have been using peanut butter to keep their dogs entertained for some time. You can apply a small amount of peanut butter to a chewing toy and give it to your dog. He will play for hours.
Peanut butter can be used when your dog is scared or when she feels uncomfortable. The best example would be nail clipping. You can give him a small amount of peanut butter and he will enjoy it while you are clipping his nails. This does work and has been one of the most common applications of peanut butter among dog owners.
Exploring Nutritious Alternatives to Peanut Butter for Dogs
While peanut butter is a favorite treat for many dogs, some owners and pets might be looking for alternatives, either due to allergies or the desire for variety. Below are some nutritious and safe options that can be considered as alternatives to peanut butter.
Almond Butter
Almond butter is a nutrient-rich option, high in protein, and packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s essential, however, to ensure that your dog isn’t allergic to almonds and to offer this treat in moderation.
Pumpkin Puree
Not only is it delicious, but pumpkin puree is also low in calories and rich in fiber, making it excellent for a dog’s digestive health. Ensure it’s plain, without added sugars or spices.
Applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce can be a low-calorie treat that dogs generally love. It’s also easier to digest than some other options, but should still be given in moderation.
Coconut Oil
In small amounts, coconut oil can be a great treat for dogs and offers benefits for their skin and coat. However, it’s high in fat, so portion control is crucial.
Cottage Cheese
Rich in protein and calcium, cottage cheese can be a good alternative for dogs not lactose intolerant. Always opt for plain varieties with no added seasonings or condiments.
Carrot Sticks
For a crunchy, low-calorie option, consider offering your dog plain carrot sticks. They’re not only nutritious but also great for your dog’s teeth.
Blueberries
These small, nutrient-dense fruits are packed with antioxidants and can be a refreshing and healthy treat for dogs, especially during the warmer months.
Oatmeal
Plain, cooked oatmeal is another wholesome option. It’s rich in fiber and can be particularly beneficial for dogs with wheat allergies. Avoid any additives, sugar, or flavorings.
Safety and Moderation is Key
Regardless of the alternative chosen, it’s always pivotal to ensure that any new food or treat is introduced gradually and fed in moderation. Always observe for any signs of allergies or intolerances and consult with a vet to determine if the chosen alternative is suitable for your specific dog’s diet and health status. Each dog is unique, and their dietary needs and restrictions should be considered to maintain optimal health and wellness.
The Final Word
Can dogs eat peanut butter? Yes, they can eat it but only peanut butter that doesn’t contain Xylitol. This is a toxic ingredient and one you must avoid at all cost giving to your dog. Also, peanut butter can be given to dogs in small amounts and used during training, to calm down a dog or to help him play. It is not real food for a dog and as such it must not be used for this purpose. If you follow all of the facts and things we have mentioned above, your dog will enjoy peanut butter safely.
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